Rockwall Terracing
Type: Technologies
Creation: 2015-09-22 09:46 Updated: 2017-03-29 03:51
Compilers: Philippine Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies
Reviewers: Eduardo Alberto, Alexandra Gavilano
Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
- Country: Philippines
- Region/ State/ Province: La Libertad
- Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Negros Oriental
- Map: View Map
Description of the SLM Technology
Short description of the Technology
Rockwall terracing refers to the piling of stones or rocks along contour lines to reduce soil erosion in hilly areas.
Detailed description of the Technology
Rockwall terracing technology is widely practiced by farmers in hilly area of Barangay Nasunggan, La Libertad, Negros Oriental. Rocks piled along contours are indigenous to the area. The terrace bed is cultivated and planted with corn, watermelon, and vegetables. In some areas, livestock like cattle and native pigs are being raised. The technology is a traditional practice in the Philippines and one of the conservation techniques under the Conservation Farming Village (CFV) approach.
Purpose of the Technology: Rockwall terraces are built to reduce soil erosion and provide ease in land preparation through the removal of naturally present rocks in the cultivated area.It also contributes to the partial arrangement and diversification of land use. Before the implementation of the technology, the physical condition of the area is not recommended for farming practices due to the presence of rocks scattered all over the area.Dispersed and concentrated runoff are controlled in this technology. Raindrop splash is also restrained. Moreover, it contributes to better water storage in soil.
Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: With the aid of an A-Frame, contours are determined. Rocks and/or stones are gathered from the area and piled along contours to form walls 1.10 m wide and 1.50 m high. It requires 14 person-day for a month to construct a 50-meter rockwall with a cost of 800 USD. Maintenance of the structure is done three times a year by repiling of dislodged rocks.
Natural / human environment: The area is classified under a humid agro-climate condition where an average annual rainfall of 1000-1500 mm per year are observed. The average cropland size of land user ranges from 0.5-1 hectare with a slope of 18-25%. Majority of their income are derived from on-farm activities. Crops planted in the terraced bed are sold in the town market and is also utilized for consumption.
Photos of the Technology
- 📍 Brgy. Nasunggan, La Libertad, Negros Oriental
- 📷 Engr. Djolly Ma. P. Dinamling (Bureau of Soils and Water Management)
- 📍 Brgy. Nassunggan, La Libertad, Negros Oriental
- 📷 Engr. Djolly Ma. P. Dinamling (Bureau of Soils and Water Management)
- 📍 La Libertad, Negros Oriental
- 📷 Engr. Djolly Ma. P. Dinamling