Management of RLD

Question 1

Afforestation

Answer 1

Planting new trees to help bind the soil, and also provides shade, windbreaks (reducing wind erosion), nutrients and fuel for families.

Question 2

Store lines/Magic stones

Answer 2

Construction of low-lying stone lines along the contours of the land is a very effective way of reducing soil erosion and the loss of water by overland flow. For example, communities in Mali, Sudan, and Burkina Faso, with the support of aid organisations such as Oxfam have used this method very effectively and some cases crop yields have been increased by 50%

Question 3

Movable Fencing

Answer 3

Areas are fenced off from grazing animals on a rotational basis, which allows natural grasses to re-establish very quickly given an undisturbed fallow period (1-2 years). A disadvantage of this is the cost of fencing and the management of the grazing.

Question 4

Contour ploughing

Answer 4

Prevents soil from being detached and washed downhill. The method involves ploughing across a slope following the contour and shape of the land rather than going downslope. The rows help to slow the flow of water down when runoff rates are high allowing water and nutrients time to settle and infiltrate into the soil.

Question 5

Planting Pits

Answer 5

Small grids of planning pits which work to trap runoff. Farmers will add manure as compost to the pits to increase the nitrate quantity of the soil and promote soil fertility.

Question 6

Strip Cultivation

Answer 6

When smaller crops are grown in between tall crops for shelter. Harvest times can also be different to make sure the soil is always bound together. This helps bind together soil meaning wind detachment is less likely.

Question 7

Irrigation

Answer 7

Artificial watering of crops from stored water. The added water helps the soil moist and productive reducing soil erosion.