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)

Strengthening national-level institutional and professional capacities of country Parties towards enhanced UNCCD monitoring and reporting – GEF 7 EA Umbrella II (GEF 7 UNCCD Enabling Activities_Umbrella II)

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

National Soil Services Centre (National Soil Services Centre) - Bhutan

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

Comments:

Since this technology has been practiced from the olden days

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Traditional soil fertility management refers to the practice of improving and maintaining soil fertility using organic amendments, specifically farmyard manure (FYM). Other organic materials and crop residues can be effectively utilized through process of decomposition, fermentation and pyrolysis to produce compost, bokashi and biochar respectively.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Traditional soil fertility management refers to the practice of improving and maintaining soil fertility using organic amendments, specifically farmyard manure (FYM). Farmyard manure is a mixture of livestock excreta, bedding materials, and other organic wastes accumulated in the farmyard. It is typically left to decompose, or it is composted, before being applied to agricultural fields.
FYM application enhances soil fertility by replenishing essential plant nutrients, improving soil structure and moisture retention, increasing microbial activity, and promoting overall soil health. The organic matter in FYM serves as a nutrient source for plants, while also enhancing the soil's ability to retain water and nutrients, reducing erosion, and promoting beneficial microbial activity (Hossain et al., 2021).
Bhutan, a landlocked country nestled in the eastern Himalayas, has a predominantly agrarian economy. Farming practices in Bhutan often involve smallholder farmers who rely on traditional methods of soil fertility management, including the application of farmyard manure. According to Dorji et al., (2018) traditional soil fertility management through FYM application is very common in Bhutan. The use of FYM helps support sustainable agricultural production in the country.
Soil fertility management through FYM application in Bhutan, is conducted as follows. First and foremost, the collection of farmyard manure is essential, which involves the accumulation of livestock excreta, bedding materials, and organic waste in the farmyard. Then the collected material needs to be properly managed and decomposed through composting to ensure the production of high-quality farmyard manure. Adequate storage facilities for the composted manure should be established to prevent nutrient loss and maintain its quality. Additionally, farmers need to be trained and educated on the proper techniques of FYM application, including the optimal timing, rate, and method of application to maximize its effectiveness. Regular monitoring and assessment of soil fertility parameters are crucial to evaluate the impact of FYM application and make necessary adjustments to the management practices (Wangmo, 2020).
Traditional soil fertility management through FYM application in Bhutan offers numerous benefits and positive impacts as already noted. Furthermore, the use of FYM helps to reduce the dependency on synthetic fertilizers, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture and minimizing the risk of environmental pollution. Overall, traditional soil fertility management through FYM application supports long-term soil health, sustainable agricultural production, and environmental conservation in Bhutan (Gyeltshen, 2020).

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.4 Videos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

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:

• as part of a traditional system (> 50 years)

Comments (type of project, etc.):

This technologies that have been in use for generations

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• preserve/ improve biodiversity
• create beneficial economic impact

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

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):

• Agro-silvopastoralism

Comments:

Annual cropping is done

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)

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

Comments:

Irrigation through Smart irrigation provided by gewog. Smart irrigation refers to the application of advanced technologies such as drip and sprinkler irrigation to efficiently deliver the right amount of water to crops at the right time, minimizing water waste, conserving resources, and maximizing crop yield.

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• rotational systems (crop rotation, fallows, shifting cultivation)
• integrated crop-livestock management
• integrated soil fertility management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

This technology comprises of Agronomic measures and management measures

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

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

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology unit

other/ national currency (specify):

Ngultrum

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

82.0

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Site selection	Winter
2.	Construction of cow shed	After site selection
3.	Collection of FYM near the cow shed	regular basis
4.	Washing off the by products into the pit	Every morning
5.	Placement of FYM in the field	Before cultivation
6.	Application of FYM in the field during cultivation	Before cultivation

Comments:

Government provided fund for the construction of cow shed including CGI sheets and cements

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Comments:

The construction materials are partially funded by the government

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Wood change	Where there is damage due to heat and rain
2.	CGI sheet change	Where there is damage due to heat and rain
3.	Cement	For maintainance

Comments:

22 CGI sheets and 5 bags of cement were provided by gewog for maintainance

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

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	labor	per head	6.0	500.0	3000.0	100.0
Equipment	spade	nos.	2.0			100.0
Equipment	pickaxe	nos.	2.0			100.0
Equipment	Crowbar	nos.	2.0			100.0
Equipment						100.0
Equipment						100.0
Construction material	Wood	nos	5.0	350.0	1750.0	100.0
Construction material	CGI sheet	nos.	22.0
Construction material	cement	kg	250.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					4750.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					57.93

Comments:

Wages for labor was paid by the land user whereas the construction materials were funded by the government

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Financial and labor charge including working lunch

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Soil Type: Sandy clay loam
MC (%): 6.31
OM (%): 7.58
OC (%): 4.41
pH (H20): 6.69
EC (µs/cm): 1090
N (%):0.22
P (ppm):2.87
K (mg/100ml:562.4

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

mixed vegetation

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

They are technically sound and educated

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

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

• Family

• Family

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)

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

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

There are no measurable off-site impacts

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

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
annual rainfall		decrease	not known

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)?

Comments:

Manure is used only if it is available near the farm

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• > 50%

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

Almost all the farmer use or adopted this technology

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

• 51-90%

Comments:

Not much of material is required for adopting this technology. Traditional farming system with spontaneous practice without any incentives

6.6 Adaptation

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

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Improve soil structure
Increases soil organic content
Helps manage soil fertility

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Improve soil health and microbial activity
Method to improve soil fertlity

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

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
Labor intensive	Labor sharing

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Labor intensive and heavy field work causing compaction	Field applications should depend on soil moisture conditions

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Impact of Traditional Soil Fertility Management through FYM Application on Crop Productivity, Hossain et al, 2021,

Available from where? Costs?

Website

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Assessment of soil fertility management practices and their impact on soil properties in Bhutan, Dorji et al., 2018

Available from where? Costs?

Website

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Assessment of soil fertility management practices in vegetable cultivation in Punakha, Bhutan, Wangmo et al, 2020

Available from where? Costs?

website

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Impact of farmyard manure application on soil fertility status and crop productivity in Bhutan. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. Gyeltshen et al, 2020

Available from where? Costs?

website

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Rice husk biochar preparation, ARDC Bajo, JICA-IHPP

Available from where? Costs?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V66OpfCholw

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Fermented rice bran technology in Bhutan

Available from where? Costs?

https://www.youtu.be/sIQtSm17VmQ

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Basics of compost preparation

Available from where? Costs?

https://www.youtu.be/raZcwWJdnq4

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

A Review. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 21(1), 1-15.

URL:

doi: 10.1007/s42729-020-00340-0.

Title/ description:

Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 18(1), 88-100.

URL:

doi: 10.4067/s0718-95162018005000203.

Title/ description:

Journal of Bhutan Studies, 43, 29-50.

URL:

doi: 10.5281/zenodo.3889644.

Title/ description:

Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 20(4), 2562-2572.

URL:

doi: 10.1007/s42729-020-00268-5.

Title/ description:

Land preparation technique

URL:

http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.29316.60801

Title/ description:

Soil pH and EC technique

URL:

http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.22605.72165

Title/ description:

Eggshell calcium extraction technique

URL:

http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.23864.01282

Title/ description:

Training on organic fertilizer production techniques

URL:

http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.15894.83521

Title/ description:

Assessment of Soil Nutrients Status of Mandarin Orchards in Dagana, 2020

URL:

Bhutanese Journal of Agriculture 2(1) 73-86, Department of Agriculture, Thimphu, Bhutan