To counteract soil degradation, the rehabilitation model emphasizes rebuilding SOM reserves. This means recycling crop residues back into the soil profile and decreasing surface runoff and erosion. Soil and water conservation structures, both mechanical and vegetative, minimize wind and water erosion. The integration of livestock accelerates nutrient cycling and accumulation, completing the natural process. Under these conditions, the soil ecosystem grows healthier and more active.
Productivity is increased and crop yields are stabilized.
This is the regeneration process, and healthy soil is the best defense that a farmer can have when faced with drought, insect pests and other adversities. The residents of Tatene Toucouleur and Tatene Serer had abandoned the denuded and unproductive fields located between their villages. The topsoil had been lost to wind and water erosion, and crops would not grow on the skeletal soil that remained. Three years ago, under the guidance of the Rodale team, the villagers built stone barriers along contour lines in the fields. Farmers were trained to use the RAS frame to determine the contour lines.