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

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

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:

A Diversified Cropping System (DCS) results in a more resilient and intensive cropping system. In this case quinoa was introduced as an intercrop for lentil. The yield of lentil is not reduced; hence the system becomes more productive, profitable and resilient with the introduction of quinoa.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

In the semi-arid regions of Morocco agricultural production is unstable, and yields are declining as consequence of climate change. Climate change leads to more irregular rainfall and more frequent extreme weather events. There is a need, where possible, to intensify agricultural systems while improving food security - through increasing the resilience of the overall system.

Cultivating lentils is common practice in rural Morocco. To intensify this cropping system, taking into account the effects of climate change, the International Centre for Agricultural Research Dry Areas (ICARDA) introduced quinoa into the common lentil production system. Importantly, quinoa does not affect the yields of lentil because it does not significantly compete for water and nutrients. With two crops harvested from the same piece of land, overall farm profit increases. Furthermore, the cultivation of two crops creates a more resilient overall system because the farmer is not dependent on one single crop. Additionally, as quinoa is harvested later than lentil, the soil is covered for a longer period, consequently protecting it from degradation, hence soil quality is improved. In addition, lentils are leguminous, fixing nitrogen in the soil, thus improving soil conditions for growth.

However the technology has some potential drawbacks. Firstly, in Morocco, the market for quinoa is not well developed, hence achieving a good market price could be problematic if planted at scale. Secondly, in years of extreme droughts, quinoa requires supplementary irrigation, especially during crop establishment. This is often inaccessible, resulting in poor crop establishment and low yield. Thirdly, if planted in small plots there may be risks of free grazing livestock as well as pest and insect infestations. This can be overcome by community farming and pest control.

In 2020 and 2021, ICARDA tested this Diversified Cropping System on a trial field of half a hectare, in an area with average annual precipitation of 400 mm. DCS is implemented in the following order of activities. The field is prepared by ploughing. In December, lentils are mechanically seeded. Two rows of lentils are planted 15 cm apart. The spacing between each two-row pair is roughly 90 cm. Compound fertilizer is applied during the seeding. In January, a herbicide is sprayed to control grassy weeds. The field is mechanically weeded twice, in mid-January and then again in February.

The quinoa is then seeded at the end of February: also in paired lines (two rows at 20 cm apart) and also with compound fertilizer. Each pair of quinoa lines is planted between pairs of lentils. Because the quinoa is planted within an already growing crop of lentils, this form of intercropping is termed "relay planting".

The quinoa is manually weeded in March. In April, the lentils are manually harvested and mechanically threshed. A single spray of insecticide is applied in April-May. Finally, in June, the quinoa is mechanically harvested.

This documentation illustrated an ICARDA innovation which is accessible since there are no establishment events and costs. This Diversified Cropping System improves a traditional system by introducing an additional crop, resulting in better farm income and more resilience.

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:

Morocco

Further specification of location:

Merchouch

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• evenly spread over an area

If precise area is not known, indicate approximate area covered:

• < 0.1 km2 (10 ha)

Is/are the technology site(s) located in a permanently protected area?

No

Map

×

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2020

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• during experiments/ research
• through projects/ external interventions

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts
• create beneficial economic impact

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

Cropland

• Annual cropping

Annual cropping - Specify crops:

• cereals - quinoa or amaranth
• legumes and pulses - lentils

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 1

Is intercropping practiced?

Yes

If yes, specify which crops are intercropped:

Quinoa is intercropped with Lentils

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

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

• improved ground/ vegetation cover

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

agronomic measures

• A1: Vegetation/ soil cover

vegetative measures

management measures

• M2: Change of management/ intensity level
• M4: Major change in timing of activities

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

soil erosion by water

• Wt: loss of topsoil/ surface erosion

soil erosion by wind

• Et: loss of topsoil

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• reduce land degradation

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

other/ national currency (specify):

Moroccan Dihram (MAD)

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

9.0

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

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

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

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

Water use rights:

• individual

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Soil

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

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Biological disasters

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

• single cases/ experimental

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

• 0-10%

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

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