APART from being a source of raw materials for the construction of houses, production of handicraft and furniture, and implementation of livelihood programs, giant bamboo was seen as an alternative crop which has a potential soil-trapping capability.
The roots of the giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) can efficiently absorb excess water and bind the soil together, thus reducing erosion.
The giant bamboo is also one of the fastest growing plants in the world – with an average reported growth of 3 to 10 centimeters per day, and can even grow to as much as 100 centimeters in about 24 hours, depending on the local soil and climate conditions.
The giant bamboo, which releases more oxygen than trees, will also help stabilize riverbanks, regulate watersheds, protect against soil erosion, and recycle water nutrients.
In a study conducted by a team of researchers from the Central Mindanao University (CMU) showed that giant bamboo can cut soil losses, decrease water discharge, and lower sediment yield.
The researchers said that these factors can help minimize soil erosion and landslides.
The project, which was funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), assessed the contribution of giant bamboo, one of the most abundant bamboo species in Northern Mindanao, to environmental services.
The project observed the benefits of bamboo in the Taganibong Watershed in Musuan, Bukidnon.
At the Taganibong Watershed, soil erosion was measured every time it rains through the erosion bar method.
During a period of two years, data showed that giant bamboo can cut soil losses by about 75 percent or 22.66 tons per hectare (ton/ha) per year, compared with 90.12 ton/ha per year in an open area.
The study also revealed that the incidence of displaced soil particles are lessened by 80 percent, while a river near a giant bamboo plantation decreased water discharge by 85 percent.
It was also observed that sediment yield, a major cause of siltation and flooding in lowland areas, decreased to 2 tons/ha per year in a giant bamboo plantation compared with 50 tons/ha per year in an open area.
Bamboo foliage can also help in intercepting raindrops and minimize the impact to the soil surface.
Bamboo litters can also shield the soil from the impact of raindrops as decomposed litter improves soil structure and promotes water entry by 40 percent.
This further reduces surface flow, translating to minimized soil erosion and landslides.
Besides being a fast grower, one- to two-year-old giant bamboos are already available for the manufacture of handicrafts, which require pliable bamboo splits, thus, livelihood opportunities could start early for the members of a community.
During the initial four years, giant bamboo can be seen as a complementary crop that could fill a target market, rather than a cash crop.
But after this initial stage and beyond, profitable sustainable yields could already be attainable without additional expenses for replanting.
It is expected to become a primary yearly cash crop for the community members. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
