Report
Overseas Field Training：Evaluation of sediment and carbon losses associated with soil surface erosion
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| Lanscape of Chieng Khoi area |
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Place : Hanoi University of Agriculture, Vietnam
Date : 16 February – 2 March 2011
＜Report by essy Kho Sze Ee＞
A field investigation of Nitrogen and Phosphorous in surface water and ground water of the Chieng Khoi Watershed in Vietnam was conducted from 16 February to 1 March 2011. Within this hilly area, soil nutrient loss due to erosion is a major concern. Agriculture is an important economic activity and to increase soil fertility, livestock manure and chemical fertilizers are used. The purpose of the field trip was to see if there were any detrimental effects of fertilization on the surface water and ground water which the villagers depend on for daily use.
The results from the field measurements of nitrate, phosphate, ammonium, pH and electric conductivity (EC) levels showed that the qualities of both waters were satisfactory. These indicate that the fertilization rate was within the limit of environmental recycling ability. Another possible reason for the low values for surface water is the low fertilizer input at the time of measurement. At that time, rice transplanting had just started, cassava was being harvested and maize was not yet planted.
The experience gained from the trip is invaluable, especially in the aspect of organizing future field projects. I learnt to be prepared for every possible situation in a project. In addition, the Uplands Program, which is promoting sustainable agriculture in that area by using science, also educated me on the many possible outlets to help the environment and humans.
Supervisor / Instructor and students traveled with :
Kimura Sonoko D., Ei-Ei Theint, Aung Zaw Oo