Technologies

Sediment Traps [Philippines]

Catch basin, silt traps, cascading canals, trenches, ditches

technologies_1712 - Philippines

Completeness: 73%

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:

Manubag Jerry

Mt. Kitanglad Agri- Development Corporation

Philippines

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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

1.5 Reference to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Approaches (documented using WOCAT)

2. Description of the SLM Technology

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Sediment traps are structures built in the area which includes cascading catchment canal, silt traps and catch basin along perimeter, between pineapple fields and along diversion ditches to collect runoff during rains, preventing and minimizing the eroded soils cascading into natural bodies of water.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Strategic construction of water catchment in and around existing pineapple fields to collect runoff during rains, aim to minimize eroded soil cascading into natural bodies of water. Sediment trap structures are earth canals designed to reduce soil erosion. The cascading catchment canal length depends on the slope, a length of five meters or longer is excavated when the slope of the area is less than 2%. The higher the slope percentage, the shorter the length of the canal. Silt traps are built along diversion ditches by stacking bamboo pegs or planting pineapple. Catch basin are bigger canals than the cascading canals which trap sediments that are not trapped in the silt traps and cascading canals. Weeds in this structures are not uprooted to further trap eroded soils or silts.

Purpose of the Technology: The technology aims to: (1) control of dispersed runoff; (2) serves as water harvesting facility; and (3) serves as sediment retention / trapping.

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: In the establishment of sediment trap structures, the following activities are undertaken in the area: (1) Depending on the slope, sediment trap structure locations are identified; (2) Excavation of catch basin and cascading canals using back hoe; (3) Establishment of raised beds which are used for pineapple production; and (4) Construction of trenches with silt traps using bamboo pegs and pineapple plants. Cascading canals, trenches and diversion ditches are re-established every cropping season.

Natural / human environment: The area is under humid agro-climate condition with a topography ranging from 1-10% slope. It receives an average annual 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. Farmers living within the area are the laborers of the company.

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

Further specification of location:

Bukidnon

Specify the spread of the Technology:
  • evenly spread over an area
If the Technology is evenly spread over an area, specify area covered (in km2):

2.6066

If precise area is not known, indicate approximate area covered:
  • 1-10 km2
Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 2.6066 km2.

Around 20% of the area is devoted for sediment traps. The gross area of the company is 1,303.28 has which includes all other structures/ or conservation technology.

2.6 Date of implementation

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:
  • during experiments/ research
Comments (type of project, etc.):

Establishment of sediment traps is a trial and error method,established canals are not permanent, design of canals are change the next cropping season when they observe that the current design is not effective.

3. Classification of the SLM Technology

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

Cropland

Cropland

  • Perennial (non-woody) cropping
Perennial (non-woody) cropping - Specify crops:
  • pineapple
Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Soil erosion/ or siltation

Future (final) land use (after implementation of SLM Technology): Other: Ow: Waterways, drainage lines, ponds, dams

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)
Comments:

Cropland: Cp: Perennial (non-woody) cropping

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

  • water harvesting
  • irrigation management (incl. water supply, drainage)

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

structural measures

structural measures

  • S11: Others
Comments:

Main measures: structural measures
Specification of other structural measures: Cascading canals, silt traps, catch basin

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
  • Wo: offsite degradation effects
Comments:

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

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Wo: offsite degradation effects

Main causes of degradation: Heavy / extreme rainfall (intensity/amounts)

Secondary causes of degradation: droughts

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

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Technical specifications (related to technical drawing):

Sediment traps are established to collect silts.

Location: Barangay Lurogan. Valencia City, Bukidnon

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: high

Technical knowledge required for land users: high

Main technical functions: 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, sediment retention / trapping, sediment harvesting

Secondary technical functions: reduction of slope angle, reduction of slope length, water harvesting / increase water supply

Structural measure: Cascading canal
Depth of ditches/pits/dams (m): 1m
Width of ditches/pits/dams (m): 1m
Length of ditches/pits/dams (m): 5m

Structural measure: Catch basin
Depth of ditches/pits/dams (m): 1.5 m
Width of ditches/pits/dams (m): 1m
Length of ditches/pits/dams (m): 1m

Structural measure: Silt traps
Depth of ditches/pits/dams (m): 0.3m
Width of ditches/pits/dams (m): 0.75m
Length of ditches/pits/dams (m): 0.5m

Author:

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

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Philippine Peso

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

46.0

4.3 Establishment activities

Activity Timing (season)
1. Excavation of canal using back hoe Before land preparation
2. Construction of bed Once, before planting
3. Construction of trenches

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 Labour ha 1.0 100.0
Equipment Machine use ha 1.0 100.0
Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 1 month(s)

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

Activity Timing/ frequency
1. Desilting Once in three months, but depends on the needs

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 Labour ha 1.0 100.0

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.

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)
  • fine/ heavy (clay)
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.

Soil depth: moderately deep to deep (26 inches, 66.04cm of root penetration)
Soil fertility is medium ( With the incorporation of pineapple trash in the soil, there is now a build-up of OM content in the soil and based on soil analysis, essential elements in the soil are on adequate level for pineapple. )
Topsoil organic matter is medium (Soil organic matter ranges from 1.73% to 5.52% with highest in Perla Chan area and lowest OM in Gamboa area. Long term plan to reach 5% OM content in soil as effect of incorporating pineapple trash.)
Soil drainage/infiltration is medium (External and internal drainage of Ad luyon clay is good )
Soil water storage is high (ue to high clay content of the soil, it enables to store more water. )

5.4 Water availability and quality

Ground water table:

5-50 m

Availability of surface water:

medium

Water quality (untreated):

good drinking water

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Market orientation of production system:
  • mixed (subsistence/ commercial)
Relative level of wealth:
  • average
Individuals or groups:
  • employee (company, government)
Level of mechanization:
  • manual work
  • 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
Annual population growth: < 0.5%
Off-farm income specification: The technology is more on trapping sediments, and is irrelevant with respect to additional income for the farmers
Level of mechanization: mechanised (Construction of sediment traps ad catch basin require machines i. e. back hoe)

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)?
  • large-scale
Comments:

An average of 1.5 hectare per household

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

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

Usually leased from individual land users 10 to 15 years upon the return of the area the company assured they will return back to the soil to its original form.

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

production area

decreased
increased

land management

hindered
simplified
Water availability and quality

irrigation water availability

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

little (5-20%)

Socio-cultural impacts

conflict mitigation

worsened
improved

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

harvesting/ collection of water

reduced
improved

surface runoff

increased
decreased

groundwater table/ aquifer

lowered
recharge
Soil

soil loss

increased
decreased
Other ecological impacts

Has the Technology contributed to improve livelihoods and human well-being (eg education, health)?

decreased
increased
Comments/ specify:

yes, little

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

downstream flooding

increased
reduced

downstream siltation

increased
decreased

groundwater/ river pollution

increased
reduced

damage on neighbours' fields

increased
reduced

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
local windstorm not known
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

Other climate-related consequences

Other climate-related consequences
How does the Technology cope with it?
reduced growing period not known

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:

positive

Long-term returns:

positive

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

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

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.
There is no trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology
Comments on adoption trend: Other land users in the area do not adopt the technology due to the opportunity cost that will be incurred. This opportunity cost pertains to the reduction of their production area since part of it will be allotted/converted in the establishment of sediment structures.

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Land user's view agree with experts opinion.
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Sediment traps are effective in minimizing soil erosion and preserving the top soil.
Negative off-site effects are lessened i.e siltation of natural water bodies

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?
Land user's view agree with experts opinion.
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view How can they be overcome?
Established sediment traps are not permanent, designs are changed per cropping season, this activity disturb soil biological and physical properties which might cause soil fertility decline and on-site erosion. Further, altering or modifying canal designs per cropping would entail more cost just for the establishment of sediment traps. Design location of other sediment traps that could be used for more than one cropping to minimize cost. A research must be done to address this issue.

7. References and links

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

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