Forestry Training Manual: Inter-America Region (Peace Corps, 1986): Session XXXVII

Forestry Training Manual: Inter-America Region (Peace Corps, 1986)

		(introduction...)
		Acknowledgements
		Trainer guidelines
		Training program overview
		Forestry observation guide for site visit
		Getting ready
		Conducting the training program
		Weekly evaluation form
		Session I - Welcome, expectations, and evaluation criteria
		Daily schedule for technical training I
		Session II - Special projects
		Session III - The forest of the world, Peace Corps forestry goals, the individual volunteers' roles
		Session IV - Language class
		Session V - Record keeping
		Session VI - Journal keeping and setting
		Session VII - Flowers, seeds, the beginning
		Session VIII - Spanish language class
		Session IX - Non-verbal communication
		Session X - Basic site selection, planning and layout of a nursery
		Session XI - Spanish lesson
		Session XII - Cultural values
		Session XIII - Soil preparation, seed bed sowing, and reproduction by clippings
		Session XIV - Spanish language
		Session XV - Communication through illustration
		Session XVI - Fertilizers, watering and containers
		Session XVII - Spanish language
		Session XVIII - Protection and record keeping
		Session XIX - Individual interviews
		Weekly evaluation form
		Session XX - Planting trees
		Session XXI - Spanish language session
		Session XXII - Introduction to extension
		Session XXIII - The principals of pruning and thinning learning how to make and use a diameter tape
		Session XXIV - Spanish language
		Session XXV - Volunteer's role as an extensionist
		Session XXVI - Pacing, plane table, rustic transit and compass
		Session XXVII - Spanish language
		Session XVIII - Forestry extension
		Session XXIX - Forest menstruation
		Session XXX - Spanish language
		Session XXXI - Working with groups as an extension worker
		Session XXXII - Agro-forestry
		Session XXXIII - Spanish language
		Session XXXIV - Lesson plan and use of visual AIDS in teaching
		Session XXXV - Small research projects
		Session XXXVI - Individual interviews
		Session XXXVII - Soils
		Session XXXVIII - Spanish language
		Session XXXIX - Community analysis introduction
		Session XL - Soil erosion
		Session XLI - Spanish language
		Session XLII - Problem analysis
		Session XLIII - Watershed management
		Session XLIV - Spanish language
		Session XLV - Review of expectations - Mid way
		Session XLVI - Spanish language
		Session XLVII - Species report
		Session XLVIII - Forestry issues
		Session XLIX - Spanish language
		Session L - Field trip overview
		Session LI - Ecology teams give presentations
		Session LII - Individual interviews
		Session LIII - Review of field trips
		Session LIV - Project planning: Goal setting
		Session LV - Spanish language
		Session LVI - Resources
		Session LVII - Compost heap. Insect collection. Light gaps
		Session LVIII - Spanish language
		Session LIX - Cultural shock - Are we ready for it?
		Session LX - Grafting and fruit trees
		Session LXI - Spanish language
		Session LXII - Professional approaches to interaction with host country officials
		Session LXIII - Final interviews
		Session LXIV - Graduation

Session XXXVII - Soils

Total Time:

Goals:

- To introduce varieties of soils found in host country.
- Soil fertility is explained.
- To discuss fertilization of soils.
- To go through steps for taking soil samples.
- Techniques to be used in soil conservation extension are explored.

Overview

Technical trainer introduces the subject of soil in host country(ies). Talks about different types, fertility, and fertilization as a means of improving soil quality. Explains steps for taking soil samples. Discusses techniques to be used in soil conservation extension work.

Trainer's Note: It may be possible to get a local soil expert to give presentation during this session.

Exercise

I: Lecture on Soils
II: Movies

Materials:

Flip charts, magic marker, tape, movies

Exercise I - Soil Lecture

Total Time:

1 hour

Overview

Technical trainer introduces soil section of training, covers varieties found in host country (ies), fertility of soils, and fertilization of soils. Explains steps for taking soil samples. Gives examples of: techniques to be used in soil conservation extension work.

Procedures

Time	Activities
	1. Technical trainer gives lecture on soils. This lecture must he country specific and if not, trainees must know how to find specifics on host country. Following is a sample outline for use by technical trainer,
	2. Slide show.
	3. Field trips - visit to poor and good soil management and the affects on crops.

I. Soils of Ecuador

A. Sierra Soils
1. Volcanic origin.
2. Hardpan (cangahua) at varying depths below top soil; hardpan compressed fine (powder like) particles with little structure.
3. High elevation - there are deep soils of volcanic origin which are very feral.
4. In the valleys, the soil is sedimentary from the effects of erosion.

B. Coastal Soils
1. Provencia los Rios - Best soil in the country is of volcanic origin; two to three harvests per year.
2. Rio Guayas - Sedimentary soil from the river delta; fertile and good rice land.

C. Oriente Soils
1. Generally poor soils.
2. Most nutrients locked up in the biomass.
3. Nutrients (especially nitrogen) are quickly leached from the soil.
4. Two areas suitable for crops - soil of volcanic origin:
a. Lago Aqua - Coco
b. Southern Sector - Zamora

5. Silvo-Agro-Pastoral Systems can be used (Trees - Crops - Pasture) on a rotational basis.

II. Soil fertility

A. Generally soil is:
1. of low fertility in the orient,
2. of high fertility along the coast.

B. Problems:
1. Phosphates: Fixes in the soil and becomes unavailable to plants; in places must add up to 300 Kg/ha of P₂O₅,
2. Potassium: Also fixes in soil and is unavailable to plants,
3. Nitrogen: Easily leached out of soil in areas of high rainfall.

III. Fertilizers

A. Generally, the campesino does not have much knowledge or understanding in the use of chemical fertilizers and/or composting.
B. Organic Fertilizer: Material generally not available for use as fertilizer; needs more fuel, and/or food for animals and man.
C. Some soils lack certain nutrients.
a. zinc (in) - needed in corn production in the highlands,
b. sulphur (S) - needed in legume production in the highlands.

D. Most common fertilizer used is super-phosphate simple (P + sulphur).

IV. Soil Samples

A. To determine nutrient needs, soil sample should be taken.
B. Sub-samples of soil should be taken throughout the area of same soil; then mix subsamples and take a 1 - 2 pound

Fig. 55
C. In Ecuador, samples can be sent into INIAP Santa Catalina (10 km south of Quito); free analysis.
D. Analysis is free and usually takes 15 days (from time of delivery), but can take up to 3 months. Analysis will include: a. N. P. K b. pH, or soil acidity
E. Analysis of trace minerals can be requested (cost 200 sucres). (Ca, Zn, Fe, Mg, Ca, Mn, B).

V. Soil Conservation Extension

A. Techniques
1. Two boxes of soil, one covered with mulch, tilt boxes and put jars at lower end of box. Pour water over boxes and observe how clear water fills jar at lower end of mulchified box.

(Fig. 56 )

(Fig. 57)

Exercise II - Movies pertaining to Soil, Soil Erosion and Watershed Management

Total Time:

2 hours

Overview

Since it would not be possible to have trainees see every kind of soil erosion, soil management and watershed management, we showed movies which did give trainees a broad picture.

Procedure

Time	Activities
	1. The following movies are shown; technical trainer makes comments and answers questions after each film.
14 minutes		a. Soil Erosion
12 minutes		b. What is Soil?
25 minutes		c. hater movement in soil
11 minutes		d. What is Ecology?

Questions and comments take between 5 and 10 minutes

Trainer's Note: You will want to look around for good movies on soil. We only went to one source and found later that there were several we could have used.

Fig 58 - SOIL CHART OF ECUADOR