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Contour tillage, wooden terraces with soil bunds
Author: Eskişehir Osmangazi University (ESOGU)
| Since the area is situated in the mountainous northern part of the Eskisehir study site where slope gradients (% 10) and precipitation (400 mm/yr) are relatively high compared to elsewhere, our basic goal here will be decreasing water erosion. Due to the long-lasting nature of this problem, together with non-existence of any previous prevention initiative, soil profiles are thin, stoniness is high and organic matter content is low. Dry-farming fields in vicinity are exhibiting severe rill erosion which has been facilitated by further bad practices such as ploughing deep and parallel to the slope. |
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| Two technologies have been implemented in the experimental area in the light of stakeholder workshop discussions: |
- Contour tillage
- Wooden terraces with soil bunds
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| Experimental work completed |
- Soil sampling (20 samples)
- Soil analysis (elemental, organic matter, pH, EC, texture)
- Soil thickness
- Soil stoniness
- Installation of meteorology station
- Construction of wooden terraces
- Construction of 4 check dams on the gully
- Ploughing and seeding
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| Future monitoring |
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- Regular soil surface assessment
- Crop characteristics
- Mulch cover fraction
- Erosion features
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- Repeated soil moisture, EC and temperature measurements
- Empty sediment tank measurements
- Agronomic measurements
- Yield assessment
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Eskişehir, Turkey 
