Soil Conservation & Agroforestry

methods of conservation

• contour ploughing

• crop rotation

• cover crops

• terracing

• soil conditioners

• buffer strips

• improved irrigation

benefits of soil conditioners

• enhances soil fertility

• increases water holding capacity

• promotes microbial activity

• lime neutralises acidity

benefits of buffer strips/shelter belts

• protects crops

• creates favourable microclimates

• enhances biodiversity of non-target species

benefits of contour ploughing

• traps water, reducing speed of run off

  • greater time for permeation

• promotes crop growth

• prevents gully formation

challenges of contour ploughing

• topography requires special equipment

• labour intensive

• ongoing maintenance

benefits of crop rotation

• increases biodiversity

• balances nutrients

• disrupts lifecycle of pests

benefits of cover crops

• establishes protective canopy

• root systems bind soil

• absorbs & stores excess nutrients

• suppresses weed growth

challenges of cover crops

• crops must suit climatic/soil conditions

• must be fast growing

benefits of terracing

• slows surface run off

• more arable land

• aesthetic & cultural value

• increases crop yield

benefits of agroforestry

• root systems provide structural support

• canopies shield from rain/wind

• shade reduces evaporation

• nutrient cycling & nitrogen fixation (whitehorn acacia)

description of alley cropping

• tree rows; crops planted in the alleys between the rows

• contribute organic matter to the soil

description of silvopasture

• incorporate trees, crops, and livestock

• trees offer shade for livestock, reducing heat stress

• manage grazing pressure, avoiding overgrazing

• mitigates soil compaction caused by livestock

• canopy offers protection to the soil

• promotes biodiversity

challenges of agroforestry

• policy reforms in terms of land tenure ensures farmers have rights to the trees they plant

• community engagement

• market development increases economic incentives for farmers