Estimation of Dry-Season Fluctuation in Specific Yield using Water Budgeting Approach in Bonasuria Micro-watershed of Damodar River Basin, India.

Heterogeneity in lithological and structural characteristics results in variation of specific yield (Sy) value in spatial domain. It also depends upon degree of saturation of aquifer. This imparts temporal variation in Sy value in an aquifer. Bonasuria micro-watershed of Damodar river-basin in India is selected to undertake the study of estimation of temporal variation in Sy based upon monthly ground water budgeting for three non-monsoon months. Sy value gradually changes with progression of summer months. Average specific yield value has been estimated as 0.002593 in March and 0.001446 in April. Determined specific yield values indicate low water storage capacity of the shallow aquifer system. This highlights the need of efficient water management for sustainable development of the area. Present study indicates that this can be achieved through storing the effluent seepage going out of the micro- water shed system as base flow. By constructing appropriate water storage structure at the mouth of the water shed and diverting the same back to the aquifer through suitable means is expected to rejuvenate the aquifer system. Holistically this intervention will lead towards development of sustainable dry-season agricultural practices in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]