Cost‐benefit analysis of bench terraces,a case study in Peru

Soil and water conservation measures like bench terraces can reduce erosion in highland crop production. A cost‐benefit analysis for 11 cases of bench terraces was undertaken on the basis of both measured data and data obtained from farmers. It showed that the profitability of bench terraces was lower than believed by farmers. Whether terracing was financially attractive to a farmer, depended on his personal opportunity cost of labour. For most farmers an opportunity cost of labour below the market wage could be justified, as they had only temporarily off‐farm work. Considering these opportunity costs, the labour input in bench terracing was in most cases worthwhile. The costs and benefits of bench terraces were both much higher than the value of external project incentives. The incentives barely influenced the profitability of the bench terraces. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

THREE‐STAGE ANALYSIS OF THE ADOPTION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION IN THE HIGHLANDS OF RWANDA

This paper investigates the adoption of bench terraces by applying a three‐stage analysis using data from 301 households in the highlands of Rwanda. Ongoing adoption of bench terraces is ‘unpacked’ to consider both adopters willing to retain and increase the intensity of using terraces already constructed and new adopters willing to develop new bench terraces. Results suggest that farmers' inability to maintain existing terraces may explain the reluctance to adopt new terraces. The same inability explains why some of the terraces constructed earlier are not well maintained and fully used by farmers in northern and southern Rwanda. Policy actions aimed at improving farmer's capacity to invest in complementary inputs will sustain future generations of soil and water conservation measures in Rwanda. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Soil erosion and participatory remediation strategy for bench terraces in northern Thailand

This study was carried out in Pang Prarachatan village, which is located in Chiang Rai province of northern Thailand. The farmers in this village construct bench terraces to reduce soil erosion and increase plant productivity. However, severe soil erosion occurs frequently on the bare bench terraces. This study investigates the impact of bench terracing on soil erosion. The use of weeds and plant residues to control soil and nutrient losses were also investigated using model slope plots and an artificial rainfall system. Finally, the knowledge gained from this study was transferred to the farmers through a workshop in the village, and their acceptance of the results was evaluated by means of a questionnaire. The severity of soil erosion is thought to vary according to the structure of the bench terrace and the ground cover conditions. Rills are the primary form of erosion on bare bench terraces. In addition, some rills develop into gullies that can run from the upper terrace down to the lower terrace. Nevertheless, rills and gullies are rarely found on weed-covered terraces. Moreover, the results of an erosion experiment using model slope plots and artificial rainfall systems showed that plots covered with weeds and plant residues had much less surface runoff and soil and nutrient losses than bare soil. The amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus absorbed by weeds were 4.7 and 2.3 times smaller than the nitrogen and phosphorus losses due to soil erosion, respectively. The results of the field surveys and model slope experiment were announced to the farmers through participatory workshop in August 2003. The first questionnaire, conducted just after the workshop, clearly showed that around 90% of the farmers agreed to cover their slopes with weeds and plant residues so long as it did not affect soil fertility and plant growth. However, the second questionnaire, conducted in January 2004, showed that only 29% of farmers were covering the bench terraces or non-terraced slopes in their farmlands with weeds and plant residues. Therefore, participatory activities should continue to be held regularly in order to ensure greater acceptance and practice of soil conservation on the part of the farmers.     

RUNOFF AND SEDIMENT FROM ORCHARD TERRACES IN SOUTHEASTERN CHINA

The severity of soil erosion is considered to vary according to the structure of the bench terrace and the ground cover conditions. Erosion losses were investigated in a field experiment based on 20 m × 5 m erosion plots on a 21 per cent slope in Southern China. Five plots were established for the present study. Rainfall, runoff and sediment yield from plots were recorded for 5 years (2001–2005) and which five different types of terraces on sloping red soil were compared. The results show that the planting of grass on the riser is the most important factor affecting runoff and sediment yield, the next most important factor was the construction of a bund built on the edge of the terrace. Although the terrace bed slope (slope < 5 degrees) does not significantly affect the runoff, it does benefit the soil. A terrace combined with vegetation measures is effective in controlling runoff and soil erosion. Among various terraces, the level terrace (i.e. grass planted on the riser and bunds built on the edge of a bench terrace) is apparently the most beneficial for soil conservation purposes, indicating that this type is an excellent choice for conserving soil and water resources in sloping red soil in Southeastern China. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Participatory soil and water conservation planning using an erosion mapping tool in the central highlands of Kenya

Despite several approaches that aimed at mobilising East African farmers to embrace soil and water conservation (SWC) activities, farmers hardly responded since they were seldom involved in the planning of SWC activities. Two tools that employ farmers' participation were developed and applied at Gikuuri catchment in Kenya. The first tool involved farmers to map soil erosion using their own indicators and determine the soil erosion status at catchment scale. This formed the basis upon which they undertook to plan for SWC measures at catchment scale. Farmers also predicted crop yield losses based on the soil erosion status. Farmers widely approved the soil erosion status map since their own indicators and perceptions were used. The second tool provided cash flow trends for a variety of SWC activities and farmer situations. Farmers can use land with a high, moderate or low erosion status and often have rather different socio‐economic settings. The net benefits over 5 yr for bench terraces, fanya juu terraces and grass strips were illustrated to assist farmers in making informed decisions on SWC adoption. The two tools increased awareness on the need for collective actions among farmers and showed fields that cause run‐on on downslope fields. The improved awareness of erosion problems and the related financial consequences increased farmers' willingness to share the investment costs for cut‐off drains. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cost–benefit analysis of the Zonal Program of Castro Verde (Portugal): Highlighting the trade-off between biodiversity and soil conservation

We address the effects of erosion on the environmental services provided by the soil and explore possibilities for integrating soil erosion impacts in cost–benefit analyses of agri-environmental policies. As a case study, we considered the continued soil erosion caused by the traditional cereal farming system which is financially supported by the Zonal Program of Castro Verde. This case study illustrated the conflict between the preservation of biodiversity habitat requirements and the maintenance of soil productivity. We conclude that soil erosion is currently a major threat to the long-term sustainability of the Cereal Steppe of Castro Verde and largely reduced the cost-efficiency of public expenditure in local biodiversity conservation. Although replacement cost has proven to be a suitable method to determine the cost of soil productivity loss from erosion, we argue that there is a need to frame the erosion cost estimate obtained within more integrative approaches of assessing erosion costs.     

More people,more erosion? Land use,soil erosion and soil productivity in Murang'a district,Kenya

Intensification of land use can become a threat to agricultural sustainability if they lead to increased soil erosion. This study examines land‐use changes, soil and water conservation, soil erosion and soil productivity in the Highlands of Kenya. In addition, it examines farmers' perception of livelihood changes. Land‐use changes were determined from interpretations of aerial photographs taken in 1960 and 1996. Additional information on land use, soil and water conservation and livelihood changes were obtained from discussions and interviews with farmers, as well as from field verifications of the most recent aerial photographs. Soil samples were analysed and soil erosion assessed according to the PLUS classification scheme. The results indicate that substantial changes in land use, such as introduction of coffee and high‐yielding maize, and fragmentation of land holdings have taken place. Less land was conserved in 1996 as compared to 1960. Moreover, SWC practices have changed from fanya chini terraces and shifting cultivation to bench terraces and permanent cultivation. Rates of soil nutrients (organic C, N and K) and maize‐yield levels decreased significantly with increasing erosion. Farmers' perception of livelihood changes was differentiated according to farmers' off‐farm resource 60 per cent of the farmers depended on income from the land and thought livelihoods were better in the 1960s. It is concluded that more efforts to decrease soil erosion and investments in land and labour are necessary to sustain soil productivity and hence secure rural livelihoods. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis and modeling of soil conservation measures in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area in China

Experimental plots were constructed in the Zhangjiachong Watershed of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area to evaluate soil erosion of traditional slope land farming and effects of soil conservation measures. Surface runoff and sediment from the watershed and each plot were collected and measured during 2004–2007. Field investigations indicated that hedgerows were the best for soil erosion control, followed by stone dike terraces and soil dike terraces. The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model was used to simulate erosion of annual and rainfall events both at the watershed and plot levels. The low deviation, high coefficient of determination and model efficiency values for the simulations indicated that the WEPP model was a suitable model. The soil erosion rate distribution was modeled to determine where serious erosion would occur during rainfall events in the Zhangjiachong Watershed and so control measures can be taken.     

卢旺达共和国山地丘陵区土壤侵蚀调查报告

[目的]在卢旺达山地丘陵区开展土壤侵蚀调查,分析该区土壤侵蚀特征及成因,为尼罗河上游山地丘陵区土壤侵蚀预报和水土流失防治提供科学依据。[方法]在卢旺达布设4条调查路线并选择调查点,于2019年10月17—22日对调查点土壤侵蚀特征、成因及水土保持措施等进行了调查。[结果]卢旺达多山地且以农牧业为主,土壤侵蚀主要发生在坡耕地、损毁林地、建设用地等。坡耕地以片蚀和细沟侵蚀为主。损毁林地以片蚀和细沟侵蚀为主,部分出现沟蚀;当裸露地表形成草地或幼林后均较少发生土壤侵蚀。公路边坡、开挖边坡、土路路面及边坡等在降雨及径流的作用下产生沟蚀,部分路段偶有勤侵蚀发生。梯田是该国最主要的水土保持措施,具有较好的生态和经济效益。[结论]卢旺达土壤侵蚀主要以水力侵蚀为主,重力侵蚀次之。不合理的开垦坡地、毁林,加之多山的地形,导致侵蚀较为严重,威胁当地的生态安全及粮食安全。该区缺乏水土流失监测资料,需要重视水土保持基础理论研究,加强水土流失基础数据的监测和采集,同时需要加强其水土保持措施及土地管理工作,保障卢旺达农业的可持续绿色发展。     

The onsite cost of gully erosion and cost‐benefit of gully rehabilitation: A case study in Ethiopia

Gully erosion often indicates extreme land degradation. In the highlands of Ethiopia, wide and deep gullies are common features, significantly affecting land used for agriculture. However, little action is being taken to address the problem. Where rehabilitation actions in Ethiopia are taking place, they are rarely studied by financially quantifying their costs and benefits. Therefore, this study developed methods of quantifying gully erosion costs and rehabilitation costs and benefits by considering the soil components of four model rehabilitated gullies in Ethiopia. Data were obtained from a physical survey supported by secondary information from relevant agricultural offices. Quantification was achieved by monetizing gully erosion cost through yield loss and gully rehabilitation calculations according to expenditure, while rehabilitation benefits were obtained by monetizing estimated deposited soil nutrients using fertilizer prices. Cost‐benefit values show that investment in gully rehabilitation can be an economically viable proposition in some instances. Stakeholders involved in gully rehabilitation should continue to invest in appropriate techniques of gully rehabilitation and management to ensure continued benefits from rehabilitated gullies and use of surrounding farmlands. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

False expectations of labour participation in the construction of permeable infiltration dams in burkina faso

Study of the labour participation in constructing permeable infiltration dams for soil and water conservation to increase agricultural production in the Province of Bam, Burkina Faso, revealed a progressive decline in cooperation at the village level, despite the high profitability of the completed structures*. This decline was mainly because not all the participating people could obtain such a dam for themselves due to constraints in rights to land and limited possibilities for an individual to mobilize labour. Development agencies can stimulate better labour participation by organizing cooperation on a smaller scale (i.e. village section or ‘quartier’, instead of village) or, probably with more success, by putting project means at the disposal of individual farmers, to enable them to mobilize labour for constructing permeable infiltration dams on their own plots.     

密云水库上游不同土地利用方式下的土壤侵蚀特征

[目的]为了合理配置北京密云水库水土流失重点治理区的水土保持综合措施。[方法]基于石匣小流域坡面径流小区定位观测资料,分析了不同土地利用方式及水土保持措施的坡面土壤侵蚀特征。[结果](1)5种土地利用方式的土壤侵蚀量差异明显,与裸地相比较,耕地、人工草地、封禁荒草地和林地的减沙率达63.88%~99.63%;(2)梯田比坡耕地措施小区的土壤侵蚀量减少了95.62%,起到了显著的水土保持作用;(3)采用水平条和鱼鳞坑措施林地小区的减沙率分别为83.56%和96.53%,具有十分明显的减蚀作用;(4)与人工草地相比较,封禁荒草地的侵蚀产沙量减少了98.25%,可以有效地控制水土流失。[结论]增加地表植被覆盖,减少人为干扰以及合适地配置梯田、鱼鳞坑和水平条等水土保持工程措施具有良好的水土保持作用。     

Land reclamation using reservoir sediments in Tigray,northern Ethiopia

Accelerated soil erosion leads to sedimentation in reservoirs and a decline in their life span. As many reservoirs in northern Ethiopia are dry at the end of the dry season, we were able to evaluate the potential of using reservoir sediments for land reclamation. Stripped land from which construction material for the reservoirs had been excavated was covered with 0, 15 and 30 cm of sediment and planted with a local garlic cultivar (Allium sativum). The applied reservoir sediments had low to medium organic C and total N contents and were high in available P and exchangeable cations. The yield of garlic increased with additional available water and the application of sediments. The results show that total biomass and bulb yield were three times higher on the reclaimed plots than on the control ones (11.7 t/ha vs. 3.6 t/ha for the biomass; 7.7 t/ha vs. 2.0 t/ha for the yield). When sediment transport and labour costs were taken into account, plots with 15 cm of sediments had in the first cropping season a cost‐benefit ratio of 3, whilst those with 30 cm had a cost‐benefit ratio of 0.9. This study demonstrates that the use of relatively small quantities of reservoir sediments is an economically viable strategy for land reclamation. The result can be improvement in income for resource‐poor farmers by as much as 76%, and the life expectancy of the reservoirs is also increased.     

Participatory soil and water conservation planning using a financial analysis tool in the West Usambara highlands of Tanzania

Despite decades of soil and water conservation (SWC) efforts in Tanzania, the adoption of the recommended SWC measures by farmers is minimal. In the past, SWC plans did not incorporate farmers' knowledge, and the economics of SWC was not given much attention at the planning stage. This research evaluated the applicability of two tools for participatory soil erosion mapping using farmers' indicators of soil erosion and financial analysis of SWC measures at the planning stage. The two tools were evaluated in Kwalei catchment in the West Usambara highlands, Tanzania. The participatory soil erosion‐mapping tool uses farmers' indicators of soil erosion to identify, classify and map soil erosion at the catchment level. The financial analysis tool involves farmers in a stepwise analysis of the costs and benefits of SWC measures before the implementation. The erosion‐mapping tool increased farmers' awareness on the severity of soil erosion problems, and they realised the need for SWC plans at both field and catchment scales. With the financial analysis tool farmers participated in the cost and benefits analysis and were able to select SWC options that were feasible under their socio‐economic situation. The two tools were able to demonstrate that farmers' participation in SWC planning increases the acceptance of SWC measures because they solve problems that are perceived by themselves. The financial analysis tool demonstrated how farmers could make selection of SWC measures that are feasible under their biophysical and economic condition if they are informed about the costs and benefits. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于径流小区实测的干热河谷土壤侵蚀荟萃分析

为详细了解干热河谷地区的土壤侵蚀状况,通过对径流小区资料的广泛收集、整理和标准化分析,对干热河谷主要土地利用类型的土壤侵蚀模数和水土保持措施效益进行定量评价,并将当地主要土地利用类型平均坡度下的土壤侵蚀模数与容许土壤流失量进行对比分析。结果表明:(1)灌草地、农地、园地和裸地等主要土地利用类型标准坡长坡度条件下的土壤侵蚀模数分别为110.88,389.58,320.66,507.87 t/(km²·a),呈现出裸地最大,农地和园地次之,灌草地最低的特点。(2)封禁、水平阶整地、梯田和植物篱等水土保持措施均能较好地发挥水土保持效益,平均可以减少72%的土壤侵蚀量。(3)各流域主要土地利用类型,特别是农地和园地在当地平均坡度下的土壤侵蚀模数明显高于容许土壤流失量,说明该地区土壤侵蚀状况仍相当严峻。研究结果将有助于进一步深化对干热河谷地区土壤侵蚀规律的认识,并为后续水土流失治理和水土保持措施优化配置提供技术支撑。     

闽北锥栗林经营过程中的水土流失防治效果研究

采用侵蚀针与径流小区定位观测相结合的方法,比较黑色薄膜覆盖与绿肥覆盖、割草覆盖、生物篱、施用除草剂等传统经济林水土流失治理措施的水土保持效果,探讨在锥栗林中黑色薄膜覆盖防治水土流失的可行性。结果表明:不同处理的水土及养分流失量总体上均显著小于对照。其中,绿肥覆盖与施用百草枯2种处理的液体径流量在试验期间均低于其他3种处理措施。由于覆膜减少了降雨的入渗量,与其他处理相比,黑色薄膜覆盖的液体径流量较大,其固体流失量则在不同月份均最低,施用百草枯处理的固体流失量也显著小于其他传统处理。通过对不同处理的坡面侵蚀空间分异特征进一步分析得出,与对照相比,绿肥覆盖、生物篱、施用百草枯3种处理的坡面净侵蚀现象随着处理时间的延长而逐渐减少,而黑色薄膜覆盖与割草覆盖处理的坡面净沉积作用明显。因黑色薄膜覆盖可实现"肥与水隔离",大量的液体流失并未造成过多的养分损失,仅5—6月的液体全P、全K和铵态N大于对照,7—10月,液体养分流失量也显著小于对照,且黑色薄膜覆盖在试验期间固体养分流失量总体上均显著小于其他处理。此外,黑色薄膜覆盖大大缩短了果实捡拾时间,降低了人工成本。黑色薄膜覆盖措施在减轻坡面土壤侵蚀、减少土壤养分流失方面效果显著,相对其他措施在锥栗林的水土保持方面具有优势,但较强的膜上径流具有加剧侵蚀的倾向,限制其实际应用。可结合设置覆膜比例,采用有孔薄膜、坡面微工程等减少液体径流,以达到薄膜覆盖的最佳效果。     

Nutrient losses from rain‐fed bench terraced cultivation systems in high rainfall areas of the mid‐hills of Nepal

Between the elevations of 1000 and 2000 m in the mid‐hills of Nepal, over 12 million people subsist on land‐holdings of less than 0·5 ha. These farmers have limited access to commercial inputs such as fertilisers and are reliant on organic manures for soil fertility maintenance. Participatory research was conducted with farmers on bari land (upper slope rain‐fed crop terraces) in the hill community of Landruk (bench terraces 0–5° slope, 3000–3500 mm annual rainfall, which aimed to develop soil and water management interventions that controlled erosion without resulting in high leaching, and so were effective in minimising total nutrient losses. Interventions tested were the control of water movement through diversion of run‐on and planting fodder grasses on terrace risers on bench terraces. The interventions were effective in reducing soil loss from the bari land in comparison with existing farmer practices, but no effect was observed on nutrient losses in solution form through runoff and leaching. Losses of NO₃‐N in leachate ranged from 17·3 to 99·7 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, but only 0·7 to 5·6 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in runoff. The overall nutrient balance suggests that the system is not sustainable. Fertility is heavily dependent on livestock inputs and if the current trends of declining livestock numbers due to labour constraints continue, further losses in productivity can be expected. However, farmers are interested in interventions that tie ecosystem services with productivity enhancement and farmers' priorities should be used as entry points for promoting interventions that are system compatible and harness niche opportunities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

垦植方式对山地果园水土流失的影响

应用径流小区法,长期（1996-2006）定位研究福建中部尤溪县垦植方式对山地果园水土流失的影响,结果表明：1）该地区11年平均年降雨量1575.5mm,平均年蒸发量1461.1mm,5月、6月、8月是强降雨高发期,也是水土流失防治的关键期;2）在山地果园开发中,平台开垦的径流系数为0.0688,明显小于顺坡开垦（0.2865）;3）植草能使果园0-30cm土层的土壤含水量提高0.8％-0.9％;4）顺坡清耕区侵蚀模数为2388.2t／（km^2·a）,梯台清耕区土壤侵蚀量达10.3kg/m,土壤侵蚀主要源于台壁受冲刷,顺坡植草区、梯台植草区基本不发生土壤侵蚀。     

The critical role of human activities in land degradation in Rwanda

Agriculture on steep land is widespread in Rwanda. Conservation strategies, such as grass strips and terracing, were introduced by the government and international agencies to lower soil losses due to fluvial processes in this fragile setting. Minimal attention has been given to assessing soil losses due to farming activities or to developing conservation strategies to control soil erosion resulting from these human activities. This study evaluates soil losses resulting from both runoff and human activities in a densely populated region of northwestern Rwanda. During a 4-year period, 11 Wischmeier-type plots were cultivated with the typical local crops. Grass strips and grass/shrub strips were planted at 5-m intervals on eight of these plots. Five meters is the common spacing of this government-encouraged conservation practice. These strips were found to be useful for reducing soil loss from runoff, but they were relatively ineffective in curtailing soil losses resulting from human activities associated with the local farming system. The soil loss on the cultivated plots, resulting from activities such as hoeing, averaged over 68·2 t ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. Unless conservation strategies curtail human induced soil losses as well as those due to fluvial processes, the land resource will continue to degrade and farmland will cease to be productive in the study area.     

The economics of tillage for large-scale mechanized farms

Economically rational farmers base tillage choice decisions on comparisons of resources requirements, production, costs, crop yields and short-term net returns across alternative systems. Also deserving consideration are the adverse effects of tillage on soil erosion and longer term productivity, which in turn affect longer term net returns, and the comparative riskiness of tillage alternatives, as measured by variability of net returns. Most empirical evidence indicates the superiority of conservation tillage systems for both crops and small grains, especially where produced in warm climates, on shallow soils, and on sloping terrain. The same conservation tillage systems tend to carry a higher risk loading, so that risk-averse farmers may prefer more erosive conventional tillage systems, despite the lower profitability.

While farmers may be able to ignore the off-set costs of downstream watercourse pollution caused by soil erosion, society is increasingly concerned about such costs. Unless more farmers adopt conservation tillage systems voluntarily, increased public intervention may be demanded society at large. Such intervention could reduce the farmer's freedom to choice, but could also involve financial assistance programmes, since the latter can be justified on economic grounds.