1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

10/10/2002

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:

Trashlines are constructed as a barrier of runoff, soil erosion using maize, sorghum and teff straw/stalk

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Trashlines are formed of sorghum, maize or teff straw placed in to form a rectangular basin. The main lines are constructed along the contour. The technique is multi purposive I.e. water harvesting, soil trapping, physical obstraction and improve soil fertility. The estabilishment is made by collecting the straws and then spread it on contour lines. The environment in relation to the technique is low and erratic forms of rainfall, high evapotranspiration, availability of straw.

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:

• 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.):

It is traditional technique practiced since long time

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

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): steep slope farming

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Pest, disease and land shortage

Type of cropping system and major crops comments: Sorghum - Maize - Beans

3.3 Further information about land use

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

• rainfed

Comments:

Water supply: Also post-flooding

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 2

Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 135 Longest growing period from month to month: Feb - Jun Second longest growing period in days: 105Second longest growing period from month to month: Jul - Nov

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• cross-slope measure

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

Main measures: agronomic measures

Type of agronomic measures: temporary trashlines, contour tillage

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

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

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 land users: high

Main technical functions: water harvesting / increase water supply

Secondary technical functions: increase / maintain water stored in soil

Temporary trashlines
Material/ species: Sorghum, Maize & Teff Straw/stalk
Remarks: Rectangular basin

If the original slope has changed as a result of the Technology, the slope today is (see figure below): 3.00%

Gradient along the rows / strips: 0.00%

Slope (which determines the spacing indicated above): 4%

If the original slope has changed as a result of the Technology, the slope today is: 3%

Lateral gradient along the structure: 1%

4.3 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Ethiopian birr

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

8.5

4.6 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Type of measure	Timing/ frequency
1.	Collection of straw	Agronomic	Dry season / annual
2.	Placing the straw on a line	Agronomic	Dry season / annual

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

Comments:

labour and tools

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

soil type

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

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 is medium-low
Soil drainage/infiltration is good-medium
Soil water storage capacity is high-medium

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Annual population growth: 2% - 3%

50% of the land users are average wealthy and own 65% of the land.
40% of the land users are poor and own 30% of the land.
10% of the land users are poor and own 5% of the land.

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

Land ownership:

• state

Land use rights:

• individual

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

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

• 90-100%

Comments:

Comments on acceptance with external material support: estimates

100% of 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