Image Logo Cesra

Planted Vegetative Strips (PVS)

Type: Technologies

Creation: 2011-06-14 19:28   Updated: 2019-06-14 11:46

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: Isabela
  • Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Isabela
  • Map: View Map

Description of the SLM Technology

Short description of the Technology

Planting of economic crops/forages in strips along the contour to control soil loss through erosion.

Detailed description of the Technology

The technology was introduced in the upland corn growing areas in Isabela province. The province is one of the main corn growing areas in the Philippines. As a means of minimizing/controlling soil erosion, economic crops like cassava and pineapple and forage grasses are planted in strips along the contour. Cassava and pineapple strips are established together with forage grass. When the cassava and pineapple is harvested, the forage will continue to provide protection against soil erosion. Planting of cassava is done yearly, while the replanting cycle for pineapple is 2 to 3 years. In some cases, forage grass is grown alone. It is more or less permanent and it is trimmed regularly. Overtime, natural terraces are formed and soil erosion is minimized. The system is advatageous in the economic benefit can be gained from both the alley crops is there on the contour strips.

Photos of the Technology

Image Although the land slope is only about 8 percent, soil erosion is still serious during intense rainfall
Although the land slope is only about 8 percent, soil erosion is still serious during intense rainfall
  • 📍 Isabela
  • 📷 Victor Crisologo, Jr (Isabela, Philippines)
Image Planted vegetative strips (PVS) of cassava and napier grass for run-off and soil erosion control. When the cassava is harvested, the napier grass will continue to provide protection against erosion. The alleys in between PVS are usually grown to come
Planted vegetative strips (PVS) of cassava and napier grass for run-off and soil erosion control. When the cassava is harvested, the napier grass will continue to provide protection against erosion. The alleys in between PVS are usually grown to come
  • 📍 Isabela
  • 📷 Jose D. Rondal (Quezon City, Philippines)
Image Doble row of pineapple as planted vegetative strips (PVS) in an upland rice area
Doble row of pineapple as planted vegetative strips (PVS) in an upland rice area
  • 📍 Isabela
  • 📷 Victor Crisologo, Jr (Isabela, Philippines)
Image Beans grown as alley crop in between strips of cassava should be harvested when there are no erosive rainfall
Beans grown as alley crop in between strips of cassava should be harvested when there are no erosive rainfall
  • 📍 Isabela
  • 📷 Victor Crisologo, Jr (Isabela, Philippines)
Image Planted napier grass in strips control erosion resulting in the formation of natural terraces. The planted grass is a valuable feed for work animals
Planted napier grass in strips control erosion resulting in the formation of natural terraces. The planted grass is a valuable feed for work animals
  • 📍 Isabela
  • 📷 Victor Crisologo, Jr (Isabela, Philippines)
Back View on WOCAT