Micro-hydro Power (MHP) Projects - Mitigation and Intervention Techniques - Physical Soil and Water Conservation
From energypedia
Overview
► Back to the overview "Mitigation and Intervention Techniques Related to Micro-hydro Power (MHP) Projects"
Physical Soil and Water Conservation
Level Soil Bunds
Objectives: The bund reduces and stops the velocity of runoff and consequently reduces soil erosion and the steady decline of crop yields. They are impermeable structures, unless provided with spillways, intended to retain all rainfall, and hence, increase the moisture retention capacity of the soil profile and water availability to plants, and increase the efficiency of fertilizer applications if any. Through their water retention effect, the bunds may allow some crop yield even in drought years. Soil bunds are entry points for further stabilisation and application of organic residues or compost (especially if applied in the first meters behind the bund where soil is deeper). |
Stone Bunds
Objectives: The stone bund reduces and stops the velocity of runoff and consequently reduces soil erosion and the steady decline in fertility and crop yields. They are semi-permeable structures unless sealed with soil in their upper side. They increase the moisture retention capacity of the soil profile and water availability to plants, and increase the efficiency of fertilizer applications if any. Through their water retention effect the stone bunds may allow some crop yield even in drought years. Stone bunds are entry points for application of organic residues or compost, especially in the first 2-3 meters behind the bund where soil is deeper. |
Stone Faced Soil Bunds
|
Level Fanya Juu
|
Bench Terracing
|
Conservation Tillage using Maresha and Broad Bed and Farrows Maker (BBM)
|
Hillside Terraces
|
Hillside Terrace with Trenches (HTT)
Objectives: HTTs is highly labour intensive - combine both effects of hillsides and trenches constructed immediately above the terrace stone riser, generally suitable for steep slopes (up to 50%) and shallowmedium depth soils (although common in other type of soils). Suitable for tree/shrubs planting and very effective in controlling runoff and erosion. HHTs ensure protection of downstream fields, and play a significant role in replenishing water tables. |
Further Information
References
DESTA, L. et al. (2005): Part 1: Community Based Participatory Watershed Development: A Guideline. Addis Ababa: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.