MALLARI, REJEAN FAITH P.

4 BSABE

SOIL MANAGEMENT: INTERVENTIONS AND RELATED CASE STUDIES

INTERVENTION DEFINITION/RELEVANCE/IMPORTANCE RELATED CASE STUDIES
1. Drip Irrigation Efficient irrigation techniques like drip systems deliver According to Stewart Crawford (2008), “One of the main benefits of the drip irrigation is that irrigation water is not run over the top of the soil surface, which helps
water directly to plant roots, minimizing water loss due the soil tilth and surface structure. One of the consequences of no deep drainage is the lack of any leaching of salts from the soil profile”.
to evaporation and runoff. This prevents overwatering,
which can lead to nutrient leaching and soil Source:
https://sswm.info/sites/default/files/reference_attachments/CRC%20ny%20Healthy%20Soils%20Case%20Study.pdf
compaction. By maintaining optimal soil moisture
levels, drip irrigation supports plant growth while Israel's drip irrigation system, pioneered in the 1960s, minimizes soil erosion by delivering water directly to plant roots in a precise and controlled manner. This
preserving soil health and structure. targeted approach reduces surface runoff, preventing soil degradation. Additionally, the consistent and efficient watering improves soil structure and promotes
overall soil health (Vardhanam, 2023).

Source:
https://vardhanam.in/israels-drip-irrigation-system-case-study/
2. Mulching Applying organic or inorganic mulch to the soil surface In the study by Prosdocimi et al. (2016), titled “Mulching Practices for Reducing Soil Water Erosion: A Review”, mulching is highlighted as a practice with
helps prevent erosion, retain soil moisture, regulate soil numerous beneficial effects on soil health. Firstly, it serves as a protective layer, shielding the soil from the impact of raindrops and significantly reducing water
temperature, and suppress weed growth. Mulching is and soil loss across various environments, including agricultural lands. Additionally, mulching has been shown to lower topsoil temperatures, creating conditions
crucial for maintaining soil structure, improving water more conducive to optimal seed germination and root development. Among its benefits, the reduction of water and soil loss stands out as one of the most notable
and impactful contributions to soil conservation.
efficiency, and enhancing organic matter as the mulch
decomposes over time, contributing to long-term soil Source:
fertility. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2016.08.006
3. Minimum/ No-till Farming This practice minimizes soil disturbance by reducing or Farmers Bob and Travis Fogler, based in Exeter, Maine, have been practicing no-till farming since 2008. This approach has provided them with numerous
eliminating tillage. It helps preserve soil structure, benefits, including higher crop yields, reduced soil erosion, enhanced soil moisture retention, improved drainage, and overall better soil health and tilth. Reflecting
reduce erosion, retain moisture, and increase organic on their journey, Bob Fogler remarked, “Our experiences have been outstanding” (Pickoff, 2016).
matter content. No-till farming also promotes a thriving
Source:
soil micro and macro fauna, which enhances nutrient
https://extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/soil-health/no-till-and-reduced-tillage/no-till-management-case-study-stoneyvale-farm/
cycling and overall soil health, making it a cornerstone
of sustainable soil management. To understand the impact of physical disturbance in agro-ecosystems, experiments were initiated in 1979 across multiple locations in Southern Brazil to compare
no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) practices.The research, conducted by teams from Embrapa-Soybean, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, and
Embrapa-Agrobiologia, involved scientists such as George Brown, Lenita Oliveira, Eleno Torres, Norton Benito, Amarildo Pasini, M. Elizabeth F. Correa, and
Adriana M. de Aquino, with support from private farm owners.Results showed that NT systems generally improved soil conditions for plants and soil fauna
compared to CT systems. Benefits included reduced erosion, increased nutrient and water use efficiency, higher crop yields, and greater profitability after a
transition period. Additionally, NT practices significantly enhanced soil macrofaunal diversity (Bennack et al., n.d)

Source:
https://www.fao.org/4/y4586e/y4586e10.htm
4. Crop Rotation Rotating crops with varying nutrient demands and A case study was conducted by Humid Factory on a 50-acre farm in central India, known for its diverse crops like wheat, corn, soybeans, and legumes. The farm
rooting depths prevents nutrient depletion and disrupts had used conventional farming methods, including synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, but faced challenges such as declining soil fertility, pest pressure, and
pest and disease cycles. This practice enriches soil reduced yields. To address these, the owner shifted to organic practices, starting with a crop rotation plan. In the first year, wheat, followed by soybeans and
fertility, enhances biodiversity, and improves soil clover as a cover crop, were planted. Soybeans fixed nitrogen, and clover improved soil structure and prevented erosion. After three years, soil tests showed
higher organic matter and nutrient levels, while the presence of legumes and cover crops significantly improved soil health. Crop yields increased by 20% due to
structure. Crop rotation is essential for maintaining
enhanced soil fertility.
long-term productivity and sustainability in agricultural
systems. Source:
https://humicfactory.com/case-study-successful-crop-rotations-using-organic-principles?srsltid=AfmBOopBixu6vkCBi6r4UInic6POj6RMbqUU-yySMI-Jfw-s_sRTz
sAt
5. Contour Farming Plowing along the natural contours of the land reduces Contour farming, a traditional technique in India, is an effective and simple method for conserving rainwater and preventing soil erosion. In the study conducted in
water runoff and minimizes soil erosion on slopes. This the said area, it has shown reduced soil erosion by 50-60% compared to vertical ploughing. Additionally, it decreased sediment runoff, improved water infiltration,
practice allows water to infiltrate more effectively, and increased soil moisture, which boosts biological activity and nutrient release, reducing the need for external inputs (CEEW,2024).
conserving soil moisture and preventing the loss of
Source:
topsoil, which is vital for maintaining soil fertility and
https://www.ceew.in/publications/sustainable-agriculture-india/contour-farming
productivity in sloped terrains.
6. Sustainable Land Use Aligning cropping systems with the land's natural According to Kakulu (2024), land use planning tools can effectively prevent, halt, or even reverse land degradation trends. This can be achieved by analyzing land
Planning capabilities ensures that agricultural practices are degradation maps and incorporating them into future land use plans. Reactive planning, through ongoing monitoring of development projects, allows for the
suited to the specific soil type, topography, and climate. identification and mitigation of unforeseen land degradation issues as they arise.
This reduces the risk of land degradation, optimizes
Source:
resource use, and promotes long-term soil
https://www.fig.net/resources/proceedings/fig_proceedings/fig2024/papers/ts04e/TS04E_atakora_kakulu_12519.pdf
sustainability by preventing overexploitation and
maintaining soil health. Research conducted on the impact of soil and water conservation (SWC) practices and land use planning in the northwest highlands of Ethiopia revealed that
these practices significantly enhanced soil fertility. The study also found that most soil chemical properties varied according to different landscape positions
(Assefa, 2020).

Source:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1178622120939587