Assessment of Erosion Control Measures in Cassava Farms on Sloping Lands in Anambra State

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Soil erosion is a major problem on sloping farmlands in southeastern Nigeria. This study assessed erosion control measures for cassava farms in Anambra State. Four treatments were evaluated: contour planting, vetiver grass barriers, stone bunds, and conventional up-down slope planting (control) on 15% slope. Soil loss was measured using erosion plots, and cassava yield was determined at harvest. Results showed that vetiver barriers reduced soil loss by 78%, stone bunds by 65%, and contour planting by 48% compared to control. Soil organic matter retention was highest with vetiver barriers. Cassava yield was 22 t/ha with vetiver, 20 t/ha with stone bunds, 18 t/ha with contour planting, and 14 t/ha for control. The study recommends vetiver grass barriers for effective erosion control on sloping cassava farms.