1.2 Detalles de contacto de las personas de referencia e instituciones involucradas en la evaluación y la documentación de la Tecnología

Nombre del proyecto que financió la documentación/ evaluación de la Tecnología (si fuera relevante)

Book project: Making sense of research for sustainable land management (GLUES)

Nombre de la(s) institución(es) que facilitaron la documentación/ evaluación de la Tecnología (si fuera relevante)

Humboldt Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) - Alemania

Nombre de la(s) institución(es) que facilitaron la documentación/ evaluación de la Tecnología (si fuera relevante)

Universität Hohenheim - Alemania

Nombre de la(s) institución(es) que facilitaron la documentación/ evaluación de la Tecnología (si fuera relevante)

China Agricultural University (China Agricultural University) - China

1.3 Condiciones referidas al uso de datos documentados mediante WOCAT

¿Cuándo se compilaron los datos (en el campo)?

12/02/2016

El compilador y la/s persona(s) de referencia claves aceptan las condiciones acerca del uso de los datos documentados mediante WOCAT:

Sí

1.4 Declaración de la sostenibilidad de la Tecnología descrita

¿La Tecnología aquí descrita resulta problemática en relación a la degradación de la tierra, de tal forma que no puede considerársela una tecnología sostenible para el manejo de la tierra?

No

2.1 Breve descripción de la Tecnología

Definición de la Tecnología:

The technology combines the integration of native tree species into rubber monocultures with changed weed management to mitigate negative environmental impacts and to provide alternative income options for farmers.

2.2 Descripción detallada de la Tecnología

Descripción:

Natural rubber is a crucial renewable resource produced from the tree Hevea brasiliensis. Production is largely based on monoculture, often associated with chemical-based clean-weeding. This causes environmental problems such as loss of biodiversity, pesticide pollution and erosion of topsoil. The SLM-technology aims at mitigating negative impacts by interplanting the rubber with native tree species which have economic potential of their own. Changes in weed management are part of the package also.

Native (indigenous) tree species are integrated into mature rubber plantations. Criteria for species selection are: a) adapted to environmental conditions; b) shade tolerant; c) vertical growth not affected by light; d) conservation value; e) economic potential; f) easy to manage. Rubber trees are usually planted in rows at a spacing of 6-8 m, and an intra-row distance of 2.5 to 3 m. The native trees are planted between the rubber rows. The plantation should be mature as the canopy will have reached its highest density, and weed competition is naturally suppressed. The spacing of the native trees needs to be adapted to their growth potential and intended usage. After planting, regular monitoring is necessary to identify pests or diseases. The following species were selected for demonstration sites: 1) Parashorea chinensis, a valuable timber tree, 2) Taxus mairei, a multi-purpose tree, providing good timber but also an anti-cancer drug, taxol, and 3) Nyssa yunnanensis, selected for its conservation value. At the end of the economic life span of the rubber trees (about 30 years) there will be several options, but there are three main ones. First the rubber plantation can be replanted, although the harvest of the Parashorea chinensis trees would be premature. The Taxus mairei trees could be maintained through a new plantation cycle. Second, both, the rubber and the intercropped trees could be maintained for future timber and taxol production. Third, the plantation could be transformed into a sustainable forest managed scheme where the rubber trees are extracted step by step and the intercropped trees maintained for their intrinsic value.

Procedures for the selection and planting of the indigenous tree species are crucial. Identification should be based on suitability for the climate and soil as well as economic potential. The raising of tree seedlings requires experience and nursery propagation by experts might be required. Only healthy seedlings should be used. Planting should take place during rainy periods. Potted seedlings are better than bare-rooted seedlings since they establish better. Generally, weed management (if necessary) should shift from herbicide application to mechanical weeding. Grass competition needs to be avoided in any case! Controlled cover of natural undergrowth will reduce erosion and promote water infiltration.

The implementation site for the trials is located in Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, SW China. The original vegetation was tropical rain and monsoon forest, but now there is a rich mosaic of different land-use and vegetation types. The whole region is exceptionally species rich and part of the Indo-Burma-Biodiversity Hotspot.

2.3 Fotografías de la Tecnología

2.5 País/ región/ lugares donde la Tecnología fue aplicada y que se hallan comprendidos por esta evaluación

2.6 Fecha de la implementación

Si no se conoce el año preciso, indique la fecha aproximada:

• 10-50 años atrás

2.7 Introducción de la Tecnología

• review on available knowledge on rubber management and history

Comentarios (tipo de proyecto, etc.):

The technology is a result of the synthesis of research findings of the SURUMER-project and a review of available publications on rubber management.

3.1 Propósito(s) principal(es) de la Tecnología MST

• mejorar la producción
• conservar el ecosistema
• preservar/ mejorar biodiversidad

3.2 Tipo(s) actuales de uso de la tierra donde se aplica la Tecnología

Comentarios:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Large-scale expansion of rubber monocultures results in the loss of topsoil and siltation of streams with respective consequences for CO2 emissions (increased), soil degradation, water quality and stream ecology. The excessive application of agrochemicals adds to these problems. The monoculture practice combined with clean weeding results in plant biodiversity loss. The related simplification of habitat structures also leads to a considerable decline in animal biodiversity.

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): The focus of land users is primarily on sustainable income, and their environmental concerns mainly relate to water provisioning (land user's point of view). In the farmers view: “The biggest environmental problem is water quantity. Rubber sucks out a lot of water, therefore we do have a water scarcity problem”. Farmers are aware of the contamination of drinking water due to the use of pesticides and herbicides in the rubber plantations.

Future (final) land use (after implementation of SLM Technology): Mixed: Mf: Agroforestry

Type of cropping system and major crops comments: The majority of farmers shifted to pure rubber growing, although many villages still have paddy rice fields.

3.3 Información adicional sobre el uso de tierras

Provisión de agua para la tierra donde se aplica la Tecnología:

• mixta de secano – irrigada

Número de temporadas de cultivo por año:

• 1

Especifique:

Longest growing period in days: 270, Longest growing period from month to month: April - December

3.4 Grupo MST al que pertenece la Tecnología

• agroforestería

3.5 Difusión de la Tecnología

Comentarios:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 0.03 m2.
The technology is currently tested on three trial sites coveríng 3 ha. Some farmers started to adopt and also planted trees in rubber. But no figures are available so far.

3.6 Medidas MST que componen la Tecnología

3.7 Principales tipos de degradación del suelo encarados con la Tecnología

Comentarios:

Main causes of degradation: deforestation / removal of natural vegetation (incl. forest fires) (Replacement of forests by monocultures.), poverty / wealth (Older people still have the memory of extreme poverty. Rubber was the main driver to reduce poverty; high profit gained by rubber encouraged people in pursuit of large scale monoculture.), inputs and infrastructure: (roads, markets, distribution of water points, other, …) (A tremendously improved infrastructure allows the establishment of plantations even in previously remote areas.), governance / institutional (Strong support from government in terms of subsidy and other incentives from 1980s to 2000s; subsidies are more recently reduced)
Secondary causes of degradation: crop management (annual, perennial, tree/shrub) (Clear-weeding, mainly with herbicides.), disturbance of water cycle (infiltration / runoff) (Removal of natural vegetation leads to higher runoff), land tenure (Introduction of Household Responsibility System in 1980s gave use-right to farmers. This pushed decisions on transformating natural forests to monocultures. No full property rights could hinder could), labour availability (Compared to the traditional agricultural system, rubber monocultures require less labour. Recently, there is even less labour available due to the relatively low income gained by rubber), education, access to knowledge and support services (The awareness about ecosystem services and functions is still poorly developed.), war and conflicts (Chinese government´s objective to be independent on important strategic resources such as rubber)

3.8 Prevención, reducción o restauración de la degradación del suelo

Especifique la meta de la Tecnología con relación a la degradación de la tierra:

• reducir la degradación del suelo
• restaurar/ rehabilitar tierra severamente degradada

4.1 Dibujo técnico de la Tecnología

4.2 Especificaciones técnicas/ explicaciones del dibujo técnico

The concept is based on the commonly suggested planting scheme of rubber with a row distance of ca. 7 m and a spacing of trees within the rows of ca. 2.5 to 3 m, resulting in ca. 450 to 500 trees/ha. The intercropping will take place between the rubber rows, on terraced slopes between the rubber terraces. Planting takes place after the plantations have reached half of their economic life span, which is ca. 15 years. It is important to consider that farmers often plant much denser than suggested by official guidelines, which needs an assessment of the light / shade conditions. With a too high rubber density the resulting light conditions might be too poor for intercropping even for forest trees. In our case the distance within a row of the intercropped trees has been set at 6 m, due to the (known) ecological characteristics of the selected 4 tree species. But the decision needs to be taken specifically for each new site, the potential tree species and the intentions of the land-user. Thus, in our case, we opted for a higher density of Taxus (bold circles) which is well known for its slow growth. and integrated the two other tree species at a wider distance (dotted circles).

Location: Yunnan Province, SW China. Xishuangbanna Prefecture
Date: September 2014

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: high (The selection and management of native tree species requires a very good ecological as well as dendrological knowledge and understanding.)
Technical knowledge required for land users: moderate (If species selection has been successful and management is supported by a knowledgeable extension service.)
Main technical functions: control of dispersed runoff: retain / trap, stabilisation of soil (eg by tree roots against land slides), increase in organic matter, increase of infiltration, promotion of vegetation species and varieties (quality, eg palatable fodder)
Secondary technical functions: control of raindrop splash, improvement of surface structure (crusting, sealing), improvement of topsoil structure (compaction), increase / maintain water stored in soil, increase of groundwater level / recharge of groundwater

Aligned: -contour
Vegetative material: T : trees / shrubs
Vegetative measure: Intercropping of native tree species
Vegetative material: T : trees / shrubs
Number of plants per (ha): 240
Spacing between rows / strips / blocks (m): 7 m
Vertical interval within rows / strips / blocks (m): 6 m
Vegetative measure: Vegetative material: T : trees / shrubs
Trees/ shrubs species: Parashorea chinensis, Taxus mairei, Nyssa yunnanensis: all planted (container-planting)
Slope (which determines the spacing indicated above): 0-80%
Gradient along the rows / strips: 0%
Change of land use practices / intensity level: Shift from herbicide-based weed management to mechanical weeding with machine tools. This has not yet been implemented due lack of experience and proper tools.

4.3 Información general sobre el cálculo de insumos y costos

otra / moneda nacional (especifique):

RMB

Indique la tasa de cambio de USD a la moneda local (si fuese relevante): 1 USD =:

6,3

4.4 Actividades de establecimiento

	Actividad	Tipo de medida	Momento
1.	1. Seedling acquisition and transport	Vegetativas	before or during rainy season
2.	2. Planting of seedlings in rainy season	Vegetativas	rainy season
3.	Weed management with brush cutters.	Manejo	? no experience

4.5 Costos e insumos necesarios para el establecimiento

	Especifique insumo	Unidad	Cantidad	Costos por unidad	Costos totales por insumo	% de los costos cubiertos por los usuarios de las tierras
Mano de obra	labour	ha	1,0	80,0	80,0	100,0
Equipo	machine use	ha	1,0	80,0	80,0
Equipo	animal traction	ha	1,0	8,0	8,0	100,0
Material para plantas	seedlings	ha	1,0	2400,0	2400,0
Costos totales para establecer la Tecnología					2568,0

Comentarios:

Duration of establishment phase: 0.07 month(s)

4.6 Actividades de establecimiento/ recurrentes

	Actividad	Tipo de medida	Momento/ frequencia
1.	1. Control of pests and diseases	Vegetativas	monthly

4.7 Costos e insumos necesarios para actividades de mantenimiento/ recurrentes (por año)

	Especifique insumo	Unidad	Cantidad	Costos por unidad	Costos totales por insumo	% de los costos cubiertos por los usuarios de las tierras
Mano de obra	labour	ha	1,0	96,0	96,0	100,0
Indique los costos totales para mantenecer la Tecnología					96,0

Comentarios:

The costs are based on the establishment of 3 demonstration plots of ca. 1 ha each. It should be possible to considerably reduce the costs by producing seedlings on site.

4.8 Factores más determinantes que afectan los costos:

Describa los factores más determinantes que afectan los costos:

Seedling costs are by far the major cost factor. Since the selected species are very unusual and don't have a considerable market they were extremely expensive. Since Taxus is also a reputed medicinal plant, it might also have influenced the price. All other costs are actually negligible compared to the costs of the seedlings. In this case the establishment of an own nursery might considerably reduce the costs, since propagation at least of Taxus and Parashorea is easy if the seeds can be acquired.

5.1 Clima

5.2 Topografía

5.3 Suelos

5.4 Disponibilidad y calidad de agua

5.5 Biodiversidad

5.6 Las características de los usuarios de la tierra que aplican la Tecnología

Indique otras características relevantes de los usuarios de las tierras:

Land users applying the Technology are mainly Leaders / privileged
Difference in the involvement of women and men: So far, the number of persons applying the technology is still too low to draw any meaningful conclusion.
Population density: 10-50 persons/km2
Annual population growth: < 0.5% (farmers have been well off in the past, currently they are under pressure due to the very low rubber).

5.7 Área promedio de la tierra que pertenece a o es arrendada por usuarios de tierra que aplican la Tecnología

5.8 Tenencia de tierra, uso de tierra y derechos de uso de agua

Tenencia de tierra:

• estado

Derechos de uso de tierra:

• individual

Comentarios:

Water use rights seem to be an issue.

5.9 Acceso a servicios e infraestructura

6.1 Impactos in situ demostrados por la Tecnología

Impactos socioeconómicos

Producción

Ingreso y costos

Impactos socioculturales

Impactos ecológicos

Ciclo de agua/ escurrimiento de sedimento

Suelo

Biodiversidad: vegetación, animales

6.2 Impactos fuera del sitio demostrados por la Tecnología

6.3 Exposición y sensibilidad de la Tecnología al cambio climático gradual y a extremos relacionados al clima/ desastres (desde la percepción de los usuarios de tierras)

Cambio climático gradual

Cambio climático gradual

	Estación	tipo de cambios climáticos/ climas extremos	¿Cómo es que la tecnología soporta esto?
temperatura anual		incrementó	bien

Extremos (desastres) relacionados al clima

Desastres climatológicos:

	¿Cómo es que la tecnología soporta esto?
tormenta de lluvia local	bien
tormenta de viento	no se sabe

Desastres climatológicos

	¿Cómo es que la tecnología soporta esto?
sequía	no muy bien

Desastres hidrológicos

	¿Cómo es que la tecnología soporta esto?
inundación general (río)	no se sabe

Otras consecuencias relacionadas al clima

Otras consecuencias relacionadas al clima

	¿Cómo es que la tecnología soporta esto?
periodo reducido de crecimiento	no muy bien
cold spells	no muy bien

Comentarios:

The above assessment is based on the fact that we are actually dealing with plants adapted to tropical conditions. Therefore, the species should be less affected by high temperatures and increasing rainfall, but might be sensitive to droughts. Nevertheless, there is no experience!

6.4 Análisis costo-beneficio

¿Cómo se comparan los beneficios con los costos de establecimiento (desde la perspectiva de los usuarios de tierra)?

¿Cómo se comparan los beneficios con los costos de mantenimiento/ recurrentes (desde la perspectiva de los usuarios de tierra)?

Comentarios:

The establishment costs for the demo-sites have been very high, but could be considerably reduced if adopted by more farmers. The assessment above therefore needs verification!

6.5 Adopción de la Tecnología

Comentarios:

100% of land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support
3 land user families have adopted the Technology with external material support
There is a little trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology. Comments on adoption trend: We experienced interest in the technology by farmers, but due to the lack of experience and the lack of affordable and accessible seedlings they are hesitant.

6.7 Fuerzas/ ventajas/ oportunidades de la Tecnología

Fuerzas/ ventajas/ oportunidades desde la perspectiva del usuario de la tierra
Additional income options.

Fuerzas/ ventajas/ oportunidades desde la perspectiva del compilador o de otra persona de referencia clave
The technology offers considerable long-term advantageous to farmers. It diversifies the product portfolio and good options for additional income in the future. Beyond the establishment it doesn't require much labour.

6.8 Debilidades/ desventajas/ riesgos de la Tecnología y formas de sobreponerse a ellos

Debilidades/ desventajas/ riesgos desde la perspectiva del usuario de la tierra	¿Cómo sobreponerse a ellas?
High investment costs.	Government subsidies.
Time until first returns can be expected. 5-10 years for taxol production

Debilidades/ desventajas/ riesgos desde la perspectiva del compilador o de otra persona de referencia clave	¿Cómo sobreponerse a ellas?
The technology is based on a long-term perspective and thus favours farmers who have a such an outlook. But farmers with little land usually think short-term.	The current trend of rural-urban migration will support the technology since it can be easily combined with off-farm work. According to SURUMER findings off-farm income already contributes about one third of the overall household income in the rubber growing areas.
Current establishment costs are very high due to the lack of a seedling market.	If the technology becomes known and popular, more nurseries will produce seedlings which will reduce costs. Alternatively, farmers might establish their individual (or community) nurseries.
The technology requires considerable knowledge about tree ecology and tree breeding.	There should be extension officers at the local agricultural or forestry bureaus supporting farmers.

7.1 Métodos/ fuentes de información

7.2 Vínculos a las publicaciones disponibles

Título, autor, año, ISBN:

Ahrends, A. et al. (2015) Current trends of rubber plantation expansion may threaten biodiversity and livelihoods

¿Dónde se halla disponible? ¿Costo?

Global Environ Change, 34, 48-58.

Título, autor, año, ISBN:

Langenberger, G. et al. (2016) Rubber intercropping: a viable concept for the 21st century?

¿Dónde se halla disponible? ¿Costo?

Agrofor Syst, 1-20.

Título, autor, año, ISBN:

Liu, H. et al. (2016) Impact of herbicide application on soil erosion and induced carbon loss in a rubber plantation of Southwest China

¿Dónde se halla disponible? ¿Costo?

CATENA, 145, 180-192.