Sustainability analysis of soil conservation techniques for the sloping lands in Guizhou, China
2003
Li Yurong
The sustainability of different soil conservation techniques for sloping lands of Luodian, Longli and Pingba Counties inGuizhou Province, People's Republic of China was analyzed. The determinants of farmers' decision to adopt the alley cropping system were assessed. Strategies to improve the sustainability and acceptability of the alley cropping system among upland farmers were recommended. Primary data were collected using survey approach and key informant interview. The survey was conducted in Dajiang, Shangjie, Xiazhai and Nadang Villages in Luodian County, Yuanbao Village in Longli County, and Yunpan and Sicun Villages in Pingba County, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China. Respondents were randomly selected for personal interview. Focus group interviews with leaders of the villages were also conducted. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Experimental results obtained by the IBSRAM-SOC project in 1992-2000 for both experimental and demonstration sites, statistical documents, published scientific papers, books, and research papers were used as sources of secondary data. Time series data (1992-2000) on soil loss, agricultural data, and related issues of the study sites were gathered from the China Statistical Yearbook and the Bureau of Agriculture. Among the soil conservation techniques, alley cropping stabilized the slope of upland farms because the soil accumulated along alley crops. This technology is more acceptable among farmers because it is simpler, easily understood and required lesser amount of labor and material inputs than hillside ditches. Using the sustainability indicators as criteria for selection of appropriate soil conservation techniques, the alley cropping system had the highest benefit-cost ratio, crop productivity and soil fertility build-up, and least soil erosion and runoff rates. The technology has already been applied to more than 700 hectares of upland farms in Guizhou Province and is currently being piloted in selected countries. The technology provides new opportunities for farmers to improve farm productivity and sustainability in mountainous areas of Southern China where stones for rockwalling technique are not available. Government support is important. Introducing of mitigation measures such as reforestation activity, vegetable production in the lowlands, orchard establishment and generation of employment opportunities are important interventions that should be considered by the government to reduce the increasing pressure on steep uplands. Planting of alfalfa for animal feeds and livestock industry is one of the interests of upland farmers to improve their meager income from subsistence upland farming. The alley cropping technology is suitable and acceptable, hence, its application should be expanded to other mountainous areas.
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