Combining reforestation and farming in the Philippines may have several names, but it all involves agroforestry; planting woody perennials and crops together to increase yields and prevent soil erosion.

Ecobusiness reports on how the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation has been implementing Sustainable Agroforest Land Technology (SALT 3) since the late 1980s, a modification of the original Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT 1). There are two more types of the system: Simple Agro-Livestock Technology (SALT 2) and Small Agrofruit Livelihood Technology (SALT).

The practice involves planting hedgerows of trees and shrubs such as mangium, narra and acacia. Prunings from the trees are applied to crops as mulch and a source of fertilizer. Between the hedgerows, a combination of permanent, semi-permanent, and annual crops are planted, including mung beans, ginger, sweet potato and taro. The farmers receive income from their food crops while waiting for timber trees to grow and mature.

The practice helps to maximize yields and prevent soil erosion, a major problem in the Philippines. Research has shown that traditionally tilled farms erode at the rate of 1,163.4 metric tons per hectare per year compared to just 20.2 metric tons per hectare per year for a SALT farm.

Deforestation is another serious issue in the country causing decreased soil fertility, loss of groundwater and extended dry seasons. SALT3 was developed to save what remained of the country’s forest cover.

Read the full story: An answer to deforestation quandary