Resource management options for upland areas of Indonesia

Abstract

The upland areas in Indonesia are highly diverse and fragile. Appropriate measures of land clearing, reclamation, and conservation are the essential first steps for developing intensive and sustainable upland farming systems. Because upland environments are fragile, nutrient management should be an integral part of upland conservation farming. Low-cost technology is the most preferable choice because most farmers in upland areas are relatively poor. Hedgerow planting or alley cropping has several advantages and limitations. Incorporation of green manure derived from trees planted along the contour lines improved both physical and chemical properties of acid upland soils, and thus increased productivity. A combination of green manure, lime, and inorganic fertilizer applications sustained soil fertility and crop productivity. On the other hand, trees along the contour lines compete with seasonal crops planted in alleys between rows of tree crops for sunshine, water, and nutrients. Selection of appropriate tree crops is therefore important. A holistic approach must be followed in designing household farming systems. Contributions of livestock and estate crops to farm income were significant in settlement areas. Resource mapping and resource flow within household units have to be considered in establishing sustainable household farming systems.