<P> Soil conservation--The nature of dryland farming makes it particularly susceptible to erosion, especially wind erosion . Some techniques for conserving soil moisture (such as frequent tillage to kill weeds) are at odds with techniques for conserving topsoil . Since healthy topsoil is critical to sustainable dryland agriculture, its preservation is generally considered the most important long - term goal of a dryland farming operation . Erosion control techniques such as windbreaks, reduced tillage or no - till, spreading straw (or other mulch on particularly susceptible ground), and strip farming are used to minimize topsoil loss . </P> <P> Control of input costs--Dryland farming is practiced in regions inherently marginal for non-irrigated agriculture . Because of this, there is an increased risk of crop failure and poor yields which may occur in a dry year (regardless of money or effort expended). Dryland farmers must evaluate the potential yield of a crop constantly throughout the growing season and be prepared to decrease inputs to the crop such as fertilizer and weed control if it appears that it is likely to have a poor yield due to insufficient moisture . Conversely, in years when moisture is abundant, farmers may increase their input efforts and budget to maximize yields and to offset poor harvests . </P> <P> Dry farming may be practiced in areas that have significant annual rainfall during a wet season, often in the winter . Crops are cultivated during the subsequent dry season, using practices that make use of the stored moisture in the soil . California, Colorado and Oregon, in the United States, are three states where dry farming is practiced for a variety of crops . </P> <P> Dry farmed crops may include grapes, tomatoes, pumpkins, beans, and other summer crops . These crops grow using the winter water stored in the soil, rather than depending on rainfall during the growing season . </P>

Explain any three features of dryland farming in india