Soil Conservation in the Sahel (Leaving Cert Geography): Flashcards
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What type of resource is properly managed soil?
What type of resource is properly managed soil?
A sustainable resource
What is run-off in the Sahel?
What is run-off in the Sahel?
Intense rainfall washing away topsoil
Stone lines (bunds) - definition
Stone lines (bunds) - definition
Rows of stones across slopes to slow & capture rainwater
Spacing between stone lines
Spacing between stone lines
10 to 25 metres apart
Stone lines: % of ground space vs yield increase
Stone lines: % of ground space vs yield increase
Less than 2% space; over 50% yield increase
When stone line construction occurs
When stone line construction occurs
During the dry season
Zai holes - definition
Zai holes - definition
Pits dug through crusted soil in dry season, filled w/ organic matter
Zai holes construction timing (months)
Zai holes construction timing (months)
November to May
Zai holes typical dimensions
Zai holes typical dimensions
20-40 cm diameter, 10-20 cm deep
Zai holes density per hectare
Zai holes density per hectare
12,000 to 25,000 holes
What fills Zai holes
What fills Zai holes
Organic matter: compost, plant litter, animal manure
Contour ploughing definition
Contour ploughing definition
Ploughing across slopes following contour lines
Effect of traditional up-and-down ploughing
Effect of traditional up-and-down ploughing
Creates channels allowing water to flow rapidly downslope
Benefits of contour ploughing
Benefits of contour ploughing
Better soil structure, increased yields, reduced erosion
Why terracing not suited to Sahel
Why terracing not suited to Sahel
Sahel terrain is mainly flat