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Vegetative Approach in Controlling Wind and Water Erosion in Sand Dune Areas

Type: Approaches

Creation: 2017-03-14 14:01   Updated: 2017-03-14 16:38

Compilers: Philippine Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies

Reviewers: Deborah Niggli

Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied
  • Country: Philippines
  • Region/ State/ Province: Ilocos Norte
  • Map: View Map

Description of the SLM Approach

Short description of the Approach

Using vegetative approach to stabilize sand dune areas along the coast.

Detailed description of the Approach

The approach uses forest species like Casuarina equisetifolia and lately Acacia auricoliformis to stabilize the sand dunes which is constantly being eroded by wind and water. Grasses are also allowed to be stabilized by fencing. Fruit trees are becoming more important component of the approach. Mango and cashew can be raised successfully by employing special soil treatment and provision of adequate water supply during the long dry season which lasts for about seven (7) months. The approach is implemented by various sectors. Afforestation is taken care by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Local Government Unit (LGU). The establishment of fruit tree plantation was pioneered by the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU). The university established Techno-Demo Farms using mango and cashew as test crops. These species are well adopted to dry condition. Cashew is well known to strive under conditions of severe water stress and low nutrient supply. The establishment of orchard was successful using a technique called 'resoiling'. A hole of about 1 x 1 x 1 meter is dug in the sand and natural soil and organic fertilizer is put into it. This will provide better anchorage for the crop and will also supply the needed nutrients and moisture during the early stage. Because the demonstration trial was a success, farmers in the locality adopted the approach. It is capital intensive, however, which is a limitation for farmers short of financial resources. Gliricidia planting is also an important conmponent. It thrives well in droughty and fertile-poor soil. Gliricidia is used as fuelwood.

Photos of the Approach

Image Gliricidia sepium is a very suitable afforestation specie for sand dune areas. It is an important source of fuelwood.
Gliricidia sepium is a very suitable afforestation specie for sand dune areas. It is an important source of fuelwood.
Image Techno-demo like this convinced landowners that sand dunes can be made productive.
Techno-demo like this convinced landowners that sand dunes can be made productive.
Image Fencing is an important approach to allow native grasses to be established and stabilized the highly erodible and unstable sand.
Fencing is an important approach to allow native grasses to be established and stabilized the highly erodible and unstable sand.
Image Note the vegetation difference between the fence and unfenced area.
Note the vegetation difference between the fence and unfenced area.
Image Afforestation should be done through the initiative of the government. Here, Casuarina equisetifolia proved to be a success even in very sandy soils.
Afforestation should be done through the initiative of the government. Here, Casuarina equisetifolia proved to be a success even in very sandy soils.
Image Cashew nut is highly suited to fertile-poor and droughty soil like sand dunes.
Cashew nut is highly suited to fertile-poor and droughty soil like sand dunes.
Image Establishment of mango orchard using 'resoiling' technology proved to be a success even in areas with severe soil and water problem like sand dunes.
Establishment of mango orchard using 'resoiling' technology proved to be a success even in areas with severe soil and water problem like sand dunes.
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