Soil Conservation Techniques Research Articles

Identification of rainwater harvesting sites using SCS-CN methodology, remote sensing and Geographical Information System techniques

This study presents a method to identify potential sites for soil and water conservation techniques for the demarcation of suitable sites for artificial recharge of groundwater aquifers, in the study area. The run-off derived by the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number method is a function of run-off potential which can be expressed in terms of run-off coefficient. The augmentation of water resource is proposed by the construction of rainwater harvesting structures like check dam, percolation pond, farm pond and gully check dam. The site suitability for different water harvesting structures is determined by considering spatially varying parameters like slope, infiltration, run-off potential, landuse/land cover, stream order, soil texture, land capability class, hydrological soil group and micro-watershed area. The determined suitable site has been validated with existing recharge structures of the study area. Accuracy assessment of the suitable sites for recharge structures potential maps of the Bindra watershed is 82.60%.

Assessing the Biophysical Impact and Financial Viability of Soil Management Technologies Under Variable Climate in Cabo Verde Drylands: The PESERA‐DESMICE Approach

AbstractField trials have demonstrated the potential of soil conservation technologies but have also shown significant spatial–temporal yield variability. This study considers the Pan‐European Soil Erosion Risk Assessment – Desertification Mitigation Cost‐Effectiveness modelling approach to capture a greater range of climatic conditions to assess the potential effect of an improved agricultural management practice emerged from field trials as a promising strategy for enhancing food security and reducing soil and land degradation. The model considers the biophysical and socio‐economic benefits of the improved soil conservation technique (T3) – residue mulch combined with pigeon pea hedges and an organic amendment, against a local baseline practice (T0). The historic rainfall statistics and 50‐year rainfall realizations provide a unique time series of rainfall and an envelope of the potential crop yield. Envelopes of potential biomass production help express the agricultural risk associated with climate variability and the potential of the conservation measures to absorb the risk, highlighting the uncertainty of a given crop yield being achieved in any particular year. T3 elevates yield under both sub‐humid and semi‐arid climates with greater security for sub‐humid areas even though risk of crop failure still exists. The technology offered good potential to increase yields by 20% in 42% of the dryland area in Santiago Island and reduce erosion by 8·6 Mg ha−1, but in terms of cost‐effectiveness, it might be prohibitively expensive for farmers lacking inputs. The findings can enable the assessment of policy options at larger scale or influence adoption of improved conservation measures under the climatic variability of the Cabo Verde drylands and resilience to future climate change. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Water Balance in Oil Palm Plantation with Ridge Terrace and Nephrolepis biserrata as Cover Crop

The existence of oil palm plantations as a possible cause of drought in the surrounding areas in Indonesia is a critical issue. Therefore, information related to the effects of oil palm plantations on the surrounding environment in terms of soil water content (SWC) availability is needed. Soil and water conservation techniques in the form of ridge terracing and cover crops, such as Nephrolepis biserrata, can be expected to potentially improve soil water reserves, especially in the dry-season, by accumulating water in the rainy season. This study aimed to study the effects of N. biserrata as cover crop, together with the potential effects of ridge terraces, on the water balance in mature oil palm plantations. The research was conducted in mature oil palm plantations, Afdeling III block 375 (planted in 1996) and block 415 (planted in 2005), Rejosari Unit, PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) VII in Natar District, South Lampung Regency, Indonesia, from August 2014 to January 2015. The research was based on of setting up 15 m x 20 m experimental plots with the following treatments: (i) without ridge terraces and without N. biserrata (G0T0); (ii) without ridge terraces but with N. biserrata (G0T1); (iii) with ridge terraces but without N. biserrata (G1T0); (iv) with ridge terraces and with N. biserrata (G1T1). Hydrology parameter data were collected for each treatment plot; water balance was calculated using a water balance equation. The results showed that the use of the cover crop N. biserrata in combination with ridge terraces helped improving SWC reserves by approximately 71% and 12%, respectively. The use of N. biserrata as a cover crop reduced the rate of water loss by percolation and run-off, by approximately 36% and 80%, respectively, in an area where the annual rainfall is above 2,400 mm per year. The presence of N. biserrata shortened the period of SWC deficit by extending the period of a water surplus by 70 days when compared with ridge terracing alone (which reduced the period of SWC by 50 days).

The Roles of Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anderson and Ridge Terrace in Reducing Soil Erosion and Nutrient Losses in Oil Palm Plantation in South Lampung, Indonesia

Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anderson is a weed commonly found on oil palm plantations and can be used as cover crop for mature oil palm plantations due to its tolerance to shading. The use of cover crop is a soil conservation technique to support sustainable availability of soil nutrients by reducing erosion and nutrients loss, particularly during the rainy seasons. This research aims to determine the roles of A. gangetica as cover crop for measures against erosion and nutrients loss in mature oil palm plantation. This research was conducted in oil palm plantation, Unit Rejosari, PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) VII, District of Natar, South Lampung Regency from August 2014 to April 2015. The research used split block design in randomized complete block design with two factors and six replications. The main plots were ridge terrace, namely with and without ridge terrace. The sub plots were cover crops, namely with and without cover crops A. gangetica. The results show that using A. gangetica as cover crops in mature oil palm plantations effectively minimized erosion and loss of organic C, N, P, and K by 95.7%, 93.4%, 96.0%, and 90.0 %, respectively. The use of cover crop became more effective when combined with ridge terrace and reduced erosion by 94.1% and loss of organic C, N, P and K by 99.1%, 99.2%, 90.0% and 98.5%, respectively.

Factors influencing the adoption of soil conservation techniques in Northern Rwanda

AbstractInadequate land management in the highlands of Rwanda has led to soil erosion which caused soil fertility decline. Farmers adopted the soil conservation techniques in order to mitigate the effects of soil erosion. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors that influence the adoption of soil conservation (SC) techniques in Gatebe sector located in N Rwanda. A survey was used for data collection among farmers. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model. Results indicated that about 50% of farmers were aware of the causes of soil erosion such as cultivation on steep slope, frequent and intense rainfall and inadequate soil erosion control practices. In spite of the adoption of SC techniques such as agroforestry (90%), vegetative strips (80%), infiltration ditches, fence, and hedge rows (60%), the soil erosion persists because of over‐cultivation on small farmlands with steep slope, insufficient SC techniques, limited financial capacity, and inadequate practical training to maintain existing SC techniques. There was a significant positive influence of land acquisition means on the adoption of SC techniques. In fact, farmers who inherited or bought the land were 1.55 times more likely to adopt the SC techniques than those who borrowed or rented, because farmers who felt to have long‐ term use rights were more likely to invest in durable SC techniques. However, farmers who joined the land consolidation were 0.14 times likely not to adopt the SC techniques because there was a change of existing farming systems. Policymakers should focus on the improvement of farmers' awareness on soil erosion and efficient SC techniques through enhanced training, extension services and bottom‐up based support programs.

Climate change perception and choice of adaptation strategies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change and its adverse effects, identify major adaptation strategies used by farmers and analyze the factors that influence the choice of adaptation strategy by smallholder farmers in eastern Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach – The study was based on a cross-sectional survey of 296 sample households selected from three districts in east Ethiopia. Data were collected with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire and review of literature, documents and databases. Findings – The study provides empirical evidence that majority of farmers in the study area are aware of climate change patterns and their adverse effect on income, food security, diversity, forest resources, food prices and crop and livestock diseases. In response to these adverse effects, major adaptation strategies used by farmers include cultivating different crops, planting different crop varieties, changing planting dates, use of soil and water conservation techniques, conservation agriculture practices and engaging in non-farm income activities. Choice of adaptation strategies are influenced by gender of household head, household size, farm size, distance from market and number of farm plots. Practical implications – The study suggests that developing more effective climate change adaptation strategies need support from the government. Such an effort needs provision of the necessary resources such as credit, information and extension services on climate change adaptation strategies and technologies, and investing in climate smart and resilient projects. Originality/value – The study adopts multivariate probit model that models farmers’ simultaneous adaptation choice behavior which has been rarely addressed by previous researches.

Mulching in fruit and vegetable crop production under rainfed conditions: A review

In water deficit area (rainfed area), judicious use of water is essential for increasing area under fruit and vegetables crop production with limited water supply. Use of moisture conservation measures is essential under rainfed situation. Mulching has been advocated as an effective means for conserving soil moisture. Mulching is a soil and water conservation technique in which the use of organic materials like plant residues, straw, leaves, peat, etc. and synthetic materials like paper, polyethylene, wax coated papers, steel foils and asphalt spray emulsions etc. for the purpose of increasing soil productivity is involved. This practice is very useful in protecting the roots of the plants from heat, cold or drought or to keep fruit clean. It checks evaporation and conserves the soil moisture, prevents weed growth and enhances the soil structure in which a plant is growing. This may include temperature moderation, salinity and weed control. It exerts decisive effects on earliness, yield and quality of the crop. Mulching is also applicable to most field crops. However, it is preferred in fruit orchard, flower and vegetable production, nurseries and forest where frequent cultivation is not required for raising the crops. Most commonly used agricultural mulch is black plastic. Weed control beneath the mulch is a deterrent to its use. White or aluminum reflective mulch is used where soil cooling is desired, such as establishing fall crops during the heat of summer. The present review deals with the discussion of every aspect of mulching and how it has beneficiary effect.

MULTIFUNCIONALIDADE DE AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR NO DISTRITO DE CHIBUTO

Analyzes in this paper the performance of multiple family farming functions of Chibuto district, with the sample areas, the administrative posts of Malehice, Chibuto host and Chaimite. Wanted describe the multifunctional aspects of agriculture, highlighting the socio-economic reproduction, food security, the maintenance of the social and cultural fabric and the preservation of natural resources and rural landscape. The factors that influence the performance of these functions are explained: territorial dynamics and collective projects. By applying the quantitative-quality method of approach, embodied by the observational procedure and the semi-structured interview techniques and direct observation, we seek to demonstrate that the performance of multiple functions of agriculture practiced by the family sector is expressed by the low yield family currency, high unemployment, reduced food security, loss of habits and family customs and community, low use of soil conservation techniques. Some factors that explain this scenario are: the level of association of family members and the public policies that have been reported with less convergence. Thus, the concept of multifunctionality of family farming in the district should be taken into account in all policy-making contexts and strategies aimed at sustainable rural development.

Soil erosion hazard and mitigation in the Euro-Mediterranean region: do we need more research?

Soil erosion represents a geomorphological and geological hazard that may cause property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage. Erosion of our soils not only lowers the quality of soils on site, resulting in a drastic reduction of their ecosystem functions that play a vital role in daily life, but causes also signifi cant sediment-related problems off site. To curb soil erosion problems, a range of soil conservation techniques and strategies are applied. So far, ca. 7,000 papers on soil erosion and ca. 15,000 papers on soil conservation in the Euro-Mediterranean region have been published (Web of Science, 2015). One might therefore conclude that we now know almost everything about the various soil erosion processes, their factors and consequences as well as their control so that little new knowledge can still be added to the vast amount of available information. We refute this conclusion by pointing to some major research gaps that need to be addressed if we want to use our soils in the Anthropocene in a more sustainable way and improve environmental conditions worldwide. More specifi cally the following research needs are addressed: 1) improved understanding of soil erosion processes and their interactions, 2) scaling up soil erosion processes and rates in space and time, 3) innovative techniques and strategies to prevent or reduce erosion rates.

Modelling resource competition and its mitigation at the crop-soil-hedge interface using WaNuLCAS

Agroforestry systems have a large potential to increase systems’ productivity and provide soil conservation in hilly terrain but comprise complex interactions at the crop-soil-tree interface. Modelling can be an operational approach to unravel the later. We used the spatially explicit, dynamic Water Nutrient and Light Capture in Agroforestry Systems model to (i) predict maize above ground biomass (AGB) and interactions at the crop-soil-hedge interface, (ii) improve our understanding of trees’ impact on crops in alley cropping, and (iii) identify mitigation strategies. A 2-year-data set from a soil conservation experiment in Western Thailand with maize farmers’ practice (monocropping, tillage), maize-chili-hedgerow intercropping (±fertilization; minimum tillage) was used as model input. Model validation showed satisfactory results for maize AGB (R2 = 0.76, root mean square error = 4.2, model efficiency = 0.69). Simulations revealed nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), rather than light and water, as main limiting factors at the crop-soil-hedge interface reducing maize AGB in rows close to hedgerows. Growth limitation by P was stronger than that of N while light competition was alleviated by four to six hedgerow prunings already. WaNuLCAS simulations clearly indicated that small-targeted additional N and P dressings to maize in rows close to hedges helped overcoming nutrient competition. Such strategic management options can be done for local farmers’ and hence, foster adaptation of soil conservation techniques for sustainable crop production in future.

Impact of draining hilly lands on runoff and on‐site erosion: a case study from humid Ethiopia

AbstractThe use of drainage ditches on farmland has an impact on erosion processes both on‐site and off‐site, though their environmental impacts are not unequivocal. Here we study the runoff response and related rill erosion after installing drainage ditches and assess the effects of stone bunds in north Ethiopia. Three different land management systems were studied in 10 cropland catchments around Wanzaye during the rainy season of 2013: (1) the exclusive use of drainage ditches (locally called feses), (2) the exclusive use of stone bunds, and (3) a mixture of both systems. Stone bunds are an effective soil and water conservation technique, making the land more resistant against on‐site erosion, and allowing feses to be installed at a larger angle with the contour. The mean rill volumes for the 10 studied cropland catchments during the rainy season of 2013 was 3.73 ± 4.20 m3 ha−1 corresponding to a soil loss of 5.72 ± 6.30 ton ha−1. The establishment of feses causes larger rill volumes (R = 0.59, N = 10), although feses are perceived as the best way to avoid soil erosion when no stone bunds are present. The use of feses increases event‐based runoff coefficients (RCs) on cropland from c. 5% to values up to 39%. Also, a combination of low stone bund density and high feses density results in a higher RC, whereas catchments with a high stone bund density and low feses density have a lower RC. Peak runoff discharges decrease when stone bund density increases, whereas feses density is positively related to the peak runoff discharge. A multiple linear relation in which both feses and stone bund densities are used as explanatory variable, performs best in explaining runoff hydrograph peakedness (R2 = 83%). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Extreme rainfall and its impact on cultivated landscapes with particular reference to Britain

AbstractExtreme rainfall events (>50 mm day−1) falling on cultivated land which is relatively bare of vegetation cover, typically give rise to networks of rills and gullies with ephemeral gullies in depressions and valley bottoms. Farming practices such as the removal of field boundaries, the presence of wheelings and rolled surfaces encourage runoff. The coincidence of vulnerable crops such as maize, potatoes and sugar beet with erodible soils and sloping sites may lead to high rates of erosion associated with single events or wet seasons. Not all extreme rainfall events lead to runoff and erosion, this depends on timing with respect to the growing crop. Rates of erosion associated with extreme events may be high but when placed in a long‐term temporal context, they tend to be quite low. Extreme events frequently lead to off‐site impacts most notably muddy flooding of properties and the pollution of watercourses. Landscapes may be protected from extreme events by standard soil conservation techniques; off‐site impacts may similarly be alleviated by flood‐protection measures. In both cases, the challenge is to put in place adequate economic incentives, social pressures and governmental policy frameworks to incentivise effective action. Predicted rainfall changes in the future include wetter winters and increases in rain per rain‐day. In this case, the risk of erosion on cultivated land will increase. However, erosion mitigation strategies should still address the issue of the incidence of high‐risk crops on vulnerable sites. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Effect of Water and Soil Conservation (WSC) on the Soil Chemical, Biological, and Physical Quality of a Plinthosol in Niger

AbstractThe hazard for recurring food insecurity in the Sahel is largely affected by insufficient biomass productivity of degraded, marginal lands. In general, water and soil conservation (WSC) techniques are believed to tackle the deterioration of soil quality by enhancing soil hydraulic properties, soil life, and soil organic carbon (SOC) content, but this beneficial effect on soil quality is hardly ever quantified in WSC research. This study therefore evaluates the effect of WSC on soil chemical, physical, and biological quality indicators by means of an in situ experiment, which was installed in 2011 nearby Sadoré, Niger. The treatments include the following: zaï + manure (Z), demi‐lunes + manure, scarification + manure, control + manure, and control. WSC increases grain yields up to 0·7 ± 0·2 Mg ha−1 on degraded, marginal lands, which is similar to yields produced on fertile lands in the area. Nevertheless, a trade‐off between biomass production and SOC accumulation was observed. After three growing seasons, SOC was found to rise significantly for the treatments provided with manure, from ±2·5 to ±5 g kg−1, but the increase was lowest for Z, which produced the highest yields. WSC also showed significantly elevated nematode counts but did not considerably affect other soil chemical and soil physical properties. Hence, on the short term, WSC does not improve soil quality, as was widely proclaimed. Therefore, future research should include the assessment of long‐term WSC effects and the evaluation of integrated management combining WSC with alternative, yield‐enhancing strategies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PEMANFAATAN LAHAN SUB-OPTIMAL UNTUK PENGUSAHAAN TANAMAN KARET: SUATU RANGKUMAN HASIL SURVEI DAN PENELITIAN

Some typologies of the sub-optimal area are known as the potential for rubber cultivation. Tidal and high elevation areas are the two potential for rubber cultivation. Rubber cultivation in these areas must be followed by the input of technology. In this paper, we summarize the results of the research and survey from the Indonesian Rubber Research Institute in order to support the utilization of the sub-optimal area for rubber cultivation. Water management, modification of planting material and modification in planting manner are needed for rubber cultivation in the tidal area while rubber development in an area with high elevation; the selection of appropriate rubber clones and soil conservation techniques are required.

Effectiveness Of Soil Conservation To Erosion Control On Several Land Use Types

Abstract The erosion plot method for direct evaluation in agriculture became necessary to (1) quantify soil erosion on cocoa, areca and oil palm, (2) determine the most effective soil conservation, and (3) calculate nutrient content in sediment. The experiment was treated with three conservation practices and the conventional treatment as control in a completely randomised block design. The results showed for the areca land use, that soil conservation with ridges + maize produced the lowest erosion (1.68 t/ha). For cocoa land use, the ridges + groundnut treatment produced the lowest erosion (8.2 t/ha). For oil palm land use, the cover crop of Mucuna bracteata had lowest erosion yield (12.2 t/ha). Soil conservation techniques significantly affected the levels of organic C and available P under the cocoa land use, where ridges + maize have the lowest content of organic C and available P in soil sediment (1.03% and 0.69 ppm). Soil conservation at areca land use also has a significant effect on the levels of organic C and available N, but it did not affect significantly the levels of available P and exchangeable K sediments, where ridges + groundnut have lowest organic C and available N in sediment (1.4% and 0.18%). Furthermore, soil conservation on the land use of oil palm showed a significant effect on the levels of available P, but did not significantly affect the levels of organic C, available N and exchangeable K sediments. Soil conservation with cover crops Mucuna bracteata showed the lowest available P in sediments (0.86 ppm).

Does <i>Jatropha curcas</i> L. show resistance to drought in the Sahelian zone of West Africa? A case study from Burkina Faso

Abstract. Land degradation is an environmental problem which weakens agro-sylvo-pastoral productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. The most common manifestation of land degradation is the appearance of denuded land. We carried out an experiment to test the effect of three soil and water conservation techniques on survival and growth of Jatropha curcas seedlings transplanted onto two completely denuded lands in the Sahelian and Sudanian zones of Burkina Faso. We implemented an experimental design with three replicates per restoration technique. A total of 174 seedlings were planted in each study site. The results showed that the soil water content varied according to the restoration technique used (df = 2; F = 53.21; p < 0.00) as well as according to study site (df = 1; F = 74.48; p < 0.00). Soil water content was significantly lower in the Sahel than in the Sudanian zone. Seedling survival rate varied significantly according to technique used (df = 2; F = 8.91; p = 0.000) and study site (df = 1; F = 9.74; p = 0.003). Survival rate, diameter and seedling height were highest at the Sudanian site. At the Sahelian site, all seedlings died 2 years after establishment. These results suggest that J. curcas is unsuited to denuded land in the Sahelian zone. Most of the plants died in the Sahel between April and May, which is the peak of the dry season; this may be an indication that J. curcas may not be as drought-resistant as suggested by the prolific literature which has reported on diverse claims surrounding this plant.

ARAHAN PENGGUNAAN LAHAN DAN PERENCANAAN KONSERVASI TANAH DAN AIR DI DAS YEH EMPAS, TABANAN, BALI

Damage to forest resources has caused the environmental balance of watersheds (DAS) becomes damaged. It often causes the result of high levels of erosion. One of the land use changes that are currently happening is in Yeh Empas watershed. With this research can be known the proposed land use and appropriate land use planning on Yeh Empas watershed. Erosion prediction using the USLE (Universal Soil Loss Equation) method is to estimate how much the rate of erosion is happening and also to get an idea how good land management actions for the region. The proposed land use determination is using the scoring method by combining the slope factor of the field, the soil sensitivity of erosion, and the intensity of daily rainfall. Soil sampling was done by taking soil samples from a total of 11 samples of soil from the land unit. This research conducted to estimate the rate of erosion, to determines how much erosion can be tolerated in Yeh Empas watershed, and its relationship with the factors that influence it, as well as to determine the proposed of land use. The results of erosion prediction on each unit of land in the research area ranged from 1.75 to 1,254.96 tons/ha/year and has a grade level of erosion from slight to very severe. The result of tolerated erosion ranged from 15.06 to 24.32 tons/ha/year. The value of erosion prediction that exceeded from tolerated erosion value occurs on land units 7, 8, and 9. On that land units required proposed of land use and soil conservation techniques so that the value of erosion prediction could be below from tolerated erosion value. The analysis results of the proposed land use in Yeh Empas watershed, for areas inside the forest is proposed to protected forest (land units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) and the management is by planting plants that are adapted to the contour lines of slope. In the areas outside the forest is proposed for annual crop cultivation area (land units 7, 8, and 9)the management with the farming plantation development, high density growing crops and terracing and also for crops cultivation area (land units 10 and 11) management by mulching, cover soil with high density and terracing.

Within-in flume sediment deposition in a forested catchment following wildfire and post-fire bench terracing, north-central Portugal

Wildfires increase plot-scale soil erosion rates across the world. However, very few studies have monitored post-fire erosion losses at the catchment scale, especially in the Mediterranean region. The FIRECNUTS project was originally set out to address this research gap by selecting a recently burnt catchment and instrumenting its outlet with two flumes with maximum discharge capacities of 120 and 1700 l s-1. Six months after the fire, however, this experimental catchment was bench terraced by bulldozer. Furthermore, the smallest flume suffered from regular deposition of sediments from the onset of its construction. This study was therefore an attempt to explore whether quantifying this deposition of sediments could provide further insight into the sediment yield of a recently burnt and terraced catchment. To this end, the deposited sediments were removed and weighted on a total of 101 occasions during a three year period. The results revealed that: (i) the amounts of sediment deposited over the three hydrological years corresponded to relatively small erosion rates, varying between 0.030 and 0.046 Mg ha-1 yr-1; (ii) while bench terracing is generally viewed as a soil and water conservation technique, it did not produce a clear decrease in sediment deposition, as deposition per mm of streamflow was the same before and after terracing (0.8 kg mm-1); (iii) daily sediment deposition could be explained reasonably well by daily rainfall volume and maximum daily streamflow volume.

Runoff, Erosion and Nutrient Sediment due The Vegetative Soil Conservation on Oil Palm Plantation

Title : Runoff, Erosion and Nutrient Sediment due Vegetative Soil Conservation Applied on Oil Palm Plantation. Land cover crops play an important role in influencing erosion. Cover crops provide protection against the destruction of soil aggregates by rain and runoff. This research aims to study the effectiveness of vegetation as soil conservation in controlling erosion and runoff. This study was a field experiment on erosion plots measuring 10 m x 5 m were arranged in Split Plot design with replications as blocks, consists of a combination of two factors: the age of the oil palm and slope as the first factor, and vegetative soil conservation techniques as a second factor. The results showed the soil conservation techniques in oil palm cultivation can reduce the rate of surface runoff, soil erosion and nutrient loss. Soil conservation with upland rice planted with soybean sequence + strip Mucuna bracteata (T3) most effectively reduce runoff and prevent soil erosion and nutrient loss.

KLASIFIKASI KEMAMPUAN LAHAN PADA TANAH BERBAHAN INDUK TUFA TONDANO SEPANJANG JALUR JALAN BELANG-RATAHAN

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the class of land capability, land using, and conservation technique which could be applied at Tondano tuff derived soils along Belang-Ratahan road. The results showed that, four classes of land capability, were: a) class III at 100 m (Watulinei), 200 m, and 300 m (Wawali) above sea level; b) class IV at 400 m (Lowu II) and 600 m (Pangu) above sea level; c) class VI at 700 m above sea level (Pangu), and d) class VIII at 500 m and 800 m above sea level (Pangu). Most of the land using were not suitable, yet and there were no soil and water conservation technique applied, yet. Only at 700 m and 800 m above sea level that have been used suitable as the nature reserved. Keywords: land capability, Tondano tuff