This is an outdated, inactive version of this case. Go to the current version.
Technologies
Inactive

Contour Straight Block Layout [Philippines]

technologies_1308 - Philippines

Completeness: 78%

1. General information

1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Key resource person(s)

SLM specialist:
SLM specialist:

Manubag Jerry

(088) 221 4302

manubagjerry@gmail.com

Mt. Kitanglad and Agri Development Corporation

Brgy. Lurugan, Valencia City,

Philippines

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Bureau of Soils and Water Management (Bureau of Soils and Water Management) - Philippines
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Mt. Kitanglad and Agri Development Corporation (MKADC) - Philippines

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

15/07/2015

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.5 Reference to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Approaches

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

It is a package of soil and water conservation technology that integrates contouring, bedding, and blocking.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The main commodity used in the area is pineapple planted in each bed within blocks. Each block contains around 23-25 beds. Spaces between blocks with a dimension of 2-3 meters (width) served as vegetative strips where grass is being utilized and maintained. Grass as natural vegetative strips served as control for soil erosion by water. Vegetative strips are used as roads for accessibility purposes in times of planting and harvesting season. Pineapple production would last for 18-20 months for normal season and these requires massive land preparation. Plowing is done through a modified moldboard plow.

Purpose of the Technology: Pineapple were planted in beds within blocks, which is efficient and effective in water-induced soil erosion control.

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: Deep plowing,around one meter deep is a normal practice in the area. This practice would ensure proper root development of pineapple which is crucial for their growth; also it ensures re-introduction of pineapple trashes from the previous cropping as organic matter. Next activity is harrowing, which is usually done twice to pulverize the soil. Plastic mulching is a also a practice after bedding to suppress weeds and conserve water. Weeding is done manually. Foliar fertilizer spraying is done to induce flowering.

Natural / human environment: The area is under humid agro-climate condition with a topography ranging from 1-10% slope. It receives an annual average rainfall of approximately 3072 mm/year. The elevation ranges from 370-890 meter above sea level.
Mt. Kitanglad and Agri Development Corporation (MKADC) operates the area where the technology are being practiced. The technology has been introduced through experiments and adoption from neighboring farms. Farmers living within the area are the laborers of the company, they do all needed activities during preparation of the land, planting and harvesting.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

Country:

Philippines

Region/ State/ Province:

Valencia City, Bukidnon

2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:
  • 10-50 years ago

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • during experiments/ research
Comments (type of project, etc.):

The company through its own initiative, they made a trial and error experiments in designing the layout of the pineapple plantation, including how the vegetative strips will be laid out. In addition, they obtained designs from other farms that practiced soil and water conservation practice and they try to modify it.

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Cropland

Cropland

  • Perennial (non-woody) cropping
Main crops (cash and food crops):

Major cash crop: pineapple

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Presence of hardpan which causes water logging, this has an adverse effect on the growth and harvest rate of pineapple.

3.3 Further information about land use

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:
  • mixed rainfed-irrigated
Specify:

Longest growing period from month to month: growing period is 18 monthsSecond longest growing period from month to month: ratooning would last for 24 months

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • integrated soil fertility management

3.5 Spread of the Technology

Specify the spread of the Technology:
  • evenly spread over an area
If the Technology is evenly spread over an area, indicate approximate area covered:
  • 1-10 km2
Comments:

Approximately 6-7 square kilometer

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures

agronomic measures

  • A1: Vegetation/ soil cover
vegetative measures

vegetative measures

  • V2: Grasses and perennial herbaceous plants
Comments:

Main measures: agronomic measures

Secondary measures: vegetative measures

Type of agronomic measures: relay cropping, contour planting / strip cropping, mulching, rotations / fallows, breaking crust / sealed surface

Type of vegetative measures: in blocks

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

soil erosion by water

  • Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion
Comments:

Main type of degradation addressed: Wt: loss of topsoil / surface erosion

Main causes of degradation: soil management, Heavy / extreme rainfall (intensity/amounts), land tenure

Secondary causes of degradation: crop management (annual, perennial, tree/shrub), change of seasonal rainfall, labour availability

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Comments:

Main goals: prevention of land degradation

Secondary goals: mitigation / reduction of land degradation, rehabilitation / reclamation of denuded land

4. Technical specifications, implementation activities, inputs, and costs

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Author:

Patricio Yambot

4.2 Technical specifications/ explanations of technical drawing

Each bed is within blocks. Vegetative strips width is approximately 2-3 meters. Contour lines with an approximate 0.5 meters width served as diversion ditches.

Location: Luguran, Valencia City Bukidnon

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: moderate

Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate

Technical knowledge required for farmer level: moderate

Main technical functions: control of raindrop splash, control of dispersed runoff: retain / trap, control of dispersed runoff: impede / retard, control of concentrated runoff: retain / trap, control of concentrated runoff: impede / retard, control of concentrated runoff: drain / divert, stabilisation of soil (eg by tree roots against land slides)

Secondary technical functions: improvement of ground cover, increase of infiltration, increase / maintain water stored in soil

Relay cropping
Material/ species: pineapple
Remarks: in beds within contoured blocks

Contour planting / strip cropping
Material/ species: pineapple

Mulching
Material/ species: plastic mulching
Remarks: in each bed

Rotations / fallows
Material/ species: grassland

Breaking crust / sealed surface
Material/ species: modified molboard plow
Remarks: plowed accross the slope

In blocks
Vegetative material: C : perennial crops
Number of plants per (ha): 2000
Vertical interval between rows / strips / blocks (m): 0.5
Spacing between rows / strips / blocks (m): 0.5
Vertical interval within rows / strips / blocks (m): 0.3
Width within rows / strips / blocks (m): 0.3

Perennial crops species: pineapple

Layout change according to natural and human environment: the technology follows a fallow period.

4.3 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Philippine peso

Indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (if relevant): 1 USD =:

46.0

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

6.50

4.4 Establishment activities

Activity Type of measure Timing
1. Construction of vegetative strips. Vegetative strips has been prepared and laid out during land preparation ( agronomic measures) and is part of the paid labor . Vegetative
2. Plowing, also included the preparation of vegetative strips. Vegetative
3. Harrowing Agronomic
4. Bedding Agronomic
5. Mulching Agronomic
6. Planting Agronomic

4.5 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Labourer ha 1.0 143.0 143.0 100.0
Equipment Machine use ha 1.0 225.0 225.0 100.0
Construction material Pineapple strings ha 217.0 100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology 368.0
Comments:

Equipement needed for plowing, harrowing and bedding

4.6 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Type of measure Timing/ frequency
1. Ratooning Agronomic 1
2. Spraying Agronomic As needs arise
3. Weeding Agronomic As needs arise
4. Fertilizer Application Agronomic As needs arise but normally one to three times per cropping season
5. Harvesting Agronomic Once or twice per cropping season
6. Trimming of grasses Vegetative As needs arise

4.7 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Labourer ha 1.0 279.0 279.0 100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology 279.0
Comments:

Machinery/ tools: Mouldboard plough

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Planting materials and labour

5. Natural and human environment

5.1 Climate

Annual rainfall
  • < 250 mm
  • 251-500 mm
  • 501-750 mm
  • 751-1,000 mm
  • 1,001-1,500 mm
  • 1,501-2,000 mm
  • 2,001-3,000 mm
  • 3,001-4,000 mm
  • > 4,000 mm
Specifications/ comments on rainfall:

3072 (Annual Average Rainfall)

Agro-climatic zone
  • humid

Thermal climate class: tropics

5.2 Topography

Slopes on average:
  • flat (0-2%)
  • gentle (3-5%)
  • moderate (6-10%)
  • rolling (11-15%)
  • hilly (16-30%)
  • steep (31-60%)
  • very steep (>60%)
Landforms:
  • plateau/plains
  • ridges
  • mountain slopes
  • hill slopes
  • footslopes
  • valley floors
Altitudinal zone:
  • 0-100 m a.s.l.
  • 101-500 m a.s.l.
  • 501-1,000 m a.s.l.
  • 1,001-1,500 m a.s.l.
  • 1,501-2,000 m a.s.l.
  • 2,001-2,500 m a.s.l.
  • 2,501-3,000 m a.s.l.
  • 3,001-4,000 m a.s.l.
  • > 4,000 m a.s.l.
Comments and further specifications on topography:

Slopes: gentle to moderate (The area ranges from 1-10% slope, 5-8 % Slope is dominant in the area.)

5.3 Soils

Soil depth on average:
  • very shallow (0-20 cm)
  • shallow (21-50 cm)
  • moderately deep (51-80 cm)
  • deep (81-120 cm)
  • very deep (> 120 cm)
Soil texture (topsoil):
  • medium (loamy, silty)
  • fine/ heavy (clay)
Soil texture (> 20 cm below surface):
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • medium (1-3%)

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

5-50 m

Availability of surface water:

medium

Water quality (untreated):

good drinking water

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • medium

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Market orientation of production system:
  • mixed (subsistence/ commercial
Off-farm income:
  • less than 10% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • average
Individuals or groups:
  • employee (company, government)
Level of mechanization:
  • animal traction
  • mechanized/ motorized
Gender:
  • women
  • men
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Land users applying the Technology are mainly common / average land users

Population density: < 10 persons/km2

Level of mechanization: Mechanized/motorized (Mechanized land preparation (through the use of mouldboard plough) is mostly done in the area.)

Annual population growth: < 0.5%

100% of the land users are average wealthy and own 100% of the land.

Market Orientation: Mixed (subsistence/commercial) Products were both marketed and consumed by land owners, some products that did not qualify quality standards were served as feeds for animals.

5.7 Average area of land owned or leased by land users applying the Technology

  • < 0.5 ha
  • 0.5-1 ha
  • 1-2 ha
  • 2-5 ha
  • 5-15 ha
  • 15-50 ha
  • 50-100 ha
  • 100-500 ha
  • 500-1,000 ha
  • 1,000-10,000 ha
  • > 10,000 ha
Is this considered small-, medium- or large-scale (referring to local context)?
  • large-scale

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:
  • individual, not titled
  • individual, titled
Land use rights:
  • leased

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

health:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
education:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
technical assistance:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
employment (e.g. off-farm):
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
markets:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
energy:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
roads and transport:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
drinking water and sanitation:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good
financial services:
  • poor
  • moderate
  • good

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

crop production

decreased
increased

Socio-cultural impacts

food security/ self-sufficiency

reduced
improved

conflict mitigation

worsened
improved

Improved livelihoods and human well-being

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

yes, greatly

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

surface runoff

increased
decreased
Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased

soil cover

reduced
improved

soil loss

increased
decreased

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

downstream flooding

increased
reduced

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change
Season Type of climatic change/ extreme How does the Technology cope with it?
annual temperature increase not known

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm not well
local windstorm not well
Climatological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
drought well
Hydrological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
general (river) flood not well

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?
Short-term returns:

neutral/ balanced

Long-term returns:

positive

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?
Short-term returns:

neutral/ balanced

Long-term returns:

positive

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many have did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?
  • 90-100%
Comments:

100% of land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support

Comments on spontaneous adoption: Mt. Kitanglad and Agri Development Corporation (MKADC) operates the area where the technology are being practiced. The technology has been introduced through experiments and adoption from neighboring farms.

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Good for erosion control

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Continued practice of the technology
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Ease of establishing the technology.

How can they be sustained / enhanced? More scientific research
Transferrability/ Acceptability

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view How can they be overcome?
More researches should be done to prove the effectiveness and efficiency of the technology as soil and water conservation technology. Allow research authorities to conduct researches in their farm.
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
Somehow labor intensive Mechanization but should be regulated, productivity of the soil should not be compromised.

Links and modules

Expand all Collapse all

Modules