This site uses cookies, as explained in our terms of use. If you consent, please close this message and continue to use this site.
1 min Read
This technology addresses the soil erosion and water runoff problems associated with traditional outward-sloping terraces by reshaping the land into a series of level or gently sloping platforms across the slope. This technology is a variant of sloping land agricultural technology (SALT) or contour hedgerow technology. Nitrogenfixing hedgerow species and quality fodder grass species, which bind the soil, are cultivated along terrace riser margins to improve terrace stability. This also enhances soil fertility and increases fodder availability. The plants are grown in either single or multiple layers. The practice is applied under rainfed conditions and is culturally acceptable and affordable. After establishment, the technology also addresses the problems of fodder scarcity making it easier and less time consuming for women and girls to gather fodder.
The hedgerow and grass species are established between January and June. Complete establishment of this technology may take one year. The first step in creating the terraces is to build retaining walls using cement bags filled with soil which are then supported with bamboo cuttings along the contour (= future terrace risers). This divides the land into the planned terrace sections. The length and width of the terraces depends on the size and shape of the original field. Secondly, the soil is excavated from the upper part of the terraces and is used to build up the lower part above and behind the terrace riser wall to create a level bed. The fertile top soil must be kept aside and later spread over the newly terraced fields. The final step is to plant grass and hedgerow species on the outermost margins of the terrace above the risers.
light green: districts in 2007
WOCAT database reference: QT NEP2
Location: Kubinde village, Jhikhu Khola watershed, Kabhrepalanchok district
Technology area: 0.02 km2
SWC measure: Structural and vegetative
Land use: Annual cropping
Climate: Humid subtropical
Related approach: Improving terraces with farmers, QA NEP2
Compiled by: Madhav Dhakal, ICIMOD
Date: February 2003, updated November 2006
Cleft grafting can be used to produce plants that are resistant to a number of pests and diseases and are ...
A technology that uses hedgerows to help establish terraces on sloping land; farmers learn improved methods to manage a cultivation ...
Kiwi fruit cultivation on sloping land in the mid-hill areas of Nepal can help prevent soil erosion and is a ...
Promotion of botanical pesticides for organic pest management and liquid manure Production of fresh vegetable is often hampered by pests which ...
A traditional low-cost method of soil conservation suitable for sloping land; it promotes water retention and helps prevent erosion. Contour bunding ...
Improving farmyard manure (FYM) by covering it with black plastic sheeting to provide a favourable environment for microbial activities, and ...
Cultivation of fodder crops on marginal lands and terrace risers Fodder plays a major role in the crop-livestock-manure-soil nutrient cycle on ...
Level bench terraces with risers protected by fodder grasses, used for the irrigated production of rice, potatoes and wheat The level ...
