Lesson 1Reforestation and agroforestry options for steep or marginal land: species, shelterbelts, alley cropping basicsThis part looks at tree planting and farm-forest mixes for poor or steep land. It covers tree picks, wind breaks, row cropping, and how trees stop erosion while giving shade, homes, and goods.
Identifying marginal and erosion-prone areasChoosing tree and shrub species mixesDesigning shelterbelts and windbreaksAlley cropping layout and spacingIntegrating livestock with silvopastureLesson 2Gully repair and rill treatment: small-scale check dams, rock/log structures, vegetative stabilizationThis part deals with finding and fixing small channels and gullies before they grow. It explains causes, small barriers, reshaping, re-planting, and stopping repeats with better drains and covers.
Identifying causes of rills and gulliesDesigning small rock or log check damsReshaping gully banks and channel bedVegetative stabilization and mulchingUpstream runoff control and diversionsLesson 3Contour farming and contour buffer strips: layout principles, grade control, row orientation and expected erosion reductionThis part explains hill-line field setups to slow water and cut erosion. It covers mapping lines, row direction, buffer strips, slope check, and fitting machines with hill systems.
Surveying and marking contour linesAligning crop rows with contour gradeDesigning contour buffer strip widthsManaging outlets and grade breaksEstimating erosion reduction benefitsLesson 4Rotational grazing and pasture management: stocking rates, paddock design, temporary fencing, exclusion zones near streamsThis part spotlights turn-grazing that guards soil and water. It covers animal numbers, paddock plans, temp fences, rest times, and keeping stream edges and wet spots from regular grazing.
Calculating carrying capacity and stocking rateDesigning paddock size and layoutUsing temporary fencing and lanesSetting rest periods and grazing heightsProtecting streams and wet spots from tramplingLesson 5Riparian buffer strips and stream protection: buffer width guidelines, species selection, bank stabilization techniquesThis part covers stream edge buffers to shield waters from dirt and plant food. It details width rules, plant layers, animal keep-out, and bank fixes for crop-animal farms.
Determining buffer width by slope and riskZoned buffer design and vegetation layersNative tree, shrub, and grass selectionLivestock exclusion and watering accessBank shaping, toe armor, and live stakingLesson 6Strip cropping and crop sequence design: alternating crop/bare strips, integration with corn/soy/vegetable rotationsThis part details strip planting alternating crops or covers with bare or thin spots. It explains strip direction, width, crop order, and fitting with maize, soya, and veggie cycles.
Types of strip cropping arrangementsSetting strip width and field orientationSequencing corn, soy, and small grainsIntegrating vegetables into strip systemsCoordinating traffic lanes and headlandsLesson 7Grassed waterways and stabilized flow paths: design widths, species, establishment and maintenanceThis part teaches designing, planting, and caring for grass water paths and steady flows that carry runoff safely, cut small channels and gullies, and fit with farm work and drains.
Sizing waterway width and side slopesSelecting grass and legume speciesSite preparation and seeding methodsInlet, outlet, and culvert protectionMowing, repairs, and sediment removalLesson 8Cover cropping: species selection (rye, clover, radish), sowing windows, multispecies mixes, cover crop termination methodsThis part covers planning cover plants for stopping erosion and healthy soil. It looks at plant traits, planting times, mixes, ways to plant, and ending them to fit cash crops and animal grazing.
Selecting rye, clover, radish, and mixesTiming seeding after harvest or interseedingSeeding rates and equipment optionsGrazing and forage use of cover cropsTermination by herbicide, rolling, or tillageLesson 9Conservation tillage and residue management: strip-till, reduced tillage, no-till, surface residue targets and benefitsThis part explains no-plough ways that keep plant bits on top. It compares strip, less plough, and no plough, sets leftover goals, and talks tools, hard soil, and spreading leftovers.
Comparing conventional and reduced tillageResidue cover targets by slope and soilStrip-till and no-till equipment setupManaging compaction and traffic patternsResidue distribution after harvestLesson 10Terracing and benching: types (grassed benches vs. structural terraces), siting on steep slopes, materials and construction basicsThis part brings in terracing and flat steps for steep crop lands. It goes over types, spacing, water outlets, building basics, and upkeep while keeping machines moving and water draining well.
Choosing terrace or bench typesDetermining terrace spacing and gradePlanning inlets, outlets, and waterwaysConstruction steps and common materialsInspection, maintenance, and repairs
