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CIFOR–ICRAF publishes over 750 publications every year on agroforestry, forests and climate change, landscape restoration, rights, forest policy and much more – in multiple languages.

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Natural vegetative strips: farmers' invention gains popularity in Southeast Asia

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A technique using natural vegetative strips (NVS) invented by farmers in Claveria Philippines instead of planting introduced trees for contour hedgerows is discussed. The farmers leave 50-cm unploughed contour lines during land preparation and grasses and herbs rapidly cover the strips. The effects of the strips on soil fertility and soil displacement (scouring) are assessed. The results of 5 field trials on the use of NVS as well as the experiences of farmers on using contour vegetative strips are presented.

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