National Environment (Minimum Standards for Management of Soil Quality) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 59 of 2001)

STATUTORY INSTRlJMENTS SlJPPLEMENT No. 35 2nd Novemhcr, 2001 STATUTORY lNSTRlJMENTS SUPPLEMENT lo The l!gmula Gazelle No. 68 Volume XC/V dated 2nd Novembe,; 2001. Printed by UPPC, Entehhe, by Order of the Government. STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS 2001 No. 59. THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT (MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR MANAGEMENT OF SOIL QUALITY) REGULATIONS, 200 I. ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS Regulation. I. Citation. 2. Interpretation. 3. Purpose and scope of Regulations. 4. Establishment of minimum standard of soil quality. 5. Parameters for rain-fed agriculture. 6. Parameters for iqigated agriculture. 7. Paramet'ers for wetland rice systems under natural flooding. 8. Parameters for wetland rice under irrigated systems. 9. Soils to be used only with conservation measures. 10. Determination of soil parameters. I I. General prohibition. 12. Guidelines for soil conservation. 13. Functions of Environmental Inspectors. SCHEDULES. FIRST SCHEDULE---SOIL QUALITY PARAMETERS SECOND SCHEDULE--GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF FRAGILE OR PECULIAR SOILS THIRD SCHEDULE---PARAMETERS AND METHODS OF DETERMINATION OF SOIL QUALITY FOURTH SCHEDULE--SOIL CONSERVATION MEASURES AND GUIDELINES FIFTH SCHEDULE--RECOMMENDED FREQUENCY FOR MONITORING OF SOIL QUALITY PARAMETERS FOR ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES SIXTH SCHEDULE-IMPROVEMENT NOTICE S T A T U ·r O R Y I N S T R lJ M E N T S . 2001 No. 59. The National Environment (Minimum Standards for Management of Soil Quality) Regulations, 2001. (Under sections 31 and JOH of the National Environment Statute, 1995, Statute No. 4 (~/' 1995) IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred on the Minister by sections 31 and 108 of the National Environment Statute, 1995 and on the recommendation of the Board and the Policy Committee on the Environment, these Regulations arc made this 4th day of April, 2001. 1. These Regulations may be ci tcd as the National Environment (Minimum Standards for Management of Soil Quality) Regulations, 200 I. 2. In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requ1res "Authority" means the National Environment Management Authority established under section 5 of the Statute; "conservation measures" means activities which will prevent degradation and maintain or enhance the quality of a particular soil or the environment; "Executive Director" means the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority appointed under the Statute and includes, for the purposes of these Regulations, any person who has been authorised by the Executive Director to act on his or her behalf; "responsible person" means the owner of the land or person residing on, or using the land; "Statute'' means the National I:nvironrnent Statute, 1995. 437 Statute No. 4 of 1995. Citation. Inter pretation. Purpose und scope of Regulations. Establish ment of minimum standard of soil quality. Parameters for rain-fed agriculture. Parameters for irrigated agriculture. Parameters for wetland rice systems under natural flooding. 3. ( l) The purpose of these Regulations is ( a) to establish and prescribe minimum soil quality standards lo maintain, restore and enhance the inherent productivity of the soil in the long term; (b) to establish minimum standards for the management of the quality of soil for specified agricultural practices; ( c) to establish criteria and procedures for the measurement and determination of soil quality; and ( d) to issue measures and guidelines for soil management. 4. The soil class specified in column IV of Parts I, 2, 3 and 4 of the First Schedule is the minimum standard of soil required for the agricultural practice specified in that respective Part. 5. For the purposes of rain-fed agriculture, the soil quality parameters specified in column l of Part 1 of the First Schedule are classified according to the soil classes specified in columns JI, III, IV, V and VI of that Part. 6. (I) For the purposes of irrigated agriculture, the soil quality parameters specified in column I of Part 2 of the First Schedule are classified according to the soil classes specified in columns JI, III, IV, V and VI of that Part. (2) For the avoidance of doubt, subregulation (l) does not apply to drip irrigation. 7. For the purposes of wetland rice systems under natural flooding, the soil quality parameters specified in column I of Part 3 of the First Schedule are classified according to the soil classes specified in columns II, III, IV, V and VI of that Part. 8. For the purposes of wetland rice under irrigated systems, the soil quality parameters speciried in column I of Part 4 of the First Schedule are classified according to the soil classes specified in columns II, III, IV, V and VI of that Part. 9. (1) The soil classes specified in columns V and VI of Parts l, 2, 3 and 4 of the First Schedule sha,JI not be used for the specified type of agricultural practice unless the responsible person has undertaken conservation measures. (2) The conservation measures referred to in subregulation (I) shall take into account the results obtained from tests carried out with respect to diagnostic field characteristics of potentially acid sulphate soils, or other limitations, as specified in the Second Schedule. (3) A person who fails to comply with subregulation (I) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine of not less than one hundred and eighty thousand shillings and not more than eighteen million shillings or to imprisonment not exceeding eighteen months, or both. 10. The soil parameters and methods of determination of soil quality under these Regulations are as specified in the Third Schedule. 11. (1) No person shall use land in contravention of the soil quality parameters established under these Regulations. 12. (I) Every responsible person shall comply with the measures and guidelines for soil conservation for the particular topography, drainage and farming systems prescribed in the Fourth Schedule. (2) A person who contravenes subregulation (I) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine of not less than one hundred and eighty thousand shillings and not more than eighteen million shil1ings or to imprisonment not exceeding eighteen months, or both. 439 Parameters for wetland rice under irrigated systems. Soils to be used only with conservation measures. Detennin ation of soil parameters. General prohibition. Guidelines for soil conservation. Functions of Environ mental Inspectors. 13. An Environmental Inspector shall ( a) ensure that the measures and guidelines m the Fourth Schedule are observed; (h) ensure that the guidelines for the frequency of monitoring soil quality parameters in the Fifth Schedule are observed; ( c) carry out investigations and othe;- n1easures to determine the quality of soil as specified in these Regulations; and ( d) ensure that the soi I quality parameters es tab I ished under the First Schedule arc observed. (2) In exercise of the functions under subrcgulation (I), an Environmental Inspector may issue an improvement notice in the form set out in the Sixth Schedule, requiring the responsible person to restore the quality of the soil and to ensure compliance with these Regulations. (3) An Environmental Inspector may, at all reasonable times, enter any land to ensure compliance with the requirements of these Regulations. (4) A person who fails to cornply with a notice issued under subregulation (2) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine of not less than one hundred and twenty thousand shillings and not exceeding twelve million shillings, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or both. FIRST SCHEDULE SOIL QUALITY PARAMETERS PART l Regulations 4, 5 and 9 Soil quality parameters and classes for rain- fed agriculture. Column l Column II Column III Column IV Column V Column VI SOIL QUALITY Class I Class II Class III Class IV Class V PARA\1ETER PRIME GOOD MEDIUM MARGINAL UNSUITABLE 1. Bulk density 1.25 u l.5 l.65 or (upper limit) of/ cm3 1.25 (wetlands) High 2. Porosity 53 51 43 38 or (Vol. 7r) 53 (wetlands) Low 3. \VHC >150 no -150 l 00- 130 <100 Low (mm of H2O/m soil) 4. Infiltration Rate 60-100 40-60 40-10 <10 Low (mm/hr) 5. Permeability 50-80 40-50 40-10 <10 Low (mm/hr) 6. Slope ( c1c:) 0-3 3-8 8- 13 13 - 20 >20 7. Stoniness (vol%) <0.1 0.1 <l 1-3 >15% of the (>30 m apart) (10-30 m) (10-30 m) (10-30 m apart) surface covered 8. Soil depth (cm) >100 75-100 75-20 <20cm Very shallow 9. Flooding and duration N.L. N.L. Slight to moderate Moderate to severe Very severe (>4 ) ( months/year) >1-2 2-4 I 0. Depth to water table N.L. N.L. Slight limit. Shallow Shallow (cm) >150 100 - 150 50 - 100 25 - 50 0 - 25 N.L. Not Limiting. WHC Water Holding Capacity. Note: l. Prime agricultural land, which is high value land with least management problems apart from nutrients management. 2.Good :1qri(ultqrn! \;md. 3.Mediun, il?fic11\turnl \and. 4.Margi.nal/frngile c1frirnlt11r;,\ hnrl "i Lnw v::iltw/nn,11ir;:ihk ::ig-rin1Jrur;il l<1nrl i FIRST SCHEDULE PART2 Regulations 4. 6 and 9 Soil quality parameters and classes for irrigated agriculture. Column I Column II Column III Column IV Column V - I SOIL QUAUT'i Class l I Class II Class Ill I Class rV PARA\lETER SUITABLE I MODERATELY .\1ARGINALLY POTENTIALLY SUITABLE SUITABLE SUITABLE ! l. Slope (c; l <2 2-5 5-8 8-12 2. \Vctnc,, llo()Jing N.F Slight or less - internal drainage \1od. Mod. Rapid Slow to \ery rapid Slow to \ery rapid natural drainage Gone! Good fvlod. Imperfect I ~- Pli) sicill tl•P soil texture (0-25 cm) SL-CL LS-C S-C S-C suh-soil texture (25-100 cm) SL-CL LS-C LS-C S-C surf'ac,c stoninL·,, (vol<,:;) <0.0i 0.()] - 0.1 0.1- 3.0 3-15 ,uhsurface cn&sc fragments 0-5 5- ! 5 l 5-50 20-25 (\\liq) J.. Salinity /i 1l ;}inity 100 crn) Ee mmh()s/cm <1 l-4 4-8 8-15 ESP \0-100 cml <4 4-10 10-20 20-25 NF: \:o FlnoJing. Mod: Moderate. SL: Sandy Loam. LS: Loamy Sand. CL: Clay Loam. C: Clay Cm: ~fo,<;i\C Clay. S: Sand. ESP: Exchangeable Sodium Percentage. EC: Electrical Conductivity. l\Pll': Internal drJinagc means soil conditions wlit:rc there is internal impediment of \vatcr llow. :\:,tural drnin:ige means downward movement of water within the soil hori10ns by gravity. Column VI Class V UNSUITABLE >12 Very slow to Very poor CM to S CM to S >15 >25 >]5 >25 ! ! i I I l I FIRST SCHEDULE PART3 Regulations 4, 7 and 9 Soil quality parameters and classes for wetland rice systems under natural flooding. Column l Column II Column III Column IV Column V Column VI SOIL QUALITY Class I Class II Class Ill Class IV Class V PARArv!ETER SUITABLE MODERATELY MARGINALLY POTENT! ALLY UNSUITABLE SUITABLE SCITABLE SUITABLE l. Slope (%) N.L. <2 <4 <6 <8 2. Wetness Flooding 3-4 months 3-4 months <2 months <l months Too short Drainage Poor Poor to imperfect VPoor to V Poor to operate V Poor moderate 3. Physical surface text/structure CM to SiCs CM to SCL CM to Sf CM to Sf CM to Sc ,ubsurfoce text CM to LSf CM to Sc -- -- 4. Salinity /alkalinity Ee mmhos/cm <l <4 <6 <6 <6 ESP (S'{ l <4 <10 <20 <25 <25 Note: CM: Massive Clay. SiCs: Silty Clay Blocky. SCL: Sandy Clay Loam. Sf: Fine Sand Sc : Coarse Sand. LSf: Loamy fine Sand. N.L: Not Limiting. V .P: Very Poor. MO: Months. I Column I !SOIL QUALITY PARAMETER 1. Slope (9c) FIRST SCHEDULE PART4 Regulations 4, 8 and 9 Soil quality parameters and classes for wetland rice under irrigated systems. Column II Column III Column IV Column V Column VI Class I Class II Class III Class IV I Class Y SUITABLE MODERATELY iv1ARGINALLY POTENT! ALLY UNSUITABLE SUITABLE SUITABLE SUITABLE <I <2 <3 <4 <5 I I I , 2. Wetness Flooding N.L. N.L. 3-4 months 3-4 months Too short or too long Drainage Mod. to IP Good to Poor Good to Y.P I -- I 3. Physical surface text/structure CM to SiCs CM to SCL CM ro sr CM to Sf CM to SC subsurface texture/structure CM to LSf CM to SC -- i I 4. Salinity /alkalinity Ee mmhos/cm <2 <4 <6 <6 <6 ESP(%) <5 <iO <20 <35 <35 CM: MassiYe Clay. SiCs: Silty Clay blocky. SCL: Sandy Clay Loam. Sf: Fine Sand. SC: Coarse Sand LSf: Loamy Fine Sand. N.L: Not Limiting. LSf: Loamy Fine Sand. N.L: Nol Limiting. VP: Very Poor I.P: Impermeable. i GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF FRAGILE OR PECULIAR SOILS PART I A. Acid sulphate soils (Sulfaquents) Acid sulphate soils form when the quantity of sulphuric acid, formed by oxidation of reduced sulphur compounds, exceeds the acid neutralizing capacity of absorbed bases and easily weatherable minerals to the extent that the pH drops below 4. Potential acid sulphate soils become acidic as a result of drainage because the reduced sulphur compound (pyrite) is very stable under anaerobic condition. Pyritic papyrus peats are common in Uganda (e.g. Kabale swamps). Accumulation of ferrous monosulfide (FeS) and ferrous disulphide or pyrite (FeS2) occur in a highly reducing environment (anoxic). This process is especially prominent in the presence of mobile iron and abundance of organic matter, and undcr conditions of a ready supply of sulphur. On drainage (improved aeration) atmospheric and microbiological oxidation convert the iron sulphide into ferric oxide and, sulphuric acid, resulting in an extremely acid soil reaction, with pH well below 3-5, and occasiona11y as low as 1 .0. B Diagnostic field characteristics of (potentially) acid sulphate soils. The following tests shall be conducted before drainage of any wetland !. Potentially non-acid sulphate soils are those that contain sizeable quantities of neutralizing cations, mainly Ca. The presence of Ca (and Mg) carbonate is tested using diluted HCl; the CO2 given off will cause effervescence. 2. The diluted HCI test may give rise to the characteristic odour of hydrogen sulphide, indicating the presence of sulphide in the soil. 3. Bluish-black colours of fresh mineral soil may point to the presence of pyrite. 4. Acid - tolerant vegetation may be indicative. 5. Treatment of potentially acid sulphate soils with hydrogen peroxide causes a prominent drop in pH of the soil. This decrease may well be 1-2 units lower than that which develops under niitural oxidation. 6. Slow oxidation by the regular exposure (drying) of the moistened soil samples (air drying) over a period of several weeks gives a fair simulation of the natural process and the resulting soil reaction (pH). C Reclamation of acid sulphate soils. Reclamation by chemical improvement of acid sulphate soils requires 20-30 tons of lime per hectare. The cost of purchasing, transporting and application of such large quantities of lime for the reclamation exercise is high and can be justifiable only in few cases. Moreover, large quantities of lime create problems of potash and trace clement deficiencies. Leaching is a better solution but no land should be flooded with the drained-off water. Additional measures to be taken include: regular applications of small amounts of lime, together with basic fertilizers (not containing sulphates) and ashes; cultivation of acid-tolerant, shallow rooting crops; mounding of land in the case of more deeply rooting crops and good water table management. D Irrigation The soil suitability for irTigation purposes is considered based on the following qualities !. topography (slope); 2. wetness··· flooding and drainage characteristics; 3. soil chemical characteristics; 4. physical soil characteristics: (a) texture (includes surface and subsurface), (b) soil dc'.pth. (c) salinity and alkalinity, (d) infiltration. The qut1lities mainly relate to Jrngation of crops normally grown under rain fed-conditions and give particular attention to soil-water plant relationship. These qualities are not applicable to drip irrigation. The soil chemical qualities are, per earlier recommendation, on the general threshold values for fertility management. Five classes shall apply: .suitable moderately suitable, marginally suitah\e, polentia\\y suitable, and not suitable for irrigation. It is important to note that some of the recommended parameters are normally assessed in the field i.e. some parameters have no quantitative values e.g. drainage classes, soil structure etc. Since most water sources in Uganda are not salt affected, it is assumed that the irrigation water will also be free of salts. Salt content of irrigation water is expressed in one of the parts per million (ppm)~ milligrammes of sail per litre (mg/I); or as electrical capacity expressed as micro Ohms per centimetre (Ec.x 10-6). High calcium carbonate and gypsum levels occur in very localised areas in Uganda and hence no values are included in the parameters specified in the First Schedule. Class I Class II Class III Class IV Class V Suitable Moderately suitable Marginally suitable Potentially suitable Unsuitable PART 11 Wetlands Rice Systems The wetlands nee systems have been grouped into two broad categories: l. Rice cultivation under natural flooding or waterlogged areas; and 2. Irrigated rice systems. The natural flooding or waterlogged system represents th~ small-scale rice producers in periodically flooded alluvial plains and va11eys. These systems depend on flooding from rain eve11ts. The irrigated system represents the large-scale systems where irrigation waters are "fairly" well regulated. These rice production systems are adapted to specific hydrologic conditions and specific soil qualities. The first category is very widespread in eastern Uganda and it is the main cultivation pattern in wetlands. The following are suitability classifications of soils for natural waterlogged rice production system based on landform, flooding and physical soil properties Class I Class II Class III Class IV Class V Suitable Moderately suitable Marginally suitable Potentially suitable Unsuitable THTRD SCIIEDlJLE. Regulation I 0 PARAMETERS AND METHODS OF DETERMINATION OF SOIL QUALITY There are a variety of soil parameters used for the management of soils: Chemical parameters Soil Acidity (pH) The parameter generally denotes soil reaction which expresses the degree of acidity or alkalinity The pl-I value equals the negative logarithm of the H+ ion concentration (CH+). Conventionally, the soil pH is measured in a soil - water suspension I :2.5 ( l O g soil in 25 ml water) and is designated pH (water). It could also be determined in suspensions of 1: 1 or 1:5. For the measurement of exchange (reserve or potential) acidity of an acid soil a 1 :2.5 suspension should be used to which a neutral salt (KCI) has been added, in order to bring exchangeable H-ions into solution. It is designated pH (KCI). The pH value of soil is most accurately measured with a pH meter in the laboratory method. Organic matter Organic matter, because of its colloidal nature, contributes to the cation exchange capacity, CEC, and therefore the nutrient retention capability of the soil. Organic matter improves the physical characteristics of the soil through its enhancement of water permeability and retention. Soil organic matter is high in organic carbon and serves as a source of energy for soil micro-organisms. Organic carbon should be determined by the modified Walkley and Black method (Nelson, D.W. & Sommers, L.E.) Sodicity (ESP) Normal soils usually have an exchange complex that is dominated by Ca and Mg and has only minor amounts of K and Na. When excess soluble salts accumulate in such soils, Na frequently becomes the dominant cation in the soil solution, a part of the original Ca and Mg is replaced by the cation. In general, physical properties become increasingly unfavourable with increasing levels of exchangeable Na. The commonly determined pararnclt:r, the cxchangcahlc sodiurn perce.ntage (ESP) shall he usl:d. ESP = Exchangeable Na (meq/1 OOg soil) x 100 Cation Exchange capacity (rneq/ I OOg soil) Salinity (Ee) Saline soils contain soluble salts in concentrations that impair crop growth. Although weathering of primary minerals is the source of nearly all soluble salts, accumulation of these on the spot are seldom concentrated enough to form a saline soil. Invariably, strong salinity is found under semi-- arid clirnatic conditions in soils where salts from other locations have accumulated through the inflow and subsequent concentrations of salt-bearing waters. Most saline soils are characterised by low hurnus content, no di ffcrcntiation into horizons and very little structure. The generally accepted parameter of salinity, the electrical conductivity (Ee) at 25EC shall be used.' The Ee can be determined according to the saturated paste extract method and measured with a conductivity bridge. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) The CEC of a soil often indicates its natural fertility and its ability to supply Ca, Mg, and K for plant growth. It is also a measure of the ability of the soil to store added nutrients (fertilizers). Soils which have a low CEC cannot store large amounts of plant nutrients and must be \ . replenished more regularly. In the inorganic part of the soil complex only clay particles play a decisive role, since the active total internal surface of silt and sand particles in comparison to that of clay is very small. The CEC of clay depends on the type of clay mineral. The organic matter complex (the humus colloids) has a much higher CEC than clay. The CEC of a soil shall be determined in the laboratory, either in an exchange medium with pH = 8.2 or in exchange medium with pH = 7.0. The expression T value may be used instead of CEC value. Exchangeable Bases This is restricted to the catio11s Ci, Mg, K, and N,1. The total quantity of these four exchangeable cations (S value) can he related to the CEC value and expressed as the base satur~1tion percentage (BSP). The individual values for exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K give certain indicators of the fettility status of the soil (Macro-nutrients). The exchangeable Na percentage (ESP) is an impoltant criterion for sodic conditions. Exchangeable cations shall be determined in the laboratory by flame photometry for Kand Na, and by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) for Ca and Mg using Anderson and Ingrain, 199] ). Phosphorous (P) Compounds of P (ADP & ATP) act as energy currency in plants. Energy from photosynthesis and metabolism of carbohydrates is stored in these compounds for subsequent use in growth and reproductive processes. The role of Pas a structural component or a wide variety of biochemical and seed formations are also irnportant. The following commonly used methods shall be applied: the calorimetric method (Anderson and Ingram, 1993); the Olsen for extractable P, and Bray II method for available P. Calciurn carbonate The presence of CaC03 affects both the physical and chemical characteristics of a soil. High lime concentrations may not severely restrict water n10vemcnt but may prevent root penetration. A high CaC03 concentration particularly in the very fine fractions brings risks of lime-induced chlorosis for many crops. The physical characteristics of calcareous soils change when they are irrigated. It is therefore a vital soil quality parameter under irrigated agriculture. Gypsum (CaS04) Gypsum indirectly affects soil physical properties and therefore influences penneability and infiltration rate. Jt improves the structure and prevents sodium saturation. A small <1mount of gypsum is favourable for crop growth because it serves as a source of Ca as a plant nutrient and replaces Na in the exchange cornpkx and thus acts to preserve chemical and physical soil degradation. PART II Physical parameters Texture Soil texture refers to the particle size distribution and to particle-size groupings within specific ranges. Textural classes are defined by the relative contents of the three rnajor soi I separates, sand, silt and clay. Texture is considered as one of the most important characteristics with regard to physical soil qualities. It influences such important soil properties as soil water availability, infiltration rate, drainage, tillage conditions and capacity to retain nutrients. The effect of texture on those properties may be modified by structure, nature of clay minerals, organic matter content, and lime content. Soil texture should be determined by t.he common method of hydrometer or pipette in the laboratory or by the hand feel method in the field. Structure Soil structure refers to the aggregation of primary soil particles (sand, sill, clay) into compound soil particles or clusters of primary particles which are separated from the adjoining aggregates by cracks or surface of weakness. Soil structure exerts a dominant influence on soil's air and moisture regime, on its hydraulic conductivity and consequently, on the root growth and (micro) biological activity that occurs within the soil. It is, therefore, an important factor in soil productivity and soil genesis. Structure shall be commonly described in the field under three commonly used criteria, namely: I. grade which refers to the distinctiveness and durability; 2. size of aggregate; 3. shape of aggregates. Coarse Fragments or Stoniness Surface coarse fragments in the top 20 cm will influence tillage conditions as well as the capacity to retain nutrients and water. Coarse fragments can limit the use of agricultural implements and optimum growth of roots. Coarse fragments with a diameter between 2-75 mm are termed gravel; those between 75-250 nnn are called cobbles and those more than 250 mm arc called stones (Sys et al., 199 l ). Coarse fragments shall be quantified on volume or weight percentage basis. Rooting Depth Rooting depth is a crucial parnml'ter in soil productivity because it detennincs soil reserves of water and nutrients. The relationship between rooting depth and productivity is commonly described according to the law of diminishing returns. It is generally defined as the thickness of loose soil above a limiting layer (if any). Limiting layer is impermeable for roots and percolating water. Soil depth is vital for the anchoring of plants and provision of a favourable environment for plant root growth. Soil depth parameter shall be quantified by direct depth (length) measurements. Water Holding Capacity (WHC) or Available Moisture Content (AMC). This is the amount of water which a given soil horizon can store and is ' estimated from the difference between field Ctl))acity and the lower limit of plant available water (wilting point). The field capacity (-1/3 bar) and wilting point (-1.'i bar) shall be dctcnnined in the laboratory by the pressure plate method. The field capacity value should also be determined in the field by the ponding method. Drainage and depth to water table Drainage and depth to water table arc vital parameters. The suitability for upland crops decreases when drainage conditions become impeded. Tree crops with a deep root system are more sensitive to poorly drained conditions than annual crops with shallower root systems. Crops like paddy rice react quite differently to drainage conditions; their suitability decreases when drainage conditions improve. For irrigated agriculture, drainage, depth to ground water table and salinity status arc critical evaluation parameters. Drainage classes shall be described in the field as it is normally done. Depth to water table shall be measured in the field. Slope Slope angle and length are critical parameters for the assessment of erosion potential. It also influences water movement and distribution within the soil profile. Slope angles or percentages; sh.ill he determined in the field. In f'i ltrat ion Inll!trat1on is a very important parameter in irrigated fanning systems. Infiltration is the entry or water into the soil through the soil surface. The rate is dependent on the antecedent rnoisture, S(?il structure, pore sizes and their distribution. It is an important parameter in evaluating compacted (physically degraded) soils e.g. degraded rangelands. Rate of water entry is generally very low in degraded arL:as and most of the water ends up as runoff, causing considerable soil erosion and siltation problems. Infiltration rate is determined in the field using the common method of double cylinder infiltromcter (Bouwcr, 1986). Bulk Lknsity This parameter largely depends on the porosity of the soil and is commonly used to evaluate compaction. Loose and porous soils have low values while compacted or physically degraded soils have high values. Bulk density parameter shall be determined by the core or clod method (Anderson and Ingram, 1993 ). Total Porosity Total porosity is the fraction of the soil mass that is occupied by the pores. The pore space is largely determined hy the arrangement of the individual solid particles of the soil. The, pore space in the soil is partially occupied by the liquid (water) and partly by air. Porosity shall be computed from the relationship between bulk density and particle density (Anderson and Ingram, 1993 ). Flooding Flooding is considered as a serious limitation for most crops apart from paddy rice. Flooding interferes with air entry into the soil. For paddy rice cultivation, flood evaluation is based on duration and depth of flooding. Optiin:d duration of flooding is 110 to 160 days: marginal situations arc 90--1 l 0 days and more than 180 days. 'l'hc optimal depth shal I be considered as I 0-30 cm (Sys ct al. 1991 ). r,ouRTH SCIIEDlJLF Regulations 12 and 13 SOIL CONSERVATION MEASURES AND GUIDELINES Soil conservation is requirL~d as a basis for environmentally sound production of food, wood, and other commodities based on sustainable use of land, species and ecosystem. In all these areas, a combination of several conservation practices are recommended and packages will depend on area and crops/ livestock/tree species on the land. I. Lowlands and flat areas (Slopes up to 2r7<:;) Lowlands arc the alluvial plains and the bottom lands of smal I tributaries in a catchment. The following soil conservation structures and practices arc rccomrnendccl (o) surface or subsurface dr,iinagc; (b) interception and diversion ditches; (c) rows of crops should be laid out al right angles to the contour lines; (d) crop rotation; and (e) fertility improvement (package will depend on crops and ;irca). Diversion ditches or field ditches should be at a spacing of I 00 to 200 metres; depth 30 crn and length not more than 500 metres. These should be laid out slightly off the contour to obtain a gradient of 0.3 to 0.5<1i-:. The collecting ditches (depth 60 cm), should drain into main ditches or natural drainage ways and should nm in the direction of the greatest slope. 2. Medium (Undulating to hilly topography). Slopes of 3 to 15% Recommended conservation practices ( a) contour cultivation; ( h) contour ridges or absorption banks at a spacing of 30 rn; (c) grass strips and strip cropping; width 30 m; (cl) mulching; ( e) agroforestry; i (/) crop rotation and !'crtility improvement; and (g) wind breaks or shelter belts; should he located perpendicular to main erosive wind direction. t Steep 'Tupography (SlopL~s or IS rx.j and above). Simple conservation practices arc insufficient to stop erosion. The followmg management practices are rccommendcd ( o) terraces; (h) contour cultivation (ploughing and planting along the contour), and absorption banks at a spacing of 10 - 20 m; (c) crop rotation and fertility improvement; (d) strip cropping -- strip width 10 to 20 m; and ( c) agroforcstry. 4. Pasture and Rangelands (I) Pasture (u) contour furrows at small distances (20 m); ( h) int<..;rccption ditches; ( c) stone cordons: loose stones on the surface collected and deposited on contours; (d) silt traps - built from stones or soil in small depressions; and (e) pasture and fertility improvernent. In addition, an optimum stocking rate is required. The following are the recommended stocking rates (u J areas with fertile soils and rainfall of >850mm per year= 2 cows per hectare; and (h) ,1reas with low fertility and rainfall of <850mm per year== cow per hectare. (2) Rangelands These recommendations arc particul;irly targeted at the "Cattle Corridor". Recommendations will depend on the state of the rangelands. (a) rcvcgctation or reseeding - close the area to grazing and allow natural grasses to establish or reseed with suitable species of grasses and legumes; (b) gully control with mechanical barriers (dry reeds, vegetation, stones, etc); ( c) controlled or rotation,il grazing; (d) run off harvesting - divert and impound run off to prevent soil erosion, gully development and allow slow permeability into the soil; (e) fertility improvement; and (/) remove low value grass and tree species to allow nutritive species to proliferate and cover bare ground. FIFTH SCHEDULE. Regulation 13. RECOMMENDED FREQUENCY FOR MONITORING OF SOIL QUALITY PARAMETERS FOR ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES. Soil Parameter I. Soil Physical Indicators Bulk density and porosity Structure Texture Water holding capacity Infiltration Coarse fragments and stoniness Soil depth Slope, depth to water table, and drainage class 2. Soil Biology Indicators Soil organic matter 3. Soil Chemical Indicators .pH Exchangeable bases p CEC Calcium carbonate and gypsum Alkalinity, Sodicity (for irrigated agriculture) Sugf{ested Monitorini frequency Annually 2 years 3 years 3 years Annual Every 5 years 3 - 5 years Planning phase Annually Annually 2 years 2 years 2 years Planning phase 3 to 5 years SIXTH SCHEDULE IMPROVEMENT NOTICE Form SRO/I Regulation 13 (2). (Issued under section 8J(i) td' the National Environment Statute, 1995 and regulation l 5 ,~f' the National Environment ( Minimum Standards for Management <fSoi/ Quality) Regulations,2001) TO: TAKE NCHICE that on the ...................... of ................... 20 .... , an Environmental lnspector(s) from the National Environment Management Authority carried out an inspection of the soils and/or land located in ........................ Village, .............................. . subcounty of .......................................... District where it was found that you or your agents were can-ying on the following soil degrading activities: I. 2. '3. 4. ( attach more paper if required) You ARE HEREBY ORDERED to stop all the stated illegal activities which are causing or are likely to cause soil degradation on the above mentioned soils or land within a period of .................. days from the date of this Notice. You are also required to restore the soil to its original state. You ARE NOTIFIED THAT in accordance with section 96 of the National Environment Statute 1995, failure to comply with this Notice shall result in criminal prosecutions being instituted against you and/or your agent. Environmental lnspectm: Copy to: HENRY MUGANWA KAJURA, Minister of Water, Lands and Environment. 459