Stone bunds and small basins
Type: Technologies
Creation: 2011-03-16 18:04 Updated: 2019-06-14 14:07
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
- Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental
- Map: View Map
Description of the SLM Technology
Short description of the Technology
Piling of stones and rocks along the contour to control run-off and soil erosion. It is also about the creation of small basins by removing stones and using them as barriers.
Detailed description of the Technology
This is a low-cost erosion control technology by piling stones/rocks along the contour. The spacing of the piles depends on the slope and the availability/abundance of surface rocks. The stone bunds, usually 0.4 meter wide is intended to slow down run-off and catch/impound soil that moves downslope, etiher by water or by gravity. The technology is also about the creation of small basins by removing rocks and using them as barrier. In these small basins, water is impounded and allow to infiltrate. Soil carried with the run-off is deposited in these basins for the raising of high value crops. The technology is most especially applicable in areas where limestone and other rock outcrops and where the soil is commonly shallow and skeletal. With time, natural terraces can form. Limestone/rock outcrops are also used in the construction of check dams along small waterways. These check dams will result in the formation of flat-bottom valleys where transplanted rice is usually grown. Series of check dams will form terraces along valley floor in the long run.
Photos of the Technology
- 📷 Jose D. Rondal (Quezon City, Philippines)
- 📷 Jose D. Rondal (Quezon City, Philippines)
- 📷 Lorenzo Co