Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: To find out the method which could effectively control erosion to improve the crop growth parameters at Buhoro hill. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The experiments have considered three plots with three different erosion control methods such as the traditional plowing methods (M1) which was the control, anti-erosive hedges planting (M2) and anti-erosive hedges coupled with anti-erosive ditches (M3). The experiments were carried out in 2016 and 2017. Data were recorded at three homogeneous regions (upstream, middle and downstream) by choosing two lines at each region and analyzed through SPSS at P<0.05 for significative difference. Finding: The results showed lowest value for the control and the plot with hedges, especially for the lines near the hedges. Moreover, these outcomes highlighted the method M3 (anti-erosive hedges coupled with anti-erosive ditches) as the effective method in improving the studied parameters although the significance was not apparent in the first year. The method (M3) has effectively enhanced the leaf number; leaf area and root length than other methods, especially in the second year with a general significance difference among the treatments. Furthermore, the outcomes revealed significance effects of combining hedge and ditches method (M3) in improving stem girth and plant height for both years. Although many results reported positive effects of anti-erosive hedge planting only than the control, especially in Burundi, where the use of hedge plantation only is more frequent, to couple hedges and ditches is more effective as revealed in the present study. Application/Improvements: These results suggest M3, as the most effective method in improving bean growth parameters at Buhoro hill in Gashikanwa commune. 

Keywords: Anti-Erosive Hedges Coupled with Anti-Erosive Ditches Method, Anti-Erosive Hedges Planting Method, Beans Plant, Growth Parameters, Soil Erosion, Traditional Plowing Method