The outcome of Phase-I indicates that SALT has the potential of improving soil fertility and soil structure and is effective in controlling soil loss from sloping farmlands and in improving infiltration of runoff water. On this basis, the Asian Development Bank has agreed to continue the support of this project for another period of three years, till May 2001. Various cereal and horticultural crops are planted within the alleys between hedgerows. Preliminary results show that the local farmers are interested in this model because soils are well conserved and fertility is maintained. The difference between this model and SALT 1 is that fodder plants instead of crops are planted in the alleys between hedgerows.
Hedgerows consist of fodder species also.
This model will require more time to prove its benefits to the local people because animals, especially goats, cattle, and buffaloes, are presently free grazing under local practices. In this model, the upper part of a hill or sloping land is used to plant timber trees while the lower part adopts the normal SALT 1. Preliminary results indicate that this model is more acceptable to the local farmers because people can get quick economic returns from cash crops. Several other technologies have been incorporated along with the hedgerow systems in order to enhance crop yields. They include those discussed below.