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Innovations and Interdisciplinary Solutions for Underserved Areas. 4th EAI International Conference, InterSol 2020, Nairobi, Kenya, March 8-9, 2020, Proceedings

Research Article

Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge of Soil Regulation Services, and Factors Effecting Decision-Making in Agricultural Landscapes in the Terai Plains of Nepal

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  • @INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-030-51051-0_3,
        author={Jessica P. R. Thorn},
        title={Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge of Soil Regulation Services, and Factors Effecting Decision-Making in Agricultural Landscapes in the Terai Plains of Nepal},
        proceedings={Innovations and Interdisciplinary Solutions for Underserved Areas. 4th EAI International Conference, InterSol 2020, Nairobi, Kenya, March 8-9, 2020, Proceedings},
        proceedings_a={INTERSOL},
        year={2020},
        month={8},
        keywords={Soil regulation services Soil conservation Indigenous knowledge Agriculture Decision-making Soil fertility status},
        doi={10.1007/978-3-030-51051-0_3}
    }
    
  • Jessica P. R. Thorn
    Year: 2020
    Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge of Soil Regulation Services, and Factors Effecting Decision-Making in Agricultural Landscapes in the Terai Plains of Nepal
    INTERSOL
    Springer
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51051-0_3
Jessica P. R. Thorn1,*
  • 1: York Institute for Tropical Ecosystems, Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, Heslington, York
*Contact email: jessica.thorn@york.ac.uk

Abstract

Rapid degradation of soil regulation services is a growing concern for agricultural producers worldwide, with the potential for adverse impacts on agricultural productivity, food security, and livelihoods. Yet, data integrating observations of soil nutrient and physical status with farmers’ knowledge of soil fertility is lacking, while landscape-level empirical assessments remain limited. In this paper, it is argued that a deeper understanding of the benefits and trade-offs of management practices currently employed by farmers to secure soil nutrients could help to promote improvements in natural resource management, agricultural productivity and efficiency. Using the case of the Central and Western Terai Plains of Nepal in 2012–2014, rice-cultivated soil parameters were estimated, and 354 respondents were interviewed to determine the cropping systems, soil nutrient status and risks, indigenous soil classification systems, and key biophysical, institutional, economic and risk perception factors effecting decision-making. Findings reveal farmers are acutely aware of the main causes of soil degradation and until today, these issues continue to be of critical importance. To counter this degradation, farmers employ a diversity of landscape-level practices to secure optimal crop yields and soil nutrients. However, farmers have limited access to agricultural extension services and scientific monitoring and apply fewer mineral fertilisers than previously reported. Additional investments are required to optimize farmers’ practices and soil regulation services, such as cooperation for knowledge innovation systems, public/private extension, organisation for co-management, integrated nutrient management, and private forestry on farms. The case illustrates local knowledge and incremental efforts to adapt to emerging risks remain the foundation to implement spatially targeted conservation measures and design adaptive land use plans.

Keywords
Soil regulation services Soil conservation Indigenous knowledge Agriculture Decision-making Soil fertility status
Published
2020-08-06
Appears in
SpringerLink
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51051-0_3
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