From soil erosion to soil quality

Steeplands are cultivated throughout the tropics and, as a result, soil erosion is often a common problem. This article explains why, when working with farmers, it is important to concentrate on the enhancement of soil quality rather than on controlling soil erosion. Farmers are not always conscious of soil erosion taking place. However, they are very sensitive to any change in soil productivity. In such situations an indirect approach that combines conservation technologies and agronomic practices may be the most successful way of ensuring improvements in soil quality and checking erosion.