How To Transform Your Barren Slope Into Bountiful Slope?

Sloping Agriculture Land Technology (SALT)

Deforestation is typical in Asia.  When SALT is applied, transformation takes place.  Upland farmers are trained with a new farming method—Sloping Agriculture Land Technology (SALT).  By using an A-frame to create terraces, hill-slope farming becomes erosion-free and soil-rich.  Hence, upland farmers are encouraged to till their lands instead of seeking urban migration.  SALT is a guide on how to farm your hilly land without losing your soil.

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Sloping Agriculture Land Technology (SALT 1)

SALT 1 serves the following purposes in upland farming:

·        Curb deforestation.

·         Adequately control soil erosion.

·        Help restore soil structure and fertility.

·        Be efficient in food crop production.

·        Be applicable to at least 50 % of hillside farms.

·        Be easily duplicated by upland farmers with the use of local resources and preferably without making loans.

·        Be culturally acceptable.

·        Have the small farmer as the focus and food production as the top priority.

·        Be applicable in a relatively short time.

·        Require minimal labor.

·        Be economically feasible.

Simple Agro-Livestock Technology (SALT 2)

SALT 2 is an agro-forestry system that integrates production of fuel wood (from hedgerows), agricultural crops, livestock and forage.  Jobs such as milk handing, selling and processing of milk products can be created.

Sustainable Agroforest Land Technology (SALT 3)

SALT 3 uses agriculture in forestry areas with appropriate farming technology.  It safeguards land degradation and decreases the risks of insect defoliators.  In addition, this system establishes distinctive contour lines for inter-cropping and multi-storey cropping.

Small Agrofruit Livelihood Technology (SALT 4)

SALT 4 is an agro-fruit system that promotes ecological balance by conserving natural resources in uphill farming.  It integrates the planting of fruit crops and other perennial horticultural crops to improve the quality of the harvest.  This multi-purpose system benefits both commercial fruit growers and smallholders.

Credit: SALT is pioneered by Asian Rural Development Foundation (ARDF).

In empowering low-income families and communities in Asia, VNS promotes AgriVentures as a key concept of IntegraCD (Integral Community Development).  AgriVentures cover:

•      FAITH Garden (Food Always In The Home)

•      LIVE (Livestock includes poultry farming with biosecurity)

•      SALT 1 (Sloping Agriculture Land Technology)

•      SALT 2 (Simple Agro-Livestock Technology)

•      SALT 3 (Sustainable Agroforest Land Technology)

•      SALT 4 (Small Agrofruit Livelihood Technology)

•      Others