Conservation farming on steep lands - USAid

INTEGRATING CONSERVATION 221
mended as a way of increasing crop production, soil nitrogen levels, and
ground cover.
Contour buffer strips
Contour buffer strips on the uphill side of the marker ridge are reconinicnded
to serve as infiltration zones and sediment traps when the boxed
contour ridges zie unable to cope with the rainfall received during a severe
storm event. Farmers are advised to use the strips to grow perennial crops
that are both productive and provide good ground cover, for example, fruit
trees undersown with a grassllegun~e mixture. strips of livestock fodder
for feeding on a cut-and-carry basis, or firewood. The important thing is
that the perennial crops should be productive and used io nieet sonie of
what households see as their needs.
integration of livestock
Integration of livestock into the <strong>farming</strong> system by planting pasture as
part of a clop rotation, by using crop residues as feed and livestock bedding,
and by applying manure to the land is a realistic and profitable way
for fsrmers to improve the surface condition of their soil and maintain
organic matter levels. Pastures can be used for dairy and beef production,
farm enterprises that can produce higher returns than the equivalent land
area under annual crops (3). Farmers are being advised that pastures, such
as a Rhodes grass/silverleaf mixture and Napier grass, can be successfully
t-siiiblished under a maize crop without significantly reducing the maize
yield (17). Farmers are also being encouraged to fatten steers on crop
residues in a stall during the dry season. thereby converting an otherwise
low-value farm resource (crop residues) ',.to high-value beef and organic
fertilizer.
Trees in an integrated land use layout
A variety of a farm family's basic needs-fuel and shelter-can be met
with trees. In an integrated land use system, trees can also be used to enhance
land productivity and sustainability (12), which are important for small
farmers with limited access to purchased farm inputs. It is recommended
that suitable trees be planted on the contour marker ridges, in the buffer
strips, or along field boundaries. In an integrated layout the need is for
species that offer several benefits to the farmer with a minimum of adverse
side effects on crops. Leguminous species are ideal, especially if they grow