1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

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

1.4 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

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Vetiver grass used as contour hedgerows in sloping agricultural land used for annual crops.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Vetiver grass is easy to propagate and establish as hedgerow. It is adopted to a wide range of soil and climatic condition. When planted correctly, vetiver grass will form a dense permanent hedge in one year. It has a strong root system that penetrates and binds the soil. Vetiver grass is perennial and requires minimal maintenance. It will not spread to the alleys since it does not multiply by rhizomes nor from seeds. Compare with other grass, it does not compete much with the crops it is protecting. Vetiver crown is below the ground surface which helps protect the plant against fire and overgrazing. Its leaves and roots are resistannt to insects and diseases. Vetiver can withstand, drought, flood and long period of water logging.

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:

Leyte

Further specification of location:

Leyte

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):

0.8

Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 0.8 km2.
The technology was first used to stabilize/strengthen rice paddy dikes/levees. In the project, the technology is used by small upland farmers to control soil erosion by water.

Map

×

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:

• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

As an SWC, the technology is supported and promoted by the World Bank through the Vetiver Network involving several Asian countries.

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

Cropland

• Annual cropping

Annual cropping - Specify crops:

• cereals - maize
• legumes and pulses - other

• vetiver

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 2

Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 110, Longest growing period from month to month: Apr - Dec

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Annual cropping of corn and othrer crops in hillyland using plow which makes the soil vulnerable to erosion.
Major land use problems (land users’ perception): Declining productivity and increasing input (fertilizer) to maintain yield.
Type of cropping system and major crops comments: Two crops of corn with legumes. However, not all farmers practice two croppings

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

vegetative measures

• V2: Grasses and perennial herbaceous plants

Comments:

Type of vegetative measures: aligned: -contour

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

• Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion
• Wg: gully erosion/ gullying

chemical soil deterioration

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

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

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Peso

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

50.0

4.3 Establishment activities

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

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

Comments:

Distance of grass strips, distance of planting within strips and frequency of maintenance (trimming).

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Labor is the most important factor (establishing contour, land preparation and planting). Planting materials can be asked for free from other farmers.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

5.3 Soils

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Population density: 50-100 persons/km2
Annual population growth: 2% - 3%
30% of the land users are rich and own 10% of the land.
20% of the land users are average wealthy and own 50% of the land.
50% of the land users are poor and own 40% of the land.
Off-farm income specification: Trading, carpentry, hired labour, overseas employment

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

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

Land ownership:

• individual, not titled
• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

Soil

Other ecological impacts

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

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 did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 0-10%

Comments:

2% of land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support
5% of land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support
50 land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support
There is a moderate trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology. Farmers have recognized the benefit of the technology. Even the Local Government Units (LGU's) are supportive of the technology and have adapted it as one of their banner programs.

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

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

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Vetiver for Soil Erosion Control

Available from where? Costs?

Vetiver Network Philippines, Farm and Resource Management Institute, VISCA, Baybay, Leyte, Philippines

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Vetiver Grass the Hedge Against Erosion

Available from where? Costs?

World Bank, Washington D.C., USA