Farmers' initiatives in land husbandry: promising ... - Prolinnova

Technical Report No. 27
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Categorization, purpose and impact: WOCAT system
The technology comprises a combined structural/agronomic measure, primarily for crop production,
but with a secondary purpose of reclaiming land and improving its fertility. Its impact on soil and water
conservation is achieved through improving ground cover and harvesting both runoff and sediment.
One cutting is planted in each corner of the pits
Technical details
The technology involves planting sugar cane in square holes, excavated to a point where moisture can be
sensed. Each hole is up to 1 x 1 metre at the top, and from 0.6 to 0.75 metres deep. The closer to the river
bank, the shallower the hole needs to be. The holes are spaced about 0.6 metres apart within rows (edge
to edge) and 0.6 metres between rows (edge to edge). Small ridges are formed between pits by the excavated
material. All work is done manually using hand hoes and shovels. Along the river bank there is a band of
vegetation left for protection from flooding. Construction work is carried out in the dry spell before the
rains, when the water table is about 2 m deep. Thereafter, a single sugar cane cutting is planted in each
corner of every pit, and manure applied during planting. Harvesting of the sugar cane continues for a
period of about 3-5 years. During this time the pits gradually fill up with sediment. A new cycle then
begins with the digging of fresh pits and the planting of new cuttings.
Operation and maintenance
There is very little maintenance work required, other than that associated with the regular requirements
of sugar cane husbandry.
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