Libutan, Jan Vincent L.

AGRI 31 B-6L

Narrative Report on Soil and Water Conservation Management

Last September 28, we visited a portion the 8.1 ha farm of Institute of Agroforestry that highlights
different agroforestry-related production and protection technologies. The farm that we visited is an
example of upland cropping system. It is dependent on the amount of rainfall, so Soil and Water
Conservation Management measures must be implemented throughout this system. The topsoil of the
farm is brown in color, and there were indications of erosion in the farm. The topsoil was detached
from the uppermost part of the farm, then the portions of detached topsoil covered the rocks that is an
indication that the topsoil was displaced. Water is one of the most important inputs in crop production.
It influences biochemical processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, nutrient uptake,
and translocation. Water is a costly input when canals supply it, so water must be managed properly.
Shortage and excess of water supply can affect the growth and development of crops that could affect
the yield of the crops. In the farm visited, all-year round cropping is feasible because different SWCM
measures were applied.

The three SWCMs were applied in that farm, namely: vegetative, structural, and vengineering.
Under vegetative SWCM, alley-cropping and multi-storey system were used. In alley-cropping,
hedgerows are planted along the contour to minimize soil erosion. Hedgerows trap sediments at the
base that results in the reduction of surface run-off velocity. Leguminous crops can be used as
hedgerows because they fixate N2. The multi-storey system is known for its canopy layers in which
pomological trees are mixed with perennial crops to portray “forest-like” environment. The upper layer
is composed of plant that demand light, while the lower layer consists of crops that can tolerate shade
environment. This system can cover vegetative crops, while cycling the nutrients in its system.
Methods under Structural SWCM include fallow system and balabag, fascine, checkdams, contour and
diversion canals, and rockwall. Balbag system and fascine have almost the same use, which is to
prevent soil erosion in sloping hillsides, but the difference between the two is the way the tree branches
are put in the land. Checkdams are usually made of “bamboo-like” dams that regulate the surface run-
off and prevent rapid soil erosion. Contour and diversion canals are made to drain excess H2O run off.
Another SWCM applied in the farm is vengineering. Under vengineering, we have bench terracing and
fanyajuu. The concept of bench terracing can be seen in Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao. This terracing
makes use of soil, grass, and rocks to be used as drainage for excess water and it can also be utilized as
a planting area. Fanyajuu is a complex type of vengineering, throwing the soil up to form bunds along
the contour. The purpose of fanyajuu is to prevent rapid soil erosion.

After the farmer explained the applications of SWCM, we established the contour line using the A-
frame. Tape measure was also used to measure the horizontal and vertical distance of the designated
area. Stakes were also used to mark the points along the contour. The average slope of the area based
on the A-frame activity is 0.24. This indicates that the area is an upland area. The crops that could be
planted in an upland area are perennial crops like pomological trees, and forest trees could also be
planted. Trees could withstand the run-off of rainfall and the roots of trees could hold the soil that can
prevent soil erosion.
Point Rise Run Slope
1 83 334
2 79 358
3 84 354
4 82 337
5 83 317