1.2 Detalhes do contato das pessoas capacitadas e instituições envolvidas na avaliação e documentação da tecnologia

Nome do projeto que facilitou a documentação/avaliação da Tecnologia (se relevante)

Save Soil Movement

Nome da(s) instituição(ões) que facilitou(ram) a documentação/ avaliação da Tecnologia (se relevante)

Conscious Planet - Save Soil (Save Soil)

1.3 Condições em relação ao uso da informação documentada através de WOCAT

O/a compilador/a e a(s) pessoa(s) capacitada(s) aceitam as condições relativas ao uso de dados documentados através da WOCAT:

Sim

1.4 Declaração de sustentabilidade da tecnologia descrita

A tecnologia descrita aqui é problemática em relação a degradação da terra de forma que não pode ser declarada uma tecnologia de gestão sustentável de terra?

Não

1.5 Referência ao(s) questionário(s) sobre abordagens GST (documentado(s) usando WOCAT)

2.1 Descrição curta da tecnologia

Definição da tecnologia:

Transforming a monocrop coconut farm into a resilient food forest can sustainably enhance soil health, biodiversity and productivity while reducing labour and external input requirements. This demonstrates the potential to increase yields and provide long-term economic and ecological stability for farmers.

2.2 Descrição detalhada da tecnologia

Descrição:

Transforming a monocrop coconut farm into a resilient food forest can sustainably enhance soil health, biodiversity, and productivity while reducing labour and external input requirements. This demonstrates the potential to increase yields and provide long-term economic and ecological stability for farmers. Experience was gained from implementation in 2008 on a monocrop coconut farm in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. The stages were as follows:
1) Rainwater management: Trenches were dug throughout the farm to retain rainwater and prevent runoff, thus enhancing soil moisture. This was critical given the limited rainfall in the region. A drip irrigation system was installed for efficient watering.
2) Plant diversity: Various crops were introduced. Nutmeg, intercropped among coconut trees, provides 3 - 4 times the income of coconuts after 15 to 20 years. Timber trees extract micronutrients from deeper soil layers via deep tap roots: micronutrients are concentrated in the leaves which are used as mulch to enrich the soil nutrient profile. Banana and papaya provided early income, shade for plants, and added biomass. This diversity also ensures a steady income, reducing dependency on external markets.
3) Biomass and soil fertility improvement: Fast-growing crops were planted to generate additional biomass. Leaves were pruned and added to the water-retaining trenches as mulch. Nitrogen-fixing plants were cultivated extensively to improve soil fertility, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers.
4) Mulch and bio-input application: Mulch in the trenches was decomposed by the bio-inputs from Cows (Earlier 2, now 1) applied via drip lines, which increased soil organic matter through enhanced microbial decomposition. The irrigation and sprinklers were used judiciously to achieve soil moisture rather than over-watering, as trees primarily needed stable moisture conditions.
5) Minimal maintenance approach: After establishing this system, the farm required minimal maintenance. There was no need for tilling, weeding, or other intensive practices, just monitoring of, and maintaining, moisture levels. This low-maintenance approach reduces farmers’ workloads and improves their quality of life.
6) Enhanced biodiversity and pest management: To further enhance biodiversity, flowering plants to attract pollinators and predatory insects can be planted along the farm's boundaries - though this was not done at this particular site. Nonetheless, the increased biodiversity already fostered here brought in earthworms, birds, and beneficial insects for natural pest management.
After 12 years of minimal maintenance, soil organic matter content increased from 0.5% to 3.36%, and both production quantity and quality increased. The farm retained high soil moisture despite periods of low rainfall. Land users liked the use of minimal inputs, crop diversification as a financial safety net, and the visible impact on soil health and yield, as well as the increase in land value. There was initial fear about time and money invested and doubts about the feasibility of a technology that challenged the status quo of the region. Digging trenches and planting saplings were physically demanding. The initial pest pressure was also a concern before a stable ecosystem was established. The transformation of this coconut monoculture into a diverse food forest has demonstrated a sustainable model of enhanced resilience, productivity, and biodiversity. This model can be replicated across similar regions to help minimize labor and improve farmers’ livelihoods while restoring land and ecosystems.

2.3 Fotos da tecnologia

2.4 Vídeos da tecnologia

2.5 País/região/locais onde a tecnologia foi aplicada e que estão cobertos nesta avaliação

2.6 Data da implementação

Caso o ano exato seja desconhecido, indique a data aproximada:

• 10-50 anos atrás

2.7 Introdução da tecnologia

Especifique como a tecnologia foi introduzida:

• através de projetos/intervenções externas

Comentários (tipos de projeto, etc.):

The key contributions to the project's technical knowledge include Ethirajalu R (Technical Expert), Anand Ethirajal (Operations Lead), and Dr. Poonyamurti (Ethnoveterinary Medicines Expert). Their expertise, along with the valuable insights shared by Indian stalwarts like Nammalwar, Sripad Davolkar, and Subhash Palekar

3.1 Principal/principais finalidade(s) da tecnologia

• Melhora a produção
• Reduz, previne, recupera a degradação do solo
• Preservar/melhorar a biodiversidade
• Atenuar a mudanças climáticas e seus impactos
• Criar impacto econômico benéfico

3.2 Tipo(s) atualizado(s) de uso da terra onde a tecnologia foi aplicada

Uso do solo misturado dentro da mesma unidade de terra:

Sim

Especificar o uso misto da terra (culturas/ pastoreio/ árvores):

• Agrofloresta

3.3 O uso do solo mudou devido à implementação da Tecnologia?

O uso do solo mudou devido à implementação da Tecnologia?

• Sim (Por favor, preencha as perguntas abaixo com relação ao uso do solo antes da implementação da Tecnologia)

Uso do solo misturado dentro da mesma unidade de terra:

Não

3.4 Abastecimento de água

Abastecimento de água para a terra na qual a tecnologia é aplicada:

• Misto de precipitação natural-irrigado

3.5 Grupo de GST ao qual pertence a tecnologia

• Agrofloresta
• Solo/cobertura vegetal melhorada
• Gestão integrada de fertilidade do solo

3.6 Medidas de GST contendo a tecnologia

3.7 Principais tipos de degradação da terra abordados pela tecnologia

3.8 Redução, prevenção ou recuperação da degradação do solo

Especifique o objetivo da tecnologia em relação a degradação da terra:

• Recuperar/reabilitar solo severamente degradado

4.1 Desenho técnico da tecnologia

4.2 Informação geral em relação ao cálculo de entradas e custos

Especifique como custos e entradas foram calculados:

• por área de tecnologia

Outro/moeda nacional (especifique):

INR

Se for relevante, indique a taxa de câmbio do USD para moeda local (por exemplo, 1 USD = 79,9 Real): 1 USD =:

84,07

4.3 Atividades de implantação

	Atividade	Periodicidade (estação do ano)
1.	Plot assessment and planning	Before onset of rains
2.	Digging trenches for rainwater harvesting	Before the rainy season
3.	Setting up drip irrigation system	Before planting; dry season
4.	Planting initial tree species (timber, fruit, nitrogen-fixing)	Early rainy season
5.	Planting startup crops (e.g., banana, papaya)	Early rainy season
6.	Mulching trenches with plant biomass	After trench creation, ongoing
7.	Adding bio-inputs to mulch beds	Throughout growing seasons
8.	Pruning trees and returning biomass	Regular intervals during dry seasons
9.	Planting additional companion species	After initial species establishment
10.	Setting up pest repellent measures	As needed, ongoing

4.4 Custos e entradas necessárias para a implantação

	Especifique a entrada	Unidade	Quantidade	Custos por unidade	Custos totais por entrada	% dos custos arcados pelos usuários da terra
Mão-de-obra	Trench Digging	machine-hours	100,0	1000,0	100000,0	100,0
Mão-de-obra	Tree Planting	person-days	75,0	600,0	45000,0	100,0
Equipamento	Farm Tools	lump sum	1,0	20000,0	20000,0	100,0
Equipamento	Irrigation Setup	lump sum	1,0	100000,0	100000,0	100,0
Equipamento	Pruning Machine	units	1,0	25000,0	25000,0	100,0
Material vegetal	Timber Saplings	units	5500,0	3,0	16500,0	100,0
Material vegetal	Nutmeg Saplings	units	1000,0	20,0	20000,0	100,0
Material vegetal	Pepper Saplings	units	1000,0	40,0	40000,0	100,0
Material vegetal	Fruit Trees	units	500,0	100,0	50000,0	100,0
Fertilizantes e biocidas	Organic Manure	load	10,0	1500,0	15000,0	100,0
Fertilizantes e biocidas	Organic Pest Repellants	lump sum	1,0	20000,0	20000,0	100,0
Material de construção	Fencing Irrigation	lump sum	1,0	200000,0	200000,0	100,0
Material de construção	Bio-Input Preparation Unit	lump sum	1,0	200000,0	200000,0	100,0
Material de construção	Pipes and Valves	lump sum	1,0	530000,0	530000,0	100,0
Material de construção	Tool Shed	lump sum	1,0	50000,0	50000,0	100,0
Material de construção	Worker Shed	lump sum	1,0	50000,0	50000,0	100,0
Outros	Farm Animals	units	5,0	20000,0	100000,0	100,0
Outros	Fodder	annual	1,0	25000,0	25000,0	100,0
Custos totais para a implantação da tecnologia					1606500,0
Custos totais para o estabelecimento da Tecnologia em USD					19109,08

Comentários:

Land user bore all costs

4.5 Atividades recorrentes/manutenção

	Atividade	Periodicidade/frequência
1.	Pruning	Every 6 months
2.	Irrigation system maintenance	Annually, before dry season
3.	Mulching trenches	Twice a year, before onset of rains
4.	Adding bio-inputs to mulch beds	Happens automatically with irrigation.
5.	Harvesting fruits and biomass	As and when needed Coconut is collected after it falls by itself.
6.	Replanting missing or damaged trees	Annually, before rainy season
7.	Fencing and protection checks	Quarterly

4.6 Custos e entradas necessárias pata a manutenção/atividades recorrentes (por ano)

	Especifique a entrada	Unidade	Quantidade	Custos por unidade	Custos totais por entrada	% dos custos arcados pelos usuários da terra
Mão-de-obra	Pruning, mulching, replanting	person-days	100,0	600,0	60000,0	100,0
Mão-de-obra	Harvesting	person-days	300,0	600,0	180000,0	100,0
Equipamento	Tools for pruning fencing checks	lump sum	1,0	10000,0	10000,0	100,0
Equipamento	Irrigation system maintenance	lump sum	1,0	10000,0	10000,0	100,0
Equipamento	Fencing maintenance	lump sum	1,0	20000,0	20000,0	100,0
Material vegetal	Replacement seedlings	pieces	50,0	30,0	1500,0	100,0
Fertilizantes e biocidas	Preparing organic bio-inputs via irrigation system	lump sum	1,0	5000,0	5000,0	100,0
Material de construção	Fencing materials for repair	lump sum	1,0	8000,0	8000,0	100,0
Outros	Cow Care and Fodder	kg	5,0	5000,0	25000,0	100,0
Custos totais para a manutenção da tecnologia					319500,0
Custos totais de manutenção da Tecnologia em USD					3800,4

Comentários:

Land users bore all costs

4.7 Fatores mais importantes que afetam os custos

Descreva os fatores mais determinantes que afetam os custos:

No factors significantly affected costs.

5.1 Clima

5.2 Topografia

Indique se a tecnologia é aplicada especificamente em:

• Não relevante

5.3 Solos

Caso disponível anexe a descrição completa do solo ou especifique as informações disponíveis, p. ex. tipo de solo, PH/acidez do solo, nitrogênio, capacidade de troca catiônica, salinidade, etc.

Soil type - Red sandy soil

5.4 Disponibilidade e qualidade de água

A salinidade da água é um problema?

Não

Ocorre inundação da área?

Não

Comentários e outras especificações sobre a qualidade e a quantidade da água:

Pollachi, the place where the farm is located, water quality fluctuates throughout the year, particularly due to agricultural runoff and effluents from nearby industrial activities.

5.5 Biodiversidade

5.6 Características dos usuários da terra que utilizam a tecnologia

5.7 Área média de terrenos utilizados pelos usuários de terrenos que aplicam a Tecnologia

5.8 Propriedade de terra, direitos de uso da terra e de uso da água

Propriedade da terra:

• Indivíduo, intitulado

Direitos do uso da terra:

• Indivíduo

Direitos do uso da água:

• Indivíduo

Os direitos de uso da terra são baseados em um sistema jurídico tradicional?

Sim

Especifique:

Private Ownership

5.9 Acesso a serviços e infraestrutura

6.1 Impactos no local mostrados pela tecnologia

Impactos socioeconômicos

Produção

Disponibilidade e qualidade de água

Renda e custos

Impactos socioculturais

Impactos ecológicos

Ciclo hídrico/escoamento

Solo

Biodiversidade: vegetação, animais

Clima e redução de riscos de desastre

Especificar a avaliação dos impactos no local (medidas):

Soil Fertility: Initially, the soil was likely low in organic matter due to monoculture practices. Through the addition of nitrogen-fixing plants and mulching with biomass, the soil's nutrient levels improved naturally, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers.

Soil Organic Carbon: Soil organic carbon increased notably from 0.5% to 3.36% due to continuous mulching, the addition of bio-inputs, and water-retaining trenches. These practices enriched the soil with organic matter, improving its structure and capacity to hold moisture.

Erosion Control and Water Retention: Trenches and rainwater harvesting reduced runoff, preventing soil erosion and enhancing water retention, which helped maintain stable soil moisture levels, even in dry periods.

Microbial Health: The use of bio-inputs via drip irrigation boosted microbial activity in the soil, accelerating the decomposition of organic matter into humus, which further improved soil fertility and structure.

6.2 Impactos externos mostrados pela tecnologia

Especificar a avaliação dos impactos fora do local (medidas):

We have not conducted measurement of off-site ecological impacts for this farm as of now.

6.3 Exposição e sensibilidade da tecnologia às mudanças climáticas graduais e extremos/desastres relacionados ao clima (conforme o ponto de vista dos usuários da terra)

Mudança climática gradual

Mudança climática gradual

	Estação do ano	aumento ou diminuição	Como a tecnologia lida com isso?
Temperatura anual		aumento	muito bem
Temperatura sazonal	estação seca	aumento	bem
Precipitação pluviométrica anual			muito bem
Precipitação pluviométrica sazonal	estação úmida/das chuvas	aumento	muito bem

Extremos (desastres) relacionados ao clima

Desastres meteorológicos

	Como a tecnologia lida com isso?
Temporal local	muito bem

Desastres climatológicos

	Como a tecnologia lida com isso?
Onde de calor	bem
Seca	bem

Desastres biológicos

	Como a tecnologia lida com isso?
Infestação de insetos/vermes	muito bem

6.4 Análise do custo-benefício

Como os benefícios se comparam aos custos de implantação (do ponto de vista dos usuários da terra)?

Como os benefícios se comparam aos custos recorrentes/de manutenção(do ponto de vista dos usuários da terra)?

6.5 Adoção da tecnologia

• 1-10%

De todos aqueles que adotaram a Tecnologia, quantos o fizeram espontaneamente, ou seja, sem receber nenhum incentivo/ pagamento material?

• 0-10%

6.6 Adaptação

A tecnologia foi recentemente modificada para adaptar-se as condições variáveis?

Não

6.7 Pontos fortes/vantagens/oportunidades da tecnologia

Pontos fortes/vantagens/oportunidades na visão do usuário da terra
1) Efficient Rainwater Harvesting: Trenches prevent water runoff and retain moisture, helping farmers adapt to water-scarce conditions. Drip irrigation ensures efficient water use, reducing waste and improving moisture availability at plant roots.
2) Nitrogen-fixing plants and bio-inputs build natural soil fertility, reducing or eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers.
3) Income Stability: Diverse crops (timber, fruit, and cash crops like bananas and papayas) ensure year-round income and minimize dependency on a single crop.
4) Pest and Disease Management: The natural ecosystem with pollinators and predatory insects reduces pest issues without needing chemical pesticides.
5) Minimal Labor: Once established, the system requires less labor with minimal tilling or weeding, allowing farmers to save on labor costs.
6) Increased Yield and Quality: Coconut yield has improved significantly, with larger and better-tasting coconuts, enhancing the crop’s market value.
7) Ecological Balance: The increase in biodiversity supports natural pest control, improved pollination, and enriched soil.

Pontos fortes/vantagens/oportunidades na visão do/a compilador/a ou de outra pessoa capacitada
1)Positive Environmental Impact: Enhanced Soil and Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting and mulching contribute to soil health and sustainable water use, supporting resilient agricultural practices. Carbon Sequestration: The introduction of timber and fruit trees aids in carbon capture, helping to mitigate climate change.
2)Increased Biodiversity and Natural Pest Management: Reduction in Chemical Usage: Biodiverse ecosystems reduce reliance on pesticides and chemical fertilizers, fostering healthier food systems. Positive Environmental Metrics: Biodiversity and natural pest control align with ecological sustainability, improving farm ecosystems.
3)Model for Replication and Scaling: Technology Viability: A successful pilot farm serves as a model that other farmers can adopt, promoting tree-based agriculture and natural farming methods. Long-Term Sustainable Farming: This low-maintenance, high-diversity model provides a sustainable alternative to conventional farming, attracting interest from stakeholders focused on sustainable agriculture.
4)Attracting Donor Support: Appeal to Donors: The project’s long-term sustainability and eco-friendly practices attract donors focused on climate resilience and food security. Potential for Diverse Funding: The combined focus on environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and climate resilience appeals to various funding sources.

6.8 Pontos fracos, desvantagens/riscos da tecnologia e formas de superá-los

Pontos fracos/desvantagens/riscos na visão do usuário da terra	Como eles podem ser superados?
1) Learning Curve: Farmers may need additional knowledge on tree-based agriculture and organic soil management, which could necessitate training and support.	1) Training programs across the project region are conducted on various aspects of regenerative agriculture at minimal costs
2) Consistency in Bio-input Application: The effectiveness of bio-inputs depends on regular application; skipping or improper application could hinder soil improvement.	2) Farmer hand holding is available via farmer helpline for basic queries and farm visits are conducted if nature of query requires.
3) Higher Pest Pressure in Early Stages: As biodiversity builds up gradually, farmers might initially encounter some pest pressure until a stable ecosystem is established.	3) Pest and disease management trainings are quite frequent and also the training video is available on Save Soil youtube channel in regional languages for easy access for farmers

Pontos fracos/vantagens/riscos na visão do/a compilador/a ou de outra pessoa capacitada	Como eles podem ser superados?
1) Need for Technical Expertise and Training: Farmers may need intensive training in regenerative agriculture methods, necessitating resources for workshops, materials, and ongoing support staff, which may impact the organization’s budget and staffing.	1) Major portion of funding goes into trainings and to create online and offline materials easily accessible to farmers. In mega training program where more than 1000s of farmers attend, free technical handbook is also provided to support them on a daily basis
2) Difficulty in Immediate Impact Measurement: Due to the delayed returns, reporting immediate success and impact might be challenging, especially in a results-oriented funding environment.	2) Need to implement milestone-based metrics, proxy indicators, and comparative reporting to showcase early progress. Farmer testimonials and case studies further illustrate positive outcomes, while data visualizations offer accessible insights into ecological improvements and economic stability.
3) Risk of Low Farmer Adoption: Farmers may be hesitant about the model’s initial costs and labor, slowing adoption.	3) Selective aspects of the technology can be taken up initially to see early success in order to manage finances
4) Resource-Intensive Monitoring and Data Collection: Tracking soil health, biodiversity, and yields requires dedicated monitoring, which can be resource-intensive, especially across multiple farms.	4) Success of few model farms will convince farmer community to take up this technology without having the need to monitor each and every farm

7.1 Métodos/fontes de informação

7.2 Referências às publicações disponíveis

Título, autor, ano, ISBN:

Cauvery Calling: Impact Assessment Report 2024: A global economic model for farmers with a significant ecological impact

Disponível de onde? Custos?

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/search?q=UNCCD%20policy

Título, autor, ano, ISBN:

SS-TKV Annual Report 2023-24

Disponível de onde? Custos?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vvMD0kd-qWs4JtebbsBpOGBB-z_6CVr3ZcrK-1wV78Y/edit?tab=t.0

7.3 Links para informações on-line relevantes

Título/ descrição:

Save Soil Movement - Model Farm, Proof of Concept

URL:

https://consciousplanet.org/en/save-soil/blog/save-soil-movement-model-farm-proof-of-concept

Título/ descrição:

A living example of Save Soil

URL:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVis4gkcPIU&t=353s

7.4 Comentários gerais

The farm is still undergoing transformation into a more efficient and profitable model with the technology implemented.