How to Overcome Soil Degradation : example of the Nonglae Village, Lao PDR

Soil degradation, often caused by poor agricultural practices, can lead to a decline in crop yields. Traditionally, when yields dropped, farmers would leave fields fallow for at least three years to restore fertility. However, with less viable land available, fallow periods have shortened, making it harder to maintain yields and ensure sustainable profits.
In Nonglae Village (Nonghet District, Xiengkhouang Province, Lao PDR), local farmers apply indigenous knowledge to overcome this challenge. One example is regenerating soil fertility with cattle through block rotation techniques. This approach can help restore the land while sustaining agricultural productivity over the long term.