Adoption of hedgerows intercropping in the Philippine uplands

Hedgerow intercropping promoted as Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT), is usually promoted as a modular hedgerow intercropping system consisting of a set of recommendations which are aimed to reduce the rate of runoff and soil erosion, thus directly or indirectly affecting soil fertility, increasing soil moisture, ease of cultivation (through terraced alley formation) increase organic matter and effectiveness of applied organic and organic fertilizers. The combined effect fo these changes on soil productivity was seen in increased corn yield and to higher food availability or higher cash income. Implementation and management of the hedgerow system generally differed from that followed in research trials and promoted by extension systems. In general, adoption of the recommended contour hedgerow system involved: (a) reduced hedgerow density due to wider alleys, single rather than double hedgerows, and lower planting density within hedgerows; (b) reduced trimming frequency; (c) lack of infrequent mulching of the alleys with hedgerow trimmings; (d) substitution of recommended hedgerow species with alternatives; (e) incorporating additional components in hedgerows or using them for other purposes; and (f) lack of crop rotation. Though farmer adoption of the contour hedgerow system may have reduced its effectiveness as a soil conservation measure, the adopted technology nevertheless appeared, to make significant contribution to the conservation objective, while fitting in with other objectives of the farm-household, such as the need to reduce labor costs and to maintain or increase food production and income in the short-term. In addition, these adoptions indicate ways in which the adoptability and effectiveness of hedgerow intercropping can be improved. By devising variants of the basic hedgerow intercropping model to suit specific sets of goals and circumstances, it should be possible to offer alternative starting points and step-wise sequences for on-farm adaptation, thereby increasing the overall efficiency on the adaptation process