Evaluating the efficiency of slope-farming in Nghia Dan district, Nghe An province, Vietnam

Abstract

Cultivation on slopes has not only brought income to mountain people but also protected the environment by reducing soil erosion and surface runoff. Nghia Dan District is located northwest of Nghe An, one of Vietnam's central provinces, in which over 66% of natural land is sloping (slopes from 3^o to more than 25^o). In this project, we analyzed the patterns of cultivation used on the slopes in Nghia Dan, identifying the ones with the highest economic efficiency, effective social impact and environmental effectiveness. Initial results showed that there are up to 11 land use types (LUTs). Land with slopes 3^o‑8^o is suitable for cultivating rice in the spring and summer and then corn and soybeans in the winter. At slopes of 8^o‑15^o, the most efficient LUT is medium sugarcane. At slopes 15^o-20^o, orange groves are the best choice.