Category: Mechanization: No

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Improved Fallows

Similar names: Mixed Improved Fallows, Mixed Intercropping, Shade Trees, Relay Intercropping

Cultivating Mixed and Improved Fallows is a technique that aims at keeping yields high while maintaining the soil’s fertility and moisture. This can be achieved by growing two or more species in succession, sown at different times of the year on the same piece of land which positively influences each other while providing beneficial soil nutrients. This newly replenished soil should therefore never be left exposed but always covered by crops and mulch. Traditionally, farmers used to leave a section of their land to “rest” (= the fallow) for one year or more after a period of intense cultivation. This allows the soil to be covered by natural vegetation which restores nutrients, organic matter, and soil microbial activity necessary to make the soil fertile. However, with the increasing demand for resources, this practice is rarely used. To ensure long-term soil fertility, some farmers have come up with the solution of planting fallow plants, which can either be a tree, a shrub or a herbaceous cover crop – often a leguminous species, during the fallow phase. Fallow plants can then be used to: provide fodder, break cycles of pests (as some species are natural pest-repellents), attract honeybees, keep weeds away, shade crops, increase soil activity, and increase biodiversity. 

Mixed Improved Fallows can perform even better than having one fallow species on rotation. This is when two or more fallow species are combined with one traditional crop. Usually, one of the two fallow species grows to a tall height providing shade, while the other is usually a “nitrogen fixing” plant which restores nutrients in the soil. 

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Silvopasture

Similar names: silvopastoral system, mixed pastures.

Silvopasture is a technique that integrates trees and shrubs with the keeping of grazing livestock on the same piece of land. Silvopasture interventions aim to realise the benefits of combining two systems: grazing animals help to keep weeds away from trees and fertilise the soil with manure, while trees (often fruit trees) provide additional fodder for the livestock through their extra leaves/biomass. Silvopastoral systems are used as an alternative to conventional cattle farming systems to combat deforestation problems.

This intervention is traditionally applied in tropical and temperate zones but also in subhumid, semiarid, and arid regions. Some other variations are agro-silver-pastures, which combine trees or shrubs, wish crops and cattle. A more complex system should be well planned but that can bring a variety of benefits. Also called the crop-livestock-forest system (CIF). Another alternative is silver fishery, which combines woody perennials and fish resources.

Silvopasture offers numerous ecological benefits, including improved water management by reducing runoff and increasing retention, which prevents soil erosion and landslides. It enhances soil quality and nutrient content, supports carbon sequestration through tree planting, and boosts biodiversity by introducing trees that provide habitats for various species. Additionally, it reduces the risk of fire by controlling understory vegetation and improves livestock conditions by providing shade, which can increase their lifespan and milk yield. Economically, silvopasture lowers costs by using livestock for weed control, diversifies income sources through harvesting trees and livestock products, and enhances food security and sustainability for farming communities. It also supports indigenous livelihoods by preserving traditional knowledge and culture.

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Charco Dams

Charco Dams are a traditional means of water harvesting in arid and semi-arid landscapes of Eastern Africa, especially in Tanzania. This type of dam has a deep reservoir and limited surface area which helps to reduce water-loss from evaporation. Charco Dams are built to collect rainwater and runoff water from flat surfaces. As a result, they are suitable for livestock watering and crop irrigation, but less suitable for domestic use (unless the water is treated). Typically, trees and shrubs are planted around the edges of the dam to act as windbreaks to further reduce evaporation. Small earth dams may vary significantly in size based on the water storage capacity needed. Storage of up to 1000m3 is possible, beyond which a pond is considered large and will require different building protocols. Dams need to be thoroughly planned in order to ensure their feasibility, longevity, and safety. Please make sure to consult the additional supporting resources provided for more specific details on how to plan and build a Charco Dam, or talk to a local extension officer for help on planning and implementing a Charco Dam in your landscape.

Picture by: Rikolto (Vredeseilanden)