Technologies

Vegetable Terracing [Philippines]

technologies_1289 - 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:
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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

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Vegetable terracing is a technology practiced at which point terraces are established from the contours along mountain slope for crop production.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Vegetables are mostly produced in the mountains of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). It is extensively practiced in the Municipalities of Atok, Buguias, Mankayan, Kibungan, Bakun, Kabayan in Benguet; Bauko in Mountain Province and Tinoc in Ifugao. Benguet is known as the "Salad Bowl of the Philippines" and major producer of temperate vegetables. This is mainly due to the climatic condition of the province which is suitable for vegetable production.Vegetable industry in Benguet is very vital in the country since it supplies 60-70% of the total sub-tropical vegetables in the Philippines. Major vegetable crops grown are potato, cabbage, chinese cabbage, carrots, chayote, beans, lettuce and broccoli. These are sold to traders, consolidators, wholesalers who transport the produce at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post or other local markets in the region.

Purpose of the Technology: Available arable lands are not expanding but the population is increasing. This situation contributes to the conversion of sloping areas to a suitable land for agricultural production,thus, the technology was developed. This had become an economic practicality to the land user as source of livelihood and income. Vegetable terracing is also a conservation measure to minimize soil degradation by varying the terrace type and plot orientation. Some follow the contour while other plots are parallel to the slopes.

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: Prior to terrace establishment, vegetation is partly removed. Residues are cleared for the establishment of the contour lines of the area. From the established contour lines, terraces will be graded and leveled depending on the slope of the area. Most of these activities are done manually. After the establishment of the terraces, land preparation is done followed by planting of the vegetables.

Natural / human environment: The area is under humid agro-climate condition with an average annual rainfall of approximately 1000-1500 mm per year. Its elevation ranges from 2000-2500 meter above sea level. Majority of the population is dependent on agricultural activities as their source of income and livelihood. The average farm size of the land users ranges from 0.5 to 1 hectare. Most of these lands are not owned by the farmers but have a tax declaration. These are owned by the government classified as forest reservations or watershed areas.

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:

Atok and Buguias

Further specification of location:

Benguet

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
Comments:

This technology is widely practiced in the municipalities of Benguet.

2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:
  • more than 50 years ago (traditional)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:
  • as part of a traditional system (> 50 years)
Comments (type of project, etc.):

The technology was inherited from ancestors who started it during 1960's.

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

  • improve production
  • reduce, prevent, restore land degradation

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

Cropland

Cropland

  • Annual cropping
Annual cropping - Specify crops:
  • root/tuber crops - potatoes
  • vegetables - leafy vegetables (salads, cabbage, spinach, other)
  • vegetables - root vegetables (carrots, onions, beet, other)
Number of growing seasons per year:
  • 2
Comments:

Major cash crop: cabbage, carrot, potato

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): low productivity, intensive land cultivation

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Soil erosion, decreased soil fertility and excessive chemical inputs

Future (final) land use (after implementation of SLM Technology): Cropland: Ca: Annual cropping

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?
  • Yes (Please fill out the questions below with regard to the land use before implementation of the Technology)
Forest/ woodlands

Forest/ woodlands

  • (Semi-)natural forests/ woodlands
Comments:

Forests / woodlands: Fn: Natural

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

  • cross-slope measure

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures

agronomic measures

  • A1: Vegetation/ soil cover
structural measures

structural measures

  • S1: Terraces
Comments:

Main measures: agronomic measures, structural measures

Type of agronomic measures: contour planting / strip cropping

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
chemical soil deterioration

chemical soil deterioration

  • Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content (not caused by erosion)
Comments:

Main type of degradation addressed: Wt: loss of topsoil / surface erosion, Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content

Main causes of degradation: soil management (Excessive chemical inputs)

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

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

Main goals: mitigation / reduction of land degradation

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

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

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Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Vegetables planted in raised beds.

Location: Buguias. Benguet

Date: 11-13-15

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: moderate

Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate

Main technical functions: control of dispersed runoff: impede / retard, control of concentrated runoff: impede / retard, reduction of slope angle

Contour planting / strip cropping
Material/ species: Cabbage
Quantity/ density: 40 tons/ha

Agronomic measure: contour planting / strip cropping
Material/ species: Carrots
Quantity/ density: 20 tons/ha

Agronomic measure: contour planting / strip cropping
Material/ species: Potato
Quantity/ density: 20 tons/ha

Structural measure: terrace: forward sloping (earth and stone)

Author:

Mr. Patricio A. Yambot, Bureau of Soils and Water Management

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify currency used for cost calculations:
  • USD
Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:

3.33333

4.3 Establishment activities

Activity Timing (season)
1. Establishment of terraces

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Specify input Unit Quantity Costs per Unit Total costs per input % of costs borne by land users
Labour Building terraces Persons/day 120.0 4.44166666 533.0 100.0
Equipment tools pieces 2.0 6.666666 13.33 100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology 546.33
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD 546.33
Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 6 month(s)

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Timing/ frequency
1. Land Preparation
2. Application of chicken manure
3. Planting
4. Side raising including application of fertilizer
5. Weeding
6. Spraying of insecticide
7. Harvesting

4.6 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 Land preparation Persons/day 30.0 3.3333333 100.0 100.0
Labour Planting Persons/day 15.0 3.333333 50.0 100.0
Labour Applying Fertilizer and sprying insecticide Persons/day 31.0 3.333333 103.33 100.0
Labour Weeding/Harvesting Persons/day 18.0 3.333333 60.0 100.0
Plant material seeds ha 1.0 11.11 11.11 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides Inseciticides litres 2.5 13.156 32.89 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides Fertilizer bags 7.0 26.66714 186.67 100.0
Fertilizers and biocides Chicken manure bags 15.0 5.5553333 83.33 100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology 627.33
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD 627.33

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
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:

Altitudinal zone: 2375 m a.s.l.

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)
Topsoil organic matter:
  • low (<1%)
If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Soil fertility low: Needs high fertilizer input

Soil drainage / infiltration: Medium

Soil water storage capacity: Medium

5.4 Water availability and quality

Availability of surface water:

medium

Water quality (untreated):

good drinking water

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

Availability of surface water: from river pumped in the farm through gravity

5.5 Biodiversity

Species diversity:
  • medium

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

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:
  • manual work
Gender:
  • women
  • men
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

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

Population density: 10-50 persons/km2

Annual population growth: 1% - 2%; 2%

60% of the land users are average wealthy and own 60% of the land.

Market orientation of production system: Products were delivered to the La Trinidad trading post

5.7 Average area of land used 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)?
  • small-scale
Comments:

Average area of land owned or leased by land users applying the Technology: Also 1-2 ha

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

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

6. Impacts and concluding statements

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

risk of production failure

increased
decreased

production area

decreased
increased
Income and costs

diversity of income sources

decreased
increased

Socio-cultural impacts

food security/ self-sufficiency

reduced
improved

recreational opportunities

reduced
improved

community institutions

weakened
strengthened

Livelihoods and human well-beeing

reduced
improved

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

surface runoff

increased
decreased
Soil

soil loss

increased
decreased
Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Vegetation cover

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

Natural vegetation such as forest is partially reduced for vegetable production

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

downstream flooding

increased
reduced

buffering/ filtering capacity

reduced
improved

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

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it?
local rainstorm not 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:

slightly positive

Long-term returns:

slightly positive

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

neutral/ balanced

Long-term returns:

neutral/ balanced

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

NA

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?
  • 91-100%
Comments:

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

There is a little trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Source of livelihood for the land users in the mountainous area.

How can they be sustained / enhanced? It should be balanced by relevant environmental protective measures and alternative farming systems such as agroforestry.
Minimize soil erosion

How can they be sustained / enhanced? Construction of Small Water Impounding System (SWIS) and proper drainage canal.

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

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
Vegetation is partially removed for vegetable production. Protection of remaining areas through regulations and implementations of related policies.

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

Links and modules

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