1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

21/11/1997

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

Yes

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Uprightness to the main windward, planting Vetiver hedge as barriers to prevent wind erosion.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

This technology is to use a good SWC vegetable --- Vetiver to form permanent hedge barrier. The barrier is upright to the main windward or along the river & dike bank. It is pruned 1-2 times after 2 months of planting. It can grow at about 1.5 m high within one year. Vetiver is a perennial plant, and has a strong fibrous roots, which can stretch 3 m beneath soils. It breeds by root & cane, and has strong adaptability. Vetiver is hygrophobe and can endure poor and saline-alkali soil. It is regarded as a saved money & low in labor input but with good benefits. This SWC technology is worth to be applied extensively.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

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 projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

From India.

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation

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

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Serious wind erosion damages crops and cultivated land along the seashore.

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Crops were often damaged and crop yield is decreasing gradually.

Type of cropping system and major crops comments: Rice-peanut-sweat potato etc.

3.3 Further information about land use

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

• rainfed

Comments:

Water supply also full irrigation

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 1

Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 365Longest growing period from month to month: Jan - Dec

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• surface water management (spring, river, lakes, sea)

3.5 Spread of the Technology

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• evenly spread over an area

If the Technology is evenly spread over an area, indicate approximate area covered:

• 0.1-1 km2

Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 0.5 m2.

The SWC area is about 0.5 sqkm.

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Main type of degradation addressed: Et: loss of topsoil

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content, Ha: aridification

4.2 Technical specifications/ explanations of technical drawing

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: low

Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate

Main technical functions: Wind-break

Secondary technical functions: improvement of ground cover, increase in organic matter, increase of infiltration, increase / maintain water stored in soil, water harvesting / increase water supply, Increase in soil fertility

Mulching
Material/ species: Vetiver
Quantity/ density: 10000
Remarks: alignment

Grass species: Vetiver

Slope (which determines the spacing indicated above): 30.00%

If the original slope has changed as a result of the Technology, the slope today is (see figure below): 20.00%

Gradient along the rows / strips: 50.00%

4.3 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify currency used for cost calculations:

• US Dollars

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

8.3

4.4 Establishment activities

	Activity	Type of measure	Timing
1.	treating material	Vegetative	mid-March
2.	soil preparation	Vegetative	early March
3.	planting	Vegetative	mid-March
4.	water	Vegetative	planting day

4.5 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 24 month(s)

4.6 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Type of measure	Timing/ frequency
1.	pruning	Vegetative	mid-May /
2.	pruning	Vegetative	early June /
3.	applying fertilizer	Vegetative	later May /

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

Comments:

Areas of vetiver cover.

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

seeds and labor.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

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: very low

Soil drainage / infiltration: good

Soil water storage capacity: very low

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Population density: 200-500 persons/km2

Annual population growth: < 0.5%

30% of the land users are average wealthy and own 20% of the land.

Off-farm income specification: This is an experimental project with small area so that not many persons involved in it.

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

Land ownership:

• communal/ village
• individual, titled

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

Soil

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

• more than 50%

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

100 households and 100% of the area

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

• 50-90%

Comments:

50% of land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support

30 land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support

Comments on acceptance with external material support: estimates

50% of land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support

30 land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support

Comments on spontaneous adoption: estimates

There is a moderate trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: Climate here is quite suitable for vetiver growing and it is easy to plant with low input and high output.