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Applying compost or farmyard manure (FYM) is an excellent way of maintaining and building soil fertility. Considerable nutrient losses often occur through the inappropriate handling or storage of compost and FYM. Drying out causes losses through volatilisation and rainfall whilst runoff causes leaching and the washing out of nutrients. To reduce nutrient losses, farmyard manure needs to be protected from direct sunlight, rainfall, run-on, and runoff.
A number of improved composting methods have been tested and demonstrated with farmers in the Jhikhu Khola watershed. The Sustainable Soil Management Project (SSMP) has recommended black plastic-covered farmyard manure as one of the most promising methods. Farmyard manure is covered with a piece of black plastic to prevent nutrients from leaching out, to decrease evaporation losses, and to provide a more favourable environment for the growth of microbes due to the increased temperature and moisture content. This method is especially suitable for areas with low temperatures.
light green: districts in 2007
WOCAT database reference: QT NEP16
Location: Panchkhal, Patalekhet, Hokse, Baluwa, Sathighar, and Kabhre VDCs and Dhulikhel municipality of the Jhikhu Khola watershed, Kabhrepalanchok district, Nepal
Technology area: ~ 1-10 km2
SWC measure: Management
Land use: Annual cropping
Climate: Humid subtropical
Related approach: Not described
Compiled by: Madhav Dhakal, ICIMOD
Date: November 2006
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