Open AccessEnvironmental services of Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L): a potential agroforestry crop in the uplands
Author(s) -
Rojas Marín,
Marcia Medina,
Joseph Paquit
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
iop conference series. earth and environmental science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1755-1307
pISSN - 1755-1315
DOI - 10.1088/1755-1315/449/1/012034
Subject(s) - tillage , environmental science , erosion , soil conservation , soil carbon , infiltrometer , erosion control , agronomy , agriculture , agroforestry , soil science , soil water , biology , ecology , paleontology , hydraulic conductivity
This study was conducted to assess the soil erosion rate and soil carbon stock of an adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) farming system at varying slope gradients. The study was carried for a 10-month period following the completely randomized design. The erosion rate was measured using an improvised erosion bar, the infiltration by an infiltrometer, and soil carbon was analysed through a laboratory facility. Findings revealed that erosion rates in the adlay farming system are far beyond the tolerable limit. The slope > 20 % had an erosion rate of 66. 49 tons ha −1 yr −1 while the gentler slope ( 20%). Adlay crop may be planted along areas steeper than 10% slope but this requires minimal tillage to minimize soil erosion. The technologies for soil and water conservation measures need to be adopted by the farmers in steeper areas.