Intercropping of vegetables to control pests along the Mekong river bank [Cambodia]
- Creation:
- Update:
- Compiler: Nary Lay
- Editors: Navin Chea, Sophea Tim
- Reviewers: Alexandra Gavilano, Sophea Tim, SO Than, Nicole Harari
Natural Vegetable
technologies_2098 - Cambodia
- Full summary as PDF
- Full summary as PDF for print
- Full summary in the browser
- Full summary (unformatted)
- Intercropping of vegetables to control pests along the Mekong river bank: July 12, 2018 (inactive)
- Intercropping of vegetables to control pests along the Mekong river bank: July 12, 2018 (inactive)
- Intercropping of vegetables to control pests along the Mekong river bank: Aug. 20, 2018 (inactive)
- Intercropping of vegetables to control pests along the Mekong river bank: Sept. 4, 2019 (public)
View sections
Expand all Collapse all1. General information
1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology
Key resource person(s)
Acting Chief of District Office of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Preaek Prasab:
land user:
Y Soklang
Farmer
Cambodia
Chief of District Office of Agricultue, Forestry and Fisheries, Sambo:
Official at District Office of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Chetr Borie:
Ly Saravuth
Chetr Borie district office Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
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) - Cambodia1.3 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. Description of the SLM Technology
2.1 Short description of the Technology
Definition of the Technology:
Cropping by setting up alternative rows of different crops: lettuce, pak choi, escarole, choy sum and morning glory for a reduction in damage from insects. This technique incorporates the spreading of lime in advance for control of soil pests, and plant derived pesticide is applied during the cultivation period. This technique is applied on the Mekong river bank in Kratie province.
2.2 Detailed description of the Technology
Description:
Intercropping is a technique of cropping in which two or more crops are grown in different alternate rows at the same time (Pawan et al., 2012). The crops grown by the farmers are lettuce, pak choi, choy sum, escarole and morning glory. This technique was applied using 1080 square meters of land along the Mekong's river bank in Kratie province. In applying this technique, the farmer prepared the land, after which he prepared the rows across the slope of the river bank. Lettuce was planted in the first row, then pak choi, choy sum, escarole, and then morning glory, with the crop sequence being repeated in the following rows. Intercropping helps to reduce the damage from insects. Lettuce is a crop that insects dislike because of its bitter taste. Under the intercropping practice with the vegetables that insects dislike, the level of insect damage is reduced because, when facing such repellent crops, the insects normally disappear rather than go to the next row, even though it might be a crop they like.
Crops are easily damaged by insects when grown as a single species that insects like. In intercropping, even if the insects damage one crop, the other crops often survive without insect damage. To apply this technology more effectively, farmer used botanical pesticide that was produced by the farmer himself based on plant ingredients such as neem bark, boraphed, strychnine plant, derris, etc. Such natural pesticide ingredients are crushed and soaked in water for 15 days, after which l liter is mixed with 15 liters of water(Yang et al., 2006). The solution is sprayed on the crops on a daily basis when insects are present.
Soil preparation: The soil is ploughed and dried for 7 to 8 days, then aligned into rows with lime being applied for a period of 6 days to disperse the bad bacteria in the soil. Nursery preparation of escarole, pak choi and choy sum takes about 20 days before transplanting (morning glory was planted by direct seeding). Lettuce is only 10 days old when it is transplanted. Lettuce can be harvested within 30 days after transplanting, while morning glory is grown for about 38 days before being harvested. The farmer used organic fertilizer and cow manure to improve the soil fertility. The farmer makes the rows across the slope of the river to prevent soil erosion during heavy rainfall. To provide protection from the potential adverse effects of direct sunlight and rain, the farmer used a temporary 2 meters high net roof supported by bamboo poles, to provide cover. A net fence was also constructed around the crop area to provide protection from animals such as dogs and chickens. In relation to produce price, pak choi returned 3.500 to 4.000 riel per kilogram, morning glory 2.000 riels per kilogram, choy sum 2.000 to 3.000 riel per kilogram, escarole 3.000 to 3.500 riel per kilogram and lettuce 4.000 riel per kilogram.
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:
Ta Mau Leu village, Kampong Kor Commune, Preaek Prasab District, Kratie Province
Further specification of location:
Land is along Mekong River
Specify the spread of the Technology:
- applied at specific points/ concentrated on a small area
Map
×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:
- through land users' innovation
3. Classification of the SLM Technology
3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology
- reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
- create beneficial economic impact
- Reduce soil erosion by making rows across the slope, prevent crops’ exposure to sunlight and rain, reduce insects
3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied
Cropland
- Annual cropping
- Lettuce, pok choi, choy sum, escarole and morning glory
Annual cropping system:
Vegetables - wheat/barley/oat/upland rice
Number of growing seasons per year:
- 3
Specify:
The farmer cultivates vegetables from November to July. In average the crops grow for 45 days.
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)
Land use mixed within the same land unit:
No
Cropland
- Annual cropping
Annual cropping system:
Vegetables - wheat/barley/oat/upland rice
Is intercropping practiced?
Yes
Is crop rotation practiced?
Yes
Comments:
Before the farmer did intercropping and crop rotation he only grew onion.
3.4 Water supply
Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:
- mixed rainfed-irrigated
Comments:
Using water from Mekong River.
3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs
- rotational systems (crop rotation, fallows, shifting cultivation)
- integrated soil fertility management
- integrated pest and disease management (incl. organic agriculture)
3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology
agronomic measures
- A2: Organic matter/ soil fertility
structural measures
- S4: Level ditches, pits
- S9: Shelters for plants and animals
management measures
- M5: Control/ change of species composition
3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology
soil erosion by water
- Wr: riverbank erosion
physical soil deterioration
- Pu: loss of bio-productive function due to other activities
biological degradation
- Bp: increase of pests/ diseases, loss of predators
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
4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs
Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:
- per Technology area
Indicate size and area unit:
1080 square meters
other/ national currency (specify):
KHR
If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:
4000.0
Indicate average wage cost of hired labour per day:
17,000
4.3 Establishment activities
Activity | Timing (season) | |
---|---|---|
1. | Rent soil for cultivating vegetables | November |
2. | Prepare soil (plow and dry soil, make row and spread the lime) | December |
3. | Material for building (net, pole of bamboo, tank and plastict bowl) | when cultivation |
4. | Seeds | when cultivation |
5. | Organic and manure fertilizer | when cultivation and maintenance |
Comments:
Organic fertilizer the farmer bought from Vann Long company
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 | Prepare soil | person-day | 3.0 | 17000.0 | 51000.0 | 100.0 |
Equipment | Pumping machine | set | 1.0 | 1000000.0 | 1000000.0 | 100.0 |
Equipment | Hoe | piece | 1.0 | 13000.0 | 13000.0 | 100.0 |
Equipment | Rake | piece | 1.0 | 15000.0 | 15000.0 | 100.0 |
Equipment | Hose | piece | 14.0 | 16000.0 | 224000.0 | 100.0 |
Equipment | Big basket | pair | 1.0 | 50000.0 | 50000.0 | 100.0 |
Plant material | Seed of lettuce | package | 15.0 | 10000.0 | 150000.0 | 100.0 |
Plant material | Choy sum | package | 15.0 | 6000.0 | 90000.0 | 100.0 |
Plant material | Escarole | package | 6.0 | 6000.0 | 36000.0 | 100.0 |
Plant material | Morning glory | kilogram | 14.0 | 10000.0 | 140000.0 | 100.0 |
Plant material | Pok Choi | Can | 2.0 | 7000.0 | 14000.0 | 100.0 |
Fertilizers and biocides | Lime | kilogram | 2.0 | 2500.0 | 5000.0 | 100.0 |
Fertilizers and biocides | Organic fertilizer | sack | 1.0 | 130000.0 | 130000.0 | 100.0 |
Construction material | Net | piece | 3.0 | 260000.0 | 780000.0 | 100.0 |
Construction material | water tank | pair | 1.0 | 50000.0 | 50000.0 | 100.0 |
Construction material | Big plastic bowl | piece | 3.0 | 10000.0 | 30000.0 | 100.0 |
Construction material | storage tank | piece | 1.0 | 80000.0 | 80000.0 | 100.0 |
Construction material | Nylon net for the construction for a protective border fence. | piece | 3.0 | 58000.0 | 174000.0 | 100.0 |
Other | Rent land | year | 1.0 | 300000.0 | 300000.0 | 100.0 |
Other | Bamboo | pole | 20.0 | 4000.0 | 80000.0 | 100.0 |
Total costs for establishment of the Technology | 3412000.0 |
If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:
He spend all on this establishment and ows some payment to the seller of the equipment.
4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities
Activity | Timing/ frequency | |
---|---|---|
1. | Weeding, prepare soil and put fertilizer | When the crop is at 7 days. |
2. | Irrigation (morning and evening) | every day |
3. | Spray botanical pesticide | spread pesticide when there are insect on crop |
4. | Diesel (one month 30 liters) | Two times per day (morning and afternoon. |
Comments:
He sprays pesticide when he has insects and uses gasoline to pump water (30 liters of gasoline per month).
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 | weeding (by farmer) | person-day | 4.0 | 17000.0 | 68000.0 | 100.0 |
Labour | prepare soil and put fertilizer ( by farmer) | person-day | 4.0 | 17000.0 | 68000.0 | 100.0 |
Labour | Spray pesticide | person-day | 12.0 | 17000.0 | 204000.0 | 100.0 |
Equipment | Pesticide sprayer equipment use by hand | set | 1.0 | 80000.0 | 80000.0 | 100.0 |
Equipment | Diesel | liter | 90.0 | 2350.0 | 211500.0 | 100.0 |
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology | 631500.0 |
Comments:
When buying material, some owe seller and some give money to seller
4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs
Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:
The price of fertilizer and seeds depends on type of seed and market price.
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:
1138.20
Specifications/ comments on rainfall:
The average annual rainfall in 2015 was 1138.2 mm, in 2014 1696.5 mm, in 2013 1661.8 mm.
Indicate the name of the reference meteorological station considered:
Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (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:
soil is a slope on Mekong River Bank.
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)
Soil texture (> 20 cm below surface):
- medium (loamy, silty)
Topsoil organic matter:
- high (>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 pH = 5
5.4 Water availability and quality
Ground water table:
5-50 m
Availability of surface water:
good
Water quality (untreated):
good drinking water
Is water salinity a problem?
No
Is flooding of the area occurring?
Yes
Regularity:
frequently
Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:
It is flooded all year because it's close to the river.
5.5 Biodiversity
Species diversity:
- low
Habitat diversity:
- low
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:
- manual work
- mechanized/ motorized
Gender:
- men
Age of land users:
- middle-aged
Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:
He is 37 years old.
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:
He owns land of 1 hectare, rents land in raining season 1000 square meter, cost 200000 riels/year, and rents the other land 1080 square meter, cost 300000 riels/year.
5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights
Land ownership:
- individual, titled
- rent
Land use rights:
- leased
- 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
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
Comments/ specify:
Before farmer grew only onion but now grows several crops.
crop quality
Comments/ specify:
Before farmer used chemical pesticide and chemical fertilizer but now farmer uses botanical pesticide and natural fertilizer.
risk of production failure
Comments/ specify:
The farmer does the intercropping that helps to reduce damage from insects and he also uses only botanical pesticide.
product diversity
Comments/ specify:
Before farmer grew only onion but now farmer grows multiple crops such as Escarole, Choy sum, Pok choi, Lettuce and Morning glory.
land management
Comments/ specify:
Because of the intercropping and crop rotation the crops absorb different nutrients from soil. Natural fertilizer makes soil rich in nutrition.
Water availability and quality
irrigation water quality
Comments/ specify:
There is no water pollution because no more chemical pesticide is used, he uses only botanical pesticide.
Income and costs
expenses on agricultural inputs
Comments/ specify:
Before he bought chemical pesticides against insects, now he uses botanical pesticide because he can do it by himself.
farm income
Comments/ specify:
Reducing chemical fertilizer and pesticide use and instead using natural fertilizer and botanical pesticide.
economic disparities
Comments/ specify:
The farmer livelihood is better after practicing this technology because farmer gets more money by having more crops, there is no need to buy chemical pesticides and he has a healthy life.
workload
Comments/ specify:
Workload is a bit increased because of different crops.
Socio-cultural impacts
food security/ self-sufficiency
Comments/ specify:
For food security is better than before because farmer can get better income, before grew only one crop but now he changed to grow multiple crops.
health situation
Comments/ specify:
No use of chemical pesticide which harms the health.
SLM/ land degradation knowledge
Comments/ specify:
Farmer can made botanical pesticide by himself and uses natural fertilizer.
Ecological impacts
Water cycle/ runoff
surface runoff
Comments/ specify:
Flooding make loss loamy soil and increase level sedimentation at down stream by plough or ridge soil at river bank
excess water drainage
Comments/ specify:
Use net roof and create ridge of the row across the slope of the river bank to reduce water flow.
evaporation
Comments/ specify:
Cover crops can protect soil moisture and net roof is reducing 60% of evaporation.
Soil
soil moisture
Comments/ specify:
The cover crops can keep good soil moisture.
soil compaction
Comments/ specify:
Farmer uses cow manure bough from other farmers or collect at the rice field and organic fertilizer bought from the fertilizer company.
nutrient cycling/ recharge
Comments/ specify:
In intercropping each crop and rotation techniques absorbs different nutrients and this creates a balance.
Biodiversity: vegetation, animals
pest/ disease control
Comments/ specify:
Reduce diamond-back moth, striped flea beetle and black cutworm.
6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown
downstream siltation
Comments/ specify:
When the land user ploughs the soil and rakes it, some topsoil will be removed when there is rainfall. To minimize the soil surface runoff, farmer constructed the bamboo pole with the net roof and created a ridge of the row across the slope of the river bank, so the soil sediment flow is increased only very little.
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 | increase or decrease | How does the Technology cope with it? | |
---|---|---|---|
annual temperature | increase | well | |
seasonal temperature | wet/ rainy season | increase | well |
annual rainfall | decrease | well | |
seasonal rainfall | wet/ rainy season | decrease | well |
other gradual climate change | this year frequently raining, last year rarely raining | moderately |
Climate-related extremes (disasters)
Meteorological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it? | |
---|---|
tropical storm | not well |
Climatological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it? | |
---|---|
heatwave | moderately |
extreme winter conditions | not well |
drought | well |
Hydrological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it? | |
---|---|
general (river) flood | moderately |
flash flood | moderately |
Biological disasters
How does the Technology cope with it? | |
---|---|
epidemic diseases | not well |
insect/ worm infestation | 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:
slightly positive
Long-term returns:
positive
Comments:
Regarding the short-term returns, the farmer spent a lot of money to buy natural or organic fertilizer because at the beginning there is the infertile soil. However, after long-term practice there is no need of much natural or organic fertilizer.
6.5 Adoption of the Technology
- single cases/ experimental
Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?
- 91-100%
Comments:
In this village it is only one farmer who is implementing this technology.
6.6 Adaptation
Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?
Yes
If yes, indicate to which changing conditions it was adapted:
- changing markets
Specify adaptation of the Technology (design, material/ species, etc.):
Farmer grows crops according to the market demand, for example: The market needs lettuce in the dry season, especially in March and April, lettuce have a high price: one kilogram is 4000 to 5000 riels.
6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view |
---|
High income |
Preventing soil from compaction by using cow manure and organic fertilizer and reduce heat by using temporary net roof. |
Reduce the insects by diversification of crops. |
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view |
---|
Improves daily income. |
Reduced the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. |
Helps to improve soil condition. |
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? |
---|---|
Still have some problems with diamond back moth and striped flea beetle. | When the spraying of the chemical pesticide brings no result, they change the type of crops and use botanical pesticide which helps to get rid of the black moth and flea beetle. |
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view | How can they be overcome? |
---|---|
Plough the land by the river side causes the loss of loamy soil and increases the level of sediment downstream during flood events. | Reduce plowing the soil or ridging of soil before flooding. |
Have problems with insect (diamond back moth and striped flea beetle). | Use botanical pesticide made by farmer and change cropping system. |
7. References and links
7.1 Methods/ sources of information
- field visits, field surveys
1 place
- interviews with land users
1 person
- interviews with SLM specialists/ experts
3 persons
When were the data compiled (in the field)?
13/04/2017
7.2 References to available publications
Title, author, year, ISBN:
DanChurchAid/Christian Aid. (2015). Farmer book: Kit of best Agriculture Technologies to Adapt with climate change. Phnom Penh: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Finsheries. (in Khmer)
Available from where? Costs?
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Finsheries
Title, author, year, ISBN:
Pawan K. et al., (2012).Manual on cropping system and sustainable agriculture:Department of Agronomy CCS Haryana Agricultural University Hisar-125004
Available from where? Costs?
Department of Agronomy CCS Haryana Agricultural University Hisar-125004
Title, author, year, ISBN:
Yang S. et al.,(2008). Kit of botanical pesticide.CEDAC. (in Khmer)
Available from where? Costs?
The Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture
7.3 Links to relevant online information
Title/ description:
Chan M. (2015). VOA program: Cambodian Farmers Prosper by Going Organic. Retrieved on 15/01/2018 from
URL:
www.voacambodia.com/a/cambodian-farmes-prosper-by-going-organic/2993415.html
Title/ description:
AGRISUD CAMBODGE (2017). Crop production. Retrieve on 20/12/2017 from
URL:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3kkBprEzhDoX3NuYjI0X1FoSVU/edit
Title/ description:
Deen B. (2016). Intercropping: Principle and Types. Retrieve on 20/12/2017 from
URL:
http://www.agrihortieducation.com/2016/09/intercropping-principles-and-types.html#more
Links and modules
Expand all Collapse allLinks
No links
Modules
No modules