Mulching combined with stone bunds (PASP)
Mulching involves spreading millet and sorghum stalks, etc. on cropland after harvesting. This technique can be used on any kind of cropland and is also effective for restoring infertile patches.
Purpose of the Technology: The stalks spread over the land at the very beginning of the dry season improve the infiltration of water, reduce the evaporation of moisture from the soil and act as a barrier to prevent wind erosion, retaining the thin layer of soil and trapping the rich dust carried by the harmattan wind. Covering the soil with mulch also protects it against water erosion. Through the action of termites, the stalks and branches decompose and are gradually incorporated into the soil, fertilising it and improving its structure.
Mulching has a positive effect on yields and therefore contributes to improving household food security. It mitigates the effects of climate change and increased rainfall variability.
In the area covered by the PASP project in Niger, an analysis was carried out to assess the effectiveness of contour stone bunds used on their own and stone bunds used in conjunction with mulching. It was found that plots with contour stone bunds only produce an average millet grain yield of 266 kg per hectare, while those with contour stone bunds plus mulching average 395 kg per hectare. The difference between the two − 129 kg − can be considered to be the positive effect of mulching.
Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: Mulching has to be carried out each year. Around 2 tonnes per hectare per year is recommended, which is 2 or 3 stalks per m2.
Natural / human environment: This technique is implemented on individual plots. Livestock generally graze on the millet and sorghum stalks, or they are cut down and transported for use as fodder for animals being fattened in the dry season. This technique is therefore used in places where there is sufficient forage for livestock herds. It can be combined with any other erosion control technique, such as contour stone bunds and grass strips.
Lugar: Regions of Tillabéri, Filingué, Ouallam, Téra and Tahoua in Niger, Bam Region in Burkina Faso, Niger, Burkina Faso, Níger
No. de sitios de Tecnología analizados:
Difusión de la Tecnología: distribuida parejamente sobre un área (approx. > 10,000 km2)
¿En un área de protección permanente?:
Fecha de la implementación: 10-50 años atrás
Tipo de introducción
Competing uses for harvest waste
Mulching has a positive effect on yields and therefore contributes to improving household food security
