Conversion of stony slopes into an irrigated apricot orchard

Type: Technologies

Creation: 2011-05-03 08:27   Updated: 2021-11-02 15:10

Compilers: Pjotr M Sosin

Reviewers: Alexandra Gavilano, David Streiff, Joana Eichenberger

Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
  • Country: Tajikistan
  • Region/ State/ Province: Tajikistan
  • Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: GBAO, Vanj, Jovid
  • Map: View Map

Description of the SLM Technology

Short description of the Technology

Conversion of a stony plot of land into an apricot orchard and use for production of fodder.

Detailed description of the Technology

Before the technology was applied, this stony slope was used as a low-productive pasture. First of all, the area was cleaned of stones. The removed stones were used for construction of a fence around the plot. An irrigation canal was built along the upper border of the plot. An irrigation trench awas dug across the slope. No planting of this stony surface was carried out. Apricot trees were planted along the drainage ditches. Perennial herbaceous fodder plants such as alfa-alfa and esparzet were intercropped in the apricot orchard. Collected stones were used to fence the land area and so to protect the territory from animals.

Purpose of the Technology: The purpose of the technology is to increase productivity of these stony slopes with the use of irrigation, and intercropping with perennial herbaceous fodder plants in the apricot orchard.

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: Removing stones from the plot, construction of a fence, construction of an irrigation canal, construction of drainage ditches across the plot, planting trees, ploughing the intercropped area, and planting perennial fodder plants.

Natural / human environment: The plot is located in an arid zone, and 60% of the surface is covered with stones. Vegetation cover mostly consists of ephemers which have a short growing period. The land is used as summer, low productive pastures.

Photos of the Technology

Image Sheaves of esparzet in apricot orchard
Sheaves of esparzet in apricot orchard
  • 📍 Jovid Jamoat, GBAO, Vanj
  • 📷 Sosin Pjotr
Image General view of the apricot orchard
General view of the apricot orchard
  • 📍 Jovid Jamoat, GBAO, Vanj
  • 📷 Bettina Wolfgramm