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Technologies
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Use of plastic mulch combined with a drip irrigation system for the cultivation of eggplants [Cambodia]

HARVEST-drip irrigation system

technologies_3142 - Cambodia

Completeness: 88%

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)

land user:

Oun Leakana

(+855) 92 560 265

N/A

Farmerd user

Chreaeng Village, Svay Luong Commune, Kandieng District, Pursat Province

Cambodia

Chief Office of Agricultural Extension at Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Pursat:
Chief of District Office of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Bakan:
Agronomic Official at District Office of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Kandieng:

Seng Kompheak

(+855) 96 43 52 665

N/A

District Office of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Kandieng

Kandieng village, Kamdieng commune, Kandieng district, Pursat province

Cambodia

Commune Extension Worker at Svay Luong Commune.

Moeun Khonnary

(+855) 15 70 1753

N/A

Svay Luong Commune Office

Roung Masin village, Svay Luong commune, Kandieng district, Pursat province

Cambodia

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Scaling-up SLM practices by smallholder farmers (IFAD)
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)
Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) - Cambodia

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

28/06/2017

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

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

The cultivation of eggplants by using plastic mulch and a drip irrigation system in order to control weeds, retain soil moisture, save water and reduce labor for maintenance, weeding, watering, and the application of fertilizer for increase production and income.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The use of organic materials such as rice straw, water hyacinth, woody herbs, and coconut leaves to retain soil moisture has been practiced by vegetable farmers for many years. Recently, with the availability of diverse industrial products the use of plastic has become a popular technology to cover soils. The impermeable plastic mulch prevents water evaporation. Furthermore condense water built under the impermeable plastic sheets drop back to soil; thus, plastic mulching in combination with the highly efficient drip irrigation substantially saves water for irrigation and it makes it as well suitable to areas faced by water shortage. Generally, black opaque plastic is used, which stops weed growth and in consequences also the attraction of harmful insects. Less weed mean also less competition for soil nutrients and therefore better growth of the crop. Another positive aspect of the weed control is the labor saving otherwise needed for weeding. In addition, plastic mulches play a role in preventing soil erosion and water saturation of the soil. At a nutshell, using plastic mulch combined with drip irrigation saves water for irrigation, reduces the number of harmful insects, and last but not least saves labor and time (FAO, 2017).

The eggplant cultivation in combination with plastic mulch and drip irrigation was introduced by the HARVEST project in 2014. This technology was employed on a farm which formerly grew rice on 1410 square meters of land. The farm comprised 1740 eggplants planted in 20 rows covered by plastic mulch. Eggplant is an annual vegetable plant that matures in well composted soil at temperatures above 20°C. The soil should be kept moist and at the same time water logging has to be avoided.

On the above mentioned farm the technology has been installed as follows: On the already prepared soil (the soil has been ploughed and dried at three separate times) the farmer created a ridge in each row that itself measures 1 meter in width and 20 centimeters in height. The distance between each row was 1 meter. The drip irrigation pipes run along the rows, which were watered after installation. Then, the rows were covered by the plastic mulch at 1.50 meters in width. Next, soil was placed on the plastic sides to hold and protect it against gusts of wind. In order to create a growing space for the eggplants the farmer cut out round windows of 8 cm in diameter along the plastic rows making sure that there is gap of 60 cm) between each window (matches with the holes of the drip irrigation). Finally, eggplant seedlings were planted in the holes. Bamboos sticks near each eggplant provided first support to the seedlings and later on, hold the plants when they are grown and bear fruit.

This technology is economically beneficial as can substantially increase his income. In the interviews the land users reported that without this technology, after deducting the investment and maintenance costs, they generated a net income of only 30%. However, after application of the technology their net income increased up to 70% (as long as the crop was not affected by disease). Furthermore it freed up the farmers’ time to fulfill other important tasks.



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:

Cambodia

Region/ State/ Province:

Chreaeng Village, Svay Luong Commune, Kandieng District, Pursat Province

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2014

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:
  • less than 10 years ago (recently)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • through projects/ external interventions
Comments (type of project, etc.):

Helping Address Rural Vulnerabilities and Ecosystem Stability Project (HARVEST)

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • improve production
  • reduce risk of disasters
  • adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts
  • create beneficial economic impact

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

Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
Main crops (cash and food crops):

Eggplant

If land use has changed due to the implementation of the Technology, indicate land use before implementation of the Technology:

Rice field

3.3 Further information about land use

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

Drilled well

Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 2
Livestock density (if relevant):

There are 5 cows to get manure.

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • improved ground/ vegetation cover
  • irrigation management (incl. water supply, drainage)

3.5 Spread of the Technology

Specify the spread of the Technology:
  • evenly spread over an area

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures

agronomic measures

  • A2: Organic matter/ soil fertility
structural measures

structural measures

  • S4: Level ditches, pits
Comments:

Eggplant seedlings are planted in rows on ridges. The farmer installed a drilled well to get water for drip irrigation during periods of water shortage.

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
physical soil deterioration

physical soil deterioration

  • Pw: waterlogging
biological degradation

biological degradation

  • Bc: reduction of vegetation cover
  • Bl: loss of soil life
water degradation

water degradation

  • Ha: aridification
other

other

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:
  • prevent land degradation
  • reduce land degradation

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

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

Author:

Mr. Khuon Sophal

Date:

28/06/2017

4.2 Technical specifications/ explanations of technical drawing

This technology is applied in an area measuring 1410 square meters where 1740 eggplants have been planted in 20 rows. In each row the farmer has created a ridge with a height of 20 cm, and a width of 1 meter, in which the eggplants are planted with a gap of 60 cm between them. All of the rows have a drip irrigation pipe running along the length of the row which is also covered by black plastic sheets of 1.5 meters in width. In the middle of the farm there is one drilled well which has a 1.50 meter house built over the top of it. The land user has also placed three big jars in the middle of the eggplant field with each jar being 1 meter in height and 1 meter in diameter. One of these is for mixing natural fertilizer for the crop, another is for making botanical pesticide and the other one is for water storage. Each eggplant is tied to a bamboo stick to prevent the plant from falling over, when fruits are growing.

4.3 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:
  • per Technology area
Indicate size and area unit:

1,410 square meters

If using a local area unit, indicate conversion factor to one hectare:

0.14 hectare

other/ national currency (specify):

KHR

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

4000.0

Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

20000

4.4 Establishment activities

Activity Type of measure Timing
1. Eggplant nursery Agronomic April
2. Planting eggplant in the box produced by banana leaves Agronomic May
3. Plough the soil Agronomic May
4. Make the ridge of the row Structural May
5. Apply cow mannure Agronomic May
6. Set up drip irrigation system Structural May
7. Watering the rows of crop Agronomic May
8. Cover plastic sheets on the row Structural May
9. Planting eggplant Agronomic May

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 Plough 3 times Time 3.0 50000.0 150000.0 100.0
Labour Eggplant nursery person-day 2.0 20000.0 40000.0 100.0
Labour Make row, apply cow manure, set up drip irrigation system,water on row, plastic mulching. person-day 5.0 20000.0 100000.0 100.0
Labour Planting eggplant person-day 2.0 20000.0 40000.0 100.0
Equipment Two wheel tractor Piece 1.0 12300000.0 12300000.0 100.0
Equipment Pumping machine set 1.0 1400000.0 1400000.0 100.0
Equipment Hoe Piece 6.0 12000.0 72000.0 100.0
Equipment Spade Piece 1.0 12000.0 12000.0 100.0
Equipment Tent set 1.0 40000.0 40000.0
Equipment Pesticide sprayer by using hand Piece 1.0 280000.0 280000.0
Equipment Tray for nursery of eggplant Piece 30.0 2500.0 75000.0
Equipment Big baskets for harvesting crop Piece 3.0 15000.0 45000.0
Plant material Eggplant seed Package 1.0 10000.0 10000.0
Construction material Plastic sheet set 2.5 70000.0 175000.0
Construction material Drip irrigation system set 1.5 160000.0 240000.0
Construction material Jar Piece 3.0 45000.0 135000.0 100.0
Other Waterproof boot shoes Paires 1.0 60000.0 60000.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology 15174000.0
Comments:

Farmer uses her own cow manure which is difficult to calculate into cost. The main pipes were provided by the HARVEST project, so she doesn't know the cost of them. There are 100 piece of pipe provided by HARVEST, so she doesn't know the cost. Please also note that HARVEST project also supported other equipment such as eggplant seed, pesticide sprayer, nursery tray, big basket for harvesting the crop, waterproof boot shoes. The cost put in the table base on the price on the market and price estimation.

4.6 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Type of measure Timing/ frequency
1. Watering by pumping machine through drip irrigation system Agronomic Everyday
2. Weeding in between of eggplant rows. Agronomic Two times in one cycle of crop
3. Spaying botanical pesticide mixing with pesticides on eggplant Agronomic One time per week before first harvesting of eggplant
4. Apply fertilizer Agronomic One time in three days

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 Weeding between the rows Time 2.0 240000.0 480000.0 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides Golden pesticide Bottle 1.0 15000.0 15000.0 100.0
Other Gasoline for pumping Liter 70.0 3000.0 210000.0 100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology 705000.0
Comments:

Botanical pesticide is produced by herself which is difficult to calculate into cost.

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Plastic and drip irrigation system are very expensive. The plastic can be used only once and drip irrigation system can be used for 2 years.


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
Specify average annual rainfall (if known), in mm:

1225.70

Specifications/ comments on rainfall:

Annual rainfall in 2015 is 1225.7 mm and in ​​​ 2014 is 1128.1mm and in 2013 is 1316 mm.

Indicate the name of the reference meteorological station considered:

Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology in 2015

Agro-climatic zone
  • sub-humid

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.
Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:
  • not relevant
Comments and further specifications on topography:

Slight slope and new soil is added on the former rice field land.

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):
  • fine/ heavy (clay)
Soil texture (> 20 cm below surface):
  • medium (loamy, silty)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • medium (1-3%)
If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

The soil texture below the surface soil is clay-loam.

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

5-50 m

Availability of surface water:

good

Water quality (untreated):

for agricultural use only (irrigation)

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

Yes

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

Ground water table is 8 meters dept. pH = 6

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • medium
Habitat diversity:
  • medium

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Sedentary or nomadic:
  • Sedentary
Market orientation of production system:
  • commercial/ market
Off-farm income:
  • less than 10% of all income
Relative level of wealth:
  • average
Individuals or groups:
  • individual/ household
Level of mechanization:
  • mechanized/ motorized
Gender:
  • women
Age of land users:
  • youth
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

The land user is 22 years old.

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)?
  • medium-scale
Comments:

Rice field is 6 hectares
Other crop land is 1 hectare

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

Land ownership:
  • individual, titled
Land use rights:
  • individual
Water use rights:
  • individual
Comments:

All land are tittle land.

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
Comments/ specify:

The yield of eggplant is increased compared to conventional eggplant plantation (without using plastic mulch in combination with drip irrigation)

crop quality

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The eggplant fruit is bigger and look nicer. In addition, the eggplant provides a lot of fruits.

risk of production failure

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Reduce product failure due to efficiency of water supply and meet the requirement of market that need the product with quality. In addition, she could grow many crops year round. For example: she can use plastic and drip irrigation for growing cucumber, bitter melon etc.

Water availability and quality

drinking water availability

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Water available from the drilled well.

drinking water quality

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The water require boiling. The water contains corrosion particles.

water availability for livestock

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The water from the drilled well can also be used for cow raising.

irrigation water availability

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

There is drilled well to get water for supplying crop during water shortage.

irrigation water quality

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The quality of water is good for growing crop but it contains corrosion particles which affect the drip irrigation system.

demand for irrigation water

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

Reduced demand of water by using plastic mulch with drip irrigation system.

Income and costs

expenses on agricultural inputs

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

The cost of drip irrigation system and the plastic mulching are expensive. Drip irrigation system can be used for 2 years, but plastic mulch can be used only for one crop cycle.

farm income

decreased
increased
Quantity before SLM:

300,000 Riels

Quantity after SLM:

700,000 Riels

diversity of income sources

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Save time to water, apply fertilizer, weeding, so the farmers could have time to do other works such as vegetable selling or rice cultivation.

workload

increased
decreased
Comments/ specify:

The labor for watering and application of fertilizer was reduced. In addition, labor for weeding has been saved substantially. Using plastic mulch combined with a drip irrigation system save labor at about 70%.

Socio-cultural impacts

food security/ self-sufficiency

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

The quality of product is good and meet of domestic and market needs. In addition, she could grow other also crops such as cucumber or bitter melon.

SLM/ land degradation knowledge

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Thefamer learned by experience that the soil under the plastic is less compact and the texture looks like compost.

Ecological impacts

Soil

soil moisture

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

The soil under the plastic can be more easily kept moist.

soil cover

reduced
improved
Comments/ specify:

Plastic mulch sheets serve as soil cover, which reduces evaporation to the atmosphere.

soil crusting/ sealing

increased
reduced
Comments/ specify:

The soil under the plastic sheets is less compact and improves the soil structure.

soil organic matter/ below ground C

decreased
increased
Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

pest/ disease control

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Weed is a driver of increasing the amount of insect. Plastic mulch, helps to control weed growing.

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 well
seasonal temperature wet/ rainy season increase well
seasonal temperature dry season increase well

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

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

positive

Long-term returns:

positive

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

very positive

Long-term returns:

positive

Comments:

Some farmers who received support from the HARVEST project gave it up when the project finished because of spending too much money on the plastic and drip irrigation system.

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

  • single cases/ experimental
Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many have did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?
  • 0-10%
Comments:

Farmer uses her own cow manure which is difficult to calculate into cost. The main pipes were provided by the HARVEST project, so she doesn't know the cost of them. There are 100 piece of pipe provided by HARVEST, so she doesn't know the cost. Please also note that HARVEST project supported also other equipment such as eggplant seed, pesticide sprayer, nursery tray, big basket for harvesting the crop, waterproof boot shoes. The cost estimation put in the table 4.5 bases on market prices and price estimations.

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Helps to control weeds.
Saves labor and time otherwise spent for weeding.
Saves water by using a drip irrigation system.
Generates better income for the household.
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Weeds are unable to grow, which saves labor on weeding.
Reduce pest because there not many weed .
It is easy to maintain and use the drip irrigation system, which saves water and time.
Retain soil moisture through the use of plastic mulches.

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?
Establishing this technology costs a lot of money. Use rice straw instead of plastic mulch.
Difficult to collect the plastic waste. Should manage plastic waste properly and set up a place to burn it.
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
Spend a lot of money buying plastic mulch and the drip irrigation system. Seek external support and introduce budget management.
Plastic and waste from the plastic mulches and drip irrigation system can have an effect on the environment. Proper plastic waste disposal.

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

  • field visits, field surveys

A place

  • interviews with land users

A person

  • interviews with SLM specialists/ experts

4 persons

7.3 Links to relevant information which is available online

Title/ description:

FAO. (2017). Rooftop water collection , drip irrigation and plastic mulching in home garden conditions in drought prone areas of Cambodia. Retrieved November 10, 2017, from

URL:

file:///C:/Users/HTPP ROYAL INV/Downloads/TECA - Rooftop water collection, drip irrigation and plastic mulching in home garden conditions in drought prone areas of Cambodia - 2017-05-31.pdf

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