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Natural terrace formation through vegetative barriers on hillside farms in Honduras

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Robert J. Walle  and
Brian G. Sims
Robert J. Walle
Affiliation:
Soil Conservationist, Hillsides Project and International Development Group, Silsoe Research Institute, Bedford MK 45 4HS, U.K.
Brian G. Sims
Affiliation:
Agricultural Engineer, International Development Group, Silsoe Research Institute, Bedford MK 45 4HS, U.K.
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Abstract

The effects of contour live barriers of vetiver and pennisetum on soil erosion were studied on four small farms in south central Honduras. Paired plots were installed and soil erosion measured by changes in the soil surface level of transects 0.3 and 6.0 m up the slope from the barrier. After three years, transects 0.3 m above the barriers significantly retained eroded soil compared with control transects. Soil accumulation by barriers ranged from 2.6 to 11.2 cm, and natural terrace formation (the difference between the barrier and corresponding control transect) ranged from 5.2 to 13.8 cm. No difference was detected between barrier and control for the transects 6.0 m above the barrier. Deposition in front of the barriers and reduction in surface rilling were apparent to farmers. Erosion from up slope on the barrier plots and from both transects in the control sections was not obvious. Direct measurement and farmer observation of sediment deposition by live barriers will help evaluate farmer-identified species for future use. The deposition helps farmers become aware of sheet erosion before the effects of soil degradation on crop yields become grossly apparent and soil fertility restoration becomes too costly for small-scale farmers.

Keywords

contour vegetative barrierssoil erosionsoil conservationvetiver
Type
Articles
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 13 , Issue 2 , June 1998 , pp. 79 - 82
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1998

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