Bench Terraces Research Articles

A GIS based approach for identifying potential sites for harvesting rain water in the Hathamati River Basin, India

ABSTRACT This study used a geospatial approach to find appropriate structures and locations for rainwater collection in the Hathamati Basin, Panchamahal, Gujarat, India and covers total 1305.09 km2 area. The locations for five rainwater harvesting structures (check dams, farm ponds, percolation tanks, bench terraces and nala bunds) have been identified for possible runoff harvesting based on an integrated use of remote sensing and GIS. Sentinel 2 and SRTM DEM data have been used to process land-use layers in ENVI 4.7 environments and other thematic layers in ArcGIS environments. Weights have been assigned to each theme layer depending on the infiltration rate and runoff parameters. The best places for rainwater collection structures have been ranked in a layer created by applying a weighted overlay analysis. According to the findings, check dams, percolation tanks, bench terraces, nala bunds, and farm ponds can be built in 14, 3, 24, 60, and 61 locations throughout the entire basin, respectively. The suitability of these thematic maps will be useful to hydrologists, decision-makers, and planners for quickly identifying suitable sites with the highest potential for harvesting rainwater. The study shows how the GIS technique makes it easier to integrate thematic maps, which aids in identifying RWH structures.

Analisis Tingkat Erosi Menggunakan Metode USLE di Kapanewon Panggang Kabupaten Gunungkidul Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta

One of the causes of critical land is erosion; the greater the intensity of erosion, the more critical the land becomes. The distribution of erosion predictions is influenced by variables such as rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, ground cover vegetation, land use, and land conservation. One of the critical lands is located in Kapanewon Panggang, Gunungkidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, covering an area of 9130.01 hectares, which consists of six villages: Giriharjo, Girisuko, Giriwungu, Girimulyo, Girikarto, and Girisekar. The purpose of this study is to determine the erosion rate in Kapanewon Panggang, to assess the level of erosion hazard in Kapanewon Panggang, and to formulate a land management concept based on actual land use conditions with erosion criticality parameters in Kapanewon Panggang, Gunungkidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The method used is the USLE (Universal Soil Loss Equation). USLE is an erosion model designed to predict long-term erosion from sheet or rill erosion under specific conditions. USLE is used on both agricultural and non-agricultural lands. The results show that the erosion hazard levels in Kapanewon Panggang are categorized as very light (1184.28 hectares), light (1074.65 hectares), moderate (1831.70 hectares), severe (2411.01 hectares), and very severe (2628.38 hectares). The factors that most influence the magnitude of erosion are land use, slope length, and steepness. The land management concept to minimize erosion can be implemented based on land cover, namely in residential areas where water infiltration areas are needed, in savanna land use where additional vegetation and ground cover plants are necessary, and based on slope length and steepness, mechanical conservation by constructing bench terraces and stone bunds should be applied.

Enhancing Agro-ecosystem Services through Integrated Watershed Management in Etmadpur Watershed of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

The changing climate affects agriculture sector severely especially in developing countries like India. To overcome such impacts, the Government of India has undertaken several adaptation programs, and integrated watershed management program (IWMP) is one of them. Currently, there is limited understanding about the impact of implementing soil and water conservation measures on ecosystem services at micro-watershed level. Therefore, present study was undertaken to enlighten the watershed-level ecosystem services with their economic valuation through a case study of Etmadpur micro-watershed of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, India. The impact evaluation of the watershed intervention was carried out by calculating incremental changes or differences in ecosystem services before and after the watershed development. The results indicated that gully plugging and bench terracing increased the cropped area during winter season by 13% with 80% reduction in fallow lands. Moreover, the watershed interventions led to 10% to 43% increase in crop productivity due to improved irrigation facilities, adoption of recommended package of agricultural practices and augmented soil fertility. In addition, watershed development increased provision of ecosystem services, which improved livelihood security by enhancing employment opportunity, estimated to be Rs. 2,163 ha-1. The results further revealed generation of both marketed and non-marketed ecosystem services, worth Rs. 44,665 ha-1, with a total value of Rs. 226.36 lakhs at the watershed level. Crop production is found to be the foremost ecosystem service, accounting for 72% of the total value of watershed ecosystem services, followed by livestock (14%), carbon sequestration (7%), causal employment (5%), and stored water (2%). Watershed development improved soil health by promoting the use of farm yard manure and increasing green cover, which in turn ensured carbon stock in the soil. The value of carbon sequestered in the soil was found to be of more than Rs. 3,292 ha-1, with a total monetary value of Rs. 16.89 lakhs at the watershed level. Findings of this study suggested that policy makers and practitioners need to consider the issues related to ecosystem services at the micro-watershed level in view of climate variability along with increasing human pressure.

Farmers’ Perception of Bench Terrace Performance and Effectiveness in Southern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

The southern Tigray region in Northern Ethiopia faces significant agricultural challenges, including soil erosion and water scarcity. To address these issues, bench terraces (BTs) have been introduced as a soil and water conservation measure. These terraces aim to enhance agricultural productivity and create land opportunities for landless youths. This study investigates farmers’ perceptions of the performance of constructed BTs in southern Tigray. It aims to understand the effectiveness and challenges associated with BTs and identify socio-economic, environmental, and technical factors from the farmers’ perspectives. The research was conducted in the Zatta, Embahasti, and Wegelen watersheds, located in the districts of Ofla, Endamekoni, and Alaje, respectively, where BTs are predominantly practiced. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. The research highlights the importance of involving farmers in the design and implementation of conservation measures to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness. Despite the benefits, farmers reported several challenges, including inadequate maintenance, water scarcity, lack of access to infrastructure, and the labor-intensive nature of constructing and maintaining the terraces. While bench terraces are generally perceived positively for their role in soil conservation and productivity enhancement, addressing challenges related to maintenance, water access, and technical support is crucial for their sustained success. Enhanced community engagement and government support are recommended to improve the overall performance and sustainability of bench terraces in the region.

The δ2H and δ18O isotopic evidence for hydraulic redistribution by Alnus acuminata in an agricultural landscape

Understanding of the process of hydraulic redistribution in agricultural landscapes is important for informing agroforestry design and agricultural management. The measurement of hydraulic lift and redistribution in the field is still a challenge. Due to the robustness of stable isotope analysis, we hypothesized that the measurement and analysis of the natural abundance of stable isotopes δ2H and δ1⁸O, in the twigs of agroforestry trees, stems of wheat intercrop, rain, and soil water coupled to an isotopic mixing modeling by IsoSource supplemented with other physiological crop parameters, would estimate the extent of hydraulic redistribution in intercropping, and inform the design of an agroforestry system. There are still many plant species that have not been investigated for their potential hydraulic redistribution yet, and Alnus acuminata is among them, therefore this study aimed to contribute to filling that gap. The field experiment was conducted in an Andic soil of the northern Rwanda highlands to address the extent of water efflux redistribution from tree roots of Alnus acuminata to the wheat intercrop across bench terraces. The study involved the measurement of the natural abundance of stable isotopes δ2H, and δ1⁸O of the tree twigs, soil and wheat stems at distances of 1, 3, 5, and 7 m from the tree lines of Alnus acuminata, and of rainwater. The isotopic mixing modeling was supplemented by measuring both specific leaf area (SLA) and carbon discrimination (Δ13C) in the wheat leaf. We noted a significant (p < 0.01) gradient in the depletion of wheat xylem water δ2H and δ18O signatures moving further away from the tree lines. Based on the wheat value of δ2H, the isoSource indicated that the trees may have contributed the wheat water up to 64.3 ± 2.6% at 5 m from the trees, and the values of both the SLA (cm2 g–1) and ∆13C (‰) of wheat leaf indicated the water use efficiency of wheat significantly improved around the trees up to 3 m away from the trees with 140.10 ± 3.74 cm2 g–1, 149.56 ± 3.43 cm2 g–1 and 20.6 ± 0.1‰, 20.8 ± 0.1‰ at 1 m and 3 m for SLA and ∆13C respectively. We concluded that Alnus acuminata exhibits significant hydraulic redistribution in the field.

Relationships and determinants of adoption of sustainable land management technologies in Eastern and Southern Highlands of Ethiopia

Degraded land is a major danger to agricultural productivity and food security in Ethiopia. Sustainable land management technologies (SLMTs), through targeted interventions, have been applied to address this problem. Notwithstanding some of the known agricultural and environmental benefits connected with the adoption of some SLMTs, the adoption rate remains below expectations. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the relationships and determinants of the adoption of SLMTs in eastern and southern Ethiopia. Data were collected from 384 sampled households selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and multivariate probit (MVP) model were used to analyze data. Estimated results of MVP revealed that the adoption of SLMTs is positively and significantly influenced by education level, livestock, membership in a social group, extension contacts, access to SLM information, training, credit, land tenure, and slope, while age, farm distance, and the number of active family members due to youth migration abroad had negative effects. The widely adopted SLMTs on farmlands were inorganic fertilizer (49.5%), soil bunds (48.4%), bench terraces (47.2%), intercropping (46.1%), and manure (38%). This study concluded that farmers invested a blend of SLMTs, some of which complemented and others substituted for one another. Therefore, policy-makers and planners should focus on fortifying human and local institutions’ capacity to implement SLM and consider SLM technology interdependencies before communicating with farmers.

Soil erosion assessment using SWAT, in relation withLand use, agricultural practices, and future climate change in a semi-arid catchment in Tunisia

Abstract Soil erosion is a severe environmental concern arising from intensive agricultural uses, land degradation, and anthropogenic activities. This problem threatens agricultural productivity and sustainable development, particularly in emerging countries. Therefore, evaluating soil erosion is essential in conservation, planning, and management on a watershed or basin scale. This study aims to assess the erosion of soil loss in the El Gouazine Watershed, central Tunisia, using the Soil and water assessment tool (SWAT). We define the impact of soil and water conservation management implementation combined with climate change scenario. We identified the spatial distribution of erosion rates based on soil properties, topography, and land use. The observed specific erosion rate of the watershed is estimated at 1.6 t.ha−1.yr−1, whereas according to the SWAT model, the average soil loss rate is 1.4 t.ha−1.yr−1. Furthermore, the obtained results highlight importance of the slope factor in affecting the severity of the soil loss rates in the El Gouazine watershed. It was also demonstrated that it’s urgent to prioritize other measures such as contour cropping or conservation agriculture, to enhance and strengthen the soils’ resistance against the detachment due to discharge water. In this context, this research found that these techniques decrease considerably the soil loss by 22% for the strip cropping, 33% for the No-tillage, and 72% for the bench terracing. Moreover, these farming techniques, contribute at the same time to the amelioration of the water balance by reducing the evapotranspiration and enhancing the soil water storage. To go further in this study a soil erosion forecast using the worst-case scenario for climate change RCP 8.5 was conducted. an overview of the future soil erosion patterns is obtained. We noticed then a decrease of the average annual soil loss rate until 2050 and then a prominent increase from 2051 to 2100.

Controlling soil erosion and landslides through ecosystem-based adaptation interventions in the hilly landscape of western Rwanda

Controlling soil erosion and landslides through ecosystem-based adaptation interventions in the hilly landscape of western Rwanda

Impacts of climate-smart soil and water conservation practices and slope gradient on selected soil chemical properties in Eastern Ethiopia: A case study of the Kulkullessa Sub-watershed, Goro Gutu District

The productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems are heavily influenced by soil fertility and physicochemical properties. This study investigated the effects of climate-smart soil and water conservation (SWC) practices and slope gradient on selected soil physicochemical properties and soil organic carbon stock (SOCS) in the Kulkullessa Sub-Watershed of Goro Gutu District, Eastern Ethiopia. The research focused on farmland conserved by stone bunds (SB), bench terraces (BT), and grass strips (GS) five years post-implementation, across two slope gradients (15-20% and 21-30%). Twenty-four composite soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-20 cm and analyzed at the Haramaya University soil laboratory. Results demonstrated that climate-smart SWC practices significantly improved soil physicochemical properties and SOCS in the study area. Slope gradients also induced considerable variations in these parameters. Conserved farmland and areas with lower slope gradients exhibited higher clay content and lower sand fractions. Bench terraces were associated with lower bulk density (BD) and significantly higher total porosity (p ≤ 0.05). Conserved farmlands showed higher electrical conductivity (EC) and lower pH values, both statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). Stone bunds were most effective in increasing soil organic matter (SOM) content and total nitrogen (TN). Climate-smart SWC practices also enhanced exchangeable bases in the farmlands. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) was significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) on farmland conserved by SB and BT. In conclusion, climate-smart SWC practices demonstrated substantial potential for improving agriculturally and environmentally relevant soil physicochemical properties and organic carbon stocks. These findings underscore the importance of such conservation measures in enhancing soil quality and promoting sustainable agriculture in the region.

EROSION HAZARD LEVEL PREDICTION IN LAKE OF SENTARUM AREA

The Sentarum Lake region, a conservation area in Kalimantan, is integral to the Kapuas River Basin, which is recognized nationally. Ensuring its sustainability demands diverse studies, including erosion risk assessment. Accurate predictions are vital due to the region's ecosystem role in West Kalimantan. Estimating erosion magnitude provides crucial data on sedimentation, which impacts the sustainability of endemic flora and fauna. This study aims to (a) pinpoint erosion factors in Lake of Sentarum, (b) assess erosion hazard levels, (c) create an erosion hazard map with ArcGIS, and (d) prescribe soil conservation measures. Methods encompassed (a) field and institutional surveys for data gathering and (b) the USLE method for erosion hazard analysis. Identifying erosion factors in the Sentarum Lake area reveals rainfall, soil type, slope, and land cover as significant influencers. Analysis indicates heavy erosion hazards for Inceptisol and Utilosol soils, except in areas with primary dryland forest or flat-sloped dryland agriculture where hazards are heavy. Peat-containing soils are especially prone to erosion. Oxisol soils on flat slopes with agricultural land cover face heavy hazards, while moderate hazards occur in dryland agriculture on steeper slopes. The region faces considerable erosion risk, particularly in specific soil and land cover conditions, emphasizing the need for targeted soil conservation measures. Thus, the Sentarum Lake area is highly susceptible to erosion, necessitating specific soil conservation measures. Structural methods like constructing bench terraces prove more effective than non-structural ones, such as tillage and contour line planting, reducing erosion hazard by approximately 96%.

An exploratory study of the immediate and medium-term effects of bench terrace construction on the ground-dwelling arthropod communities in eucalypt plantations

An exploratory study of the immediate and medium-term effects of bench terrace construction on the ground-dwelling arthropod communities in eucalypt plantations

Effect of soil and water conservation practices and slope gradient on organic carbon stocks micronutrients: A case study on Kulkullessa sub-watershed, Eastern Ethiopia

Soil degradation in sub-Saharan Africa is a serious problem that causes declines in agricultural productivity linked to hunger and poverty. The study was conducted in the Kulkullessa sub-watershed of Goro Gutu District in Eastern Ethiopia to assess the effects of climate-smart soil and water conservation (SWC) practices and slope gradient on selected physicochemical properties of the soil and the soil’s organic carbon stocks. The farmland conserved by stone bund (SB), bench terrace (BT), and gras strip (GS) five years after construction with two slope gradients (15-20%) and (21-30%) was selected. Twenty-four composite soil samples were collected from a depth of 20 cm and tested in the Haramaya University soil laboratory. The study found that climate-smart SWC practices were very effective on the soil physicochemical properties and soil organic carbon stock (SOCS) of the study area. Similarly, the slope gradient brought considerable variation in soil physicochemical properties and soil organic carbon stock. On farmland that a bench terrace had preserved, the bulk density (BD) value was lower. The recorded value for total porosity on the farmland conserved by BT was also positively higher and significant (p ≤ 0.05). Likewise, the higher mean values for micronutrients and SOCS were recorded on farmlands conserved by SB, BT, and GS in contrast to the values recorded on non-conserved farmland (NCF) in the study area. Based on the study findings, climate-smart soil water and conservation practices have outstanding potential for improving soil physicochemical properties essential for agricultural crop production, climate change adaptation, and strengthening smallholder farmers’ resilience.

Assessment of recent to medium-term impacts of bench terrace construction on forest ground cover and selected soil physical and fertility properties along a chrono-sequence in north-central Portugal

Mankind has built terraces on sloping terrain since pre-historic times, especially for expanding croplands. Widespread terracing for forestry purposes is comparatively recent, presumably linked to the advent of fast-growing tree plantations together with technological advances in heavy forestry machinery. Perhaps not surprisingly therefore, the impacts of terracing on soil properties are poorly studied for forest stands. The present investigation addressed this knowledge gap using eucalypt plantations in north-central Portugal as study case and using a space-for-time approach. In total, 12 pairs of neighbouring, terraced (T) versus non-terraced (NT) plantations were studied, with the terraced plantations equally divided over four time-since-terracing periods: <1year (recently terraced); 5years; 10years; 17years. As such, the studied chrono sequence covered roughly half of a full eucalypt rotation cycle in the region. All field data and all litter and topsoil (0-5cm depth) samples were gathered during an 2-weekly campaign, at 5 equidistant transect points per plantation. Terracing changed all four cover categories most strongly and markedly during the initial time-since-terracing period, while its effects on the averages of vegetation cover (T/NT: 19/37%) and litter cover (T/NT: 47/62%) contrasted with those of stone cover (T/NT: 26/1%) and bare soil cover (T/NT: 8/1%). Terracing increased dry bulk density across the entire chrono sequence (overall averages T/NT: 1.17/0.84gcm-3), while it greatly decreased resistance to shear stress but only for the initial post-terracing period (T/NT: 0.8/ 3.2kgcm-2) and not towards the middle and end of the first rotation cycle (five and ten years after terracing). Total carbon content in soils was significantly affected by terracing, while total nitrogen content not. Both properties revealed similar temporal patterns, with a marked initial decrease (TC: -32mg C g-1 soil; TN: -0.73mgNg-1 soil) and a gradual recovery during the first rotation cycle.

Identification of land characteristics to increase red chili productivity in Mangunan, Bantul, Indonesia

Red chili the vegetable commodities with significant economic value. The supply of chili is often constrained, so it is necessary to increase the land. Land suitability evaluation is needed to determine the suitable of land in Mangunan, Bantul for cultivation of red chili. The objective of this study is to identify land characteristics for red chili to facilitate the expansion of cultivation areas. The study was done using a survey method The soil analysis is conducted in accordance with the methodology prescribed by the Indonesian Centre for Land Resources and Agriculture. The results showed that the actual land suitability at altitudes of 0-300 m asl is S3 with a limiting factor being P element. The height of 300-350 m asl is N with limiting factor slope of land. At altitudes of 350-400 and 400-450 m asl is S3 with limiting factors C- organic and P element. After evaluation and improvement efforts, the suitability of potential land at an altitude of 0-300, 350-400 and 400-450 m asl was S2 with improve the addition of organic matter or fertilization P. The altitude of 300-350 m asl was S3 with improve making bench terraces and parallel planting.

Kesesuaian Lahan Komoditas Pertanian dan Perencanaan Penggunaan Lahan Berbasis Geospasial di Kabupaten Malaka, Nusa Tenggara Timur

Agricultural Commodity Land Suitability and Geospatial-Based Land Use Planning in Malaka District, East Nusa Tenggara. Data and information on land suitability classes for various plant commodities must be available in Malaka District on a geospatial basis so that they are easily accessible. The technology used is a geographic information system (GIS). The aims of this study were to: (1) obtain land characteristics for land suitability classes, (2) map actual and potential land suitability classes, (3) land use plans based on land suitability, (4) provide a land suitability information system. This research was conducted in two sub-districts in Malaka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The analysis carried out in this study included: physiographical analysis, field surveys, soil analysis in the laboratory, land suitability analysis, making land suitability maps and land use planning maps, building a geospatial-based land suitability information system. The actual land suitability class for food crops, horticulture and plantations is classified as marginal suitable (S3wa1wa2wa3rc3na1na2na3eh1eh2Ip1) to unsuitable (Nwa2xc) limiting rainfall, dry months, humidity, effective depth, N-total, P2O5, K2O, salinity, slope, erosion hazard and rocks surface. Improvement efforts include tillage, fertilizing urea, phonska, KCl, making drainage channels, setting planting times, making ponds and making bench terraces. Potential land suitability classes are very suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2wa1wa2rc3xceh1eh2Ip1) to marginally suitable (S3wa2) limiting rainfall, dry months, effective depth, salinity, slope, erosion hazard and surface rocks. West Malaka and Central Malaka Districts first priority in flat areas to develop corn, cassava, cashew nuts, green beans, shallots, tomatoes and watermelons as an alternative. Whereas in the Central Malaka District, the hilly relief is more suitable for coconut, cocoa and cashew plantations and the karst hill relief is an alternative for the development of corn, cassava, green beans, shallots, tomatoes and watermelons.

Analysis of The Level of Erosion Hazard in The Walanae Watershed and Land Conservation Directions to Reduce The Erosion Rate in The Walanae Watershed

The Walanae Watershed (DAS) is one of the Walanae – Cenranae Sub Watersheds in several districts, including Wajo, Soppeng, Bone, and Maros regencies. The river flow in the Walanae watershed flows from south to north and empties into Lake Tempe, Wajo Regency. The condition of Lake Tempe, which continues to experience silting due to erosion and sedimentation, is still happening. This siltation resulted in sediment discharges reaching 519,000 m3/year. This siltation can cause a narrowing of the lake area and flooding around Lake Tempe. The purpose of this study is to model erosion control in the Walanae watershed to reduce the level of siltation that occurs in Lake Tempe. Analysis of the erosion rate of the Walanae watershed using the USLE method. The analysis results show that the erosion rate that occurred in 2000 was 187.52 Tons / Ha / Yr, while in 2022, it was 253.336 Tons / Ha / Yr. Scenarios based on land conservation actions can reduce the erosion rate by 149,034 tons/ha / Year. The scenario was carried out by considering slope classes and land cover in the Walanae watershed. In flat to gentle slope conditions, ground cover crops and livestock grazing are needed; in rice fields and dryland agriculture, rural and annuals and mulch reinforcement are needed. Conservation measures are needed in steep to very steep slope classes, such as bench terraces and plant cover crops for agricultural land cover. As for forest areas, permanent vegetation or agroforestry is needed.

Assessment of Morphometric and Hypsometric Analysis of the Ruste Basin Using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System Techniques

A basin’s characteristics and features need to be comprehended completely by conducting morphometric analysis, such as evaluating the basin’s size, form, and surface features, to estimate floods and erosion rates properly. The main objective of this investigation is to evaluate morphometric measures and hypsometric analysis of Erbil’s Ruste Basin employing remote sensing and geographical information system methods. To investigate the significant tributaries of the selected area, the hydrology tool within the Spatial Analysis Tools of ArcGIS, version 10.7, was utilized to define the basin boundaries, map the drainage networks, and obtain topographic data. The findings of the linear morphometric parameters revealed that the logarithmic relationship between stream orders and stream numbers was negative. The difference in stream order and number seen in the watershed is due to topography and bedrock influence. The results also showed a negative correlation between stream length and stream order, and a coefficient of determination of 0.972, which indicates that the basin is made of low-permeability formation and subsoil materials. Considering the areal morphometric parameters, the circularity ratio, elongation ratio, and form factor are 0.594, 0.853 and 0.572, respectively, suggested a semi-circular shape. A drainage density value of 2.259 km-1 showed that the Ruste Basin is a basin with steeply to very steeply sloping hilly terrain with varying plant covering. Furthermore, the Ruste Basin has high relief and slope with a relief ratio of 0.151 and basin relief of 2.576 km, both of which imply that it has a steep slope with high erosive force, limited infiltration, and a high runoff rate. Ruste Basin’s ruggedness number was 5.819, indicating that it has badlands topography. The average hypsometric integral was 0.467, denoting a mature basin featuring S-shaped hypsometric curves. In conclusion, the results showed that analysis of morphometric parameters and hypsometric integral and curve provides us with a notion to basin characterization and guidance to making appropriate decisions to establish effective actions to sustainable water and soil conservation and natural resources management through applying water harvesting methods, check dams, and bench terraces.

Analysis of farmers’ perceptions of bench terracing innovation in the eastern and southern Ethiopian highlands

Analysis of farmers’ perceptions of bench terracing innovation in the eastern and southern Ethiopian highlands

Design of soil and water conservation techniques to minimize soil erosion on degraded land in Samarinda Tenggarong Axis Road

Soil conservation activities are aimed at tackling land degradation, especially soil erosion, which occurs rapidly. If there is human intervention, land will become more sensitive to the influence of water (rainfall) and gravitational forces. This study aimed to identify the types of erosion that occur on degraded land and design appropriate soil and water conservation techniques based on vegetative and physically degraded land conditions on the Samarinda-Tenggarong Axis road. The results of the documentation collected from each research site identified the type of erosion, and designed soil and water conservation techniques. This research is focused on the design referring to Permenhut P.04/Menhut-11/2011 and UU RI/37/2014. The results of this study showed that location 1 of the recommended technique is the vegetative technique and the manufacture of Water Sewerage, location 2 is the bench terrace technique, location 3 is the retaining wall technique, location 4 is the individual terrace technique, location 5 is the stone terrace/wall technique, location 6 is the stone terrace/wall technique, and location 7 is the garden terrace technique. The design of the soil and water conservation techniques recommended in this study is expected to have a positive effect on minimizing soil erosion on degraded land.

Assessment of the Effect of Bench Terracing in El Ogla and El Hadada Watersheds in Tunisia in the Context of Gully Erosion

The study of the erosive manifestation in El Ogla and El Hadada watersheds showed a strong and accelerated erosive dynamic. The aggression of the rains, the unstable nature of the Lower Eocene clays and the pressure of humans on the marginal lands seem to be at the origin of the instability of the slopes. Thus, the preservation of lands requires a colossal effort from the part of the State as well as the peasants. Unfortunately, the majority of developments have been implemented on an ad hoc basis and are far from being implemented comprehensively. In El Ogla and El Hadada watersheds, bench terracing is the most spectacular form of State intervention. It is considered by technicians as the unique solution for all forms of erosion. However, the appearance of forms of failure in various sectors cannot neglect the good functioning of some of them in the stability of the slopes and the reduction of the water slide. The objective of this applied research is to evaluate the behaviour of these benches as an interactive system with the other components of the natural environment based on photointerpretation, field monitoring and the results of the diagnosis of the balance sheet displacement of sediments obtained from the application of the isotopic method of Cesium 137. This assessment of bench terracing is largely based on the Bugeat formula, which seems to be the most appropriate method for determining the suitable dimensions of both height and terrace spacing.