Hedgerow buffering with Alnus japonica as soil technique in citrus-based farming system
1997
Colting, R.D. (Benguet State Univ., La Trinidad, Benguet (Philippines). Dept. of Soil Science)
The sustainability of agro-ecosystems in sloping areas in the Philippines is constrained by soil quality deterioration caused by soil erosion and soil population. To address this problem in citrus-based farming system, a study was conducted on hedgerow buffering using Alnus japonica as soil conservation technique in Benguet Province. Hedgerow buffering is the growing of Alnus at close spacing along contour lines to form hedgerows. The alleys between established hedgerows can be used for growing perennial and annual crops. With Alnus hedgerow, soil erosion was minimized to a tolerable rate of 2.99 t/ha which is five times lower than the generally permissible soil loss of 11.2 t/ha. As a soil conservation practice (P) for use in the Universal Loss Equation, the P value for hedgerow buffering with Alnus is 0.14. Aside from controlling soil erosion, the Alnus hedgerow provides shelterbelt for alleycrops and fuelwood. It promotes nutrient and water conservation, allows "nutrient pumping" and as a nitrogen-fixing tree, it improves soil nitrogen levels. It also increases biodiversity, improve the microclimate and provides aesthetic value to the farm
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