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Multi-Storey Cropping

Type: Technologies

Creation: 2011-06-14 18:46   Updated: 2019-06-14 10:50

Compilers: Philippine Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies

Reviewers: Deborah Niggli, Alexandra Gavilano

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

Description of the SLM Technology

Short description of the Technology

Cultivating a mixture of crops with different heights (multi-storey) and growth characteristics which together optimise the use of soil, moisture and space.

Detailed description of the Technology

Under the maramihang pagtatanim multi-storey cropping system, perennial crops (coconut, banana, coffee, papaya, pineapple) and annuals/biennials (root crops: taro, yam, sweet potato etc) are interplanted to maximise productivity and income. This is most applicable where farms are small and the system needs to be intensive. In this particular area, Cavite, coconuts are usually planted first. When they reach a height of 4.5 meters (after 3-4 years), bananas, coffee and/or papaya are planted underneath. Black pepper may also be part of the system. After sufficient space has developed at ground level in about three to four years, root crops are planted. At full establishment, the system develops different layers: coconut (tallest) followed by banana, coffee, papaya (middle), root crops and pineapple (lowest). In recent years, because of its relatively low productivity and decreasing price, coconut has tended to be replaced in the system with higher value crops like the fruit tree santol (Sandoricum koetjape), papaya and sometimes black pepper. However most multi-storey farms adhere to no specific planting layout. The multi-storey agroforestry system is intended to make the best use of resources (soil, moisture and space) for increased farm income. It is also very effective against soil erosion. Previously, continuous monocropping of annual crops resulted in erosion and serious soil fertility decline. Even though the land is sloping and rainfall during the monsoon is extremely intensive, multi-storey cropping provides adequate soil cover throughout the year, protecting the land from erosion.

Fertilization, weeding and pruning are necessary elements of maintenance. ‘Natural’ mulching through fallen leaves from leguminous trees helps restore and maintain soil fertility The system is applied in a volcanic-derived soil with distinct wet and dry periods (6 months wet season, 6 months dry season). There is the risk of a destructive typhoon every 10 years. Farm income is relatively high, but labour and input costs are also high - and the technology is mostly used by relatively wealthy landowners. There is strong spontaneous adoption, as maramihang pagtatanim has been proven to be effective and remunerative. This technology has been practiced in Cavite since the 1970s. Implementation is by individual farmers with strong extension support from the Local Government Units (LGUs), NGOs and the Cavite State University.

Photos of the Technology

Image General view of the multi-storey cropping system in the Philippines. The uppermost storey is coconut, followed by papaya, banana, coffee and pineapple. Root crops are grown underneath the coffee.
General view of the multi-storey cropping system in the Philippines. The uppermost storey is coconut, followed by papaya, banana, coffee and pineapple. Root crops are grown underneath the coffee.
  • 📍 Cavite, Philippines
  • 📷 Jose D. Rondal (Quezon City, Philippines)
Image General view of the Multi-Storey Cropping system in the Philippines. The uppermost storey is coconut, followed by banana, coffee and pineapple. Root crops is also grown underneath the coffee.
General view of the Multi-Storey Cropping system in the Philippines. The uppermost storey is coconut, followed by banana, coffee and pineapple. Root crops is also grown underneath the coffee.
  • 📍 Cavite, Philippines
  • 📷 Jose D. Rondal (Quezon City, Philippines)
Image Taro
Taro
Image Panoramic drawing showing arrangement in multi-storey cropping system
Panoramic drawing showing arrangement in multi-storey cropping system
  • 📍 Cavite, Philippines
  • 📷 Jose D. Rondal (Quezon City, Philippines)
Image Acacia serving as support for black pepper and as partial shade for young coffee
Acacia serving as support for black pepper and as partial shade for young coffee
  • 📍 Cavite, Philippines
  • 📷 Jose D. Rondal (Quezon City, Philippines)
Image Acacia leaves used as organic fertilizer for black pepper
Acacia leaves used as organic fertilizer for black pepper
  • 📍 Cavite, Philippines
  • 📷 Jose D. Rondal (Quezon City, Philippines)
Image Taro in the lower layers of the multistorey cropping system. 'Natural’ mulching with leaves from leguminous trees.
Taro in the lower layers of the multistorey cropping system. 'Natural’ mulching with leaves from leguminous trees.
  • 📍 Cavite, Philippines
  • 📷 Jose D. Rondal (Quezon City, Philippines)
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