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

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

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

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Bong tree (Persea kurzii) plantation in slope area to increase forest canopy and to utilize the plantation areas for animal grazing such as cows and poultry.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Bong tree (Persea kurzii), is a native tree species found in different regions in Lao PDR. In the past, farmers collected Bong barks from natural forest, as it contains gum and aromatic oils for the internationally very requested production of joss sticks. But the availability of wild Bong trees has been declining significantly. In order to keep this important source of income for farmers, Bong tree cultivation can be seen as valuable alternative to maintain the local livelihood whilst ensuring the preservation of the natural forests. The idea of commercial Bong tree plantation came from a Vietnamese trader (in 2000) who introduced Bong tree through a trial plantation. In 2006 land users who were experienced in the highly costly and labor-intensive coffee and pepper cultivation shifted to Bong tree cultivation. And in 2010, land users who gained lessons on seedling production and Bong tree cultivation from Vietnam established first trial cultivations on their farms. Later an IFAD Project in collaboration with the Samouey District Agriculture and Forestry Office promoted Bong tree plantation by providing organic fertilizer and advisory support to model households of the Samouey District .
Due to the easy handling and the potential benefits a number of farmers have been interested to participate. Bong trees are perennial and fast growing plants (first harvest of bark or log 6-7 years after planting) preferring humid climate and can be easily planted also on sloping terrain. Currently, Bong tree covers approximately 38 ha of land with an average increase of 1-2 ha/year. This land belongs to Mr. Sailava at Samoey district. The detailed method of Bong tree plantation is following:

1)Land preparation: first, it requires land clearance by removing weeds and bushes, along with hole digging in advance of rainy season (July to September);
2)Spacing: the appropriate spacing between the tree plants should measure about 2.5 x 2.5 meters. Staking is required throughout the plantation area before the holes can be dug. The planting holes are 25 cm x 25cm. The excavated topsoil should be stockpiled around the holes for refilling them later;
3)Planting and applying fertilizers: Bong seedlings need organic fertilizer (0.5kg/tree) that is mixed with soil and then filled in the holes. Finally the seedlings are gently placed in the holes by filling up with further topsoil. If the seedlings are tall, staking is required.
4)Maintenance: 2-3 months after planting ‒ only in case it is needed ‒ additional fertilizer will be added and/or weeding is carried out. The plant residues from weeding are used to cover the ground around the seedlings to keep soil moisture, and once decomposed, to provide natural organic matters to the soil. In conditions of dry climate and hard soil, watering is required to prevent soil cracking which is a cause of breaking tree’s roots and subsequently trees will die.

The advantages of planting Bong trees include direct income generation for households as well as increased forest canopy. It minimize the carbon emissions of slash-and-burn land use. The falling Bong tree leaves provide organic matters to soils, help retaining soil moisture and subsequently increase soil fertility. Under-story vegetation includes lianas and grasses that provide fodder for livestock. Three years after plantation, the land users can utilize the area for animal grazing such as cows and poultry. In fact, poultry can find earthworms around Bong trees which provide rich nutrition for animals. However, some disadvantages of planting Bong trees have to be mentioned as well: Some plantations may become shrubs where weeding is not conducted regularly. Poor maintenance provokes invasion of snakes, bees, and mosquitos.

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:

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Region/ State/ Province:

Samou y district, Salavan province

Further specification of location:

Lavatai village

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• evenly spread over an area

If precise area is not known, indicate approximate area covered:

• 0.1-1 km2

Map

×

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2010

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.):

IFAD project in collaboration with Samouy District of Agriculture and Forestry Office

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• create beneficial economic impact

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

Forest/ woodlands

• (Semi-)natural forests/ woodlands
• Tree plantation, afforestation

(Semi-)natural forests/ woodlands: Specify management type:

• Shifting cultivation

Tree plantation, afforestation: Specify origin and composition of species:

• Monoculture local variety

Products and services:

• Grazing/ browsing

• construction material (house, fence and furniture)

Comments:

Number of growing seasons per year: 1
Livestock density: 15 cows

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• rainfed

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• agroforestry
• pastoralism and grazing land management
• integrated soil fertility management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

management measures

• M1: Change of land use type

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

• Wg: gully erosion/ gullying

biological degradation

• Bc: reduction of vegetation cover
• Bq: quantity/ biomass decline
• Bf: detrimental effects of fires

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

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

other/ national currency (specify):

kip

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

8000.0

4.3 Establishment activities

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Comments:

The quantity of hole digging, planting and seedlings mention above is for 1 ha.
That mean in 38 ha the farmer will have 1600 hole x 38 ha = 60,800 holes, plantings and seedlings
So labor for hole digging cost in 38 ha is 500 x 60,800= 30,400,000 kip
Labor for planting cost in 38 ha is 1000 x 60,800= 60,800,000 kip
and Bong tree seedlings cost in 38 ha is 1000 x 60,800= 60,800,000 kip

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

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

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

The Bio Fertilizer has been provided by the project.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Labour is an important factor especially for larger plantation areas that require more labour for maintenance

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

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

Land ownership:

• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• open access (unorganized)

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Soil

Climate and disaster risk reduction

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

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

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Hydrological disasters

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• 11-50%

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 11-50%

Comments:

IFAD Project in collaboration with the Samouey District Agriculture and Forestry Office promoted Bong tree plantation by providing organic fertilizer and advisory support to model households of the Samouey District .

6.6 Adaptation

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

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

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

7.1 Methods/ sources of information