Impacts of agricultural activities on soil erosion and water resources in the Cameron Highlands

摘要

Intensive forms of agriculture are being practised in the Cameron Highlands, especially in the cultivation of vegetables, flowers and tea. Although agriculture takes up only about seven per cent of the area, it has caused a significant amount of environmental pollution. The initial opening of forested areas resulted in extensive soil erosion. Erosion continues to be a problem with the cultivation of vegetables and other short-term crops. For example, soil loss is about 83 t/ha/y in open cabbage farms: in chrysanthemum farms under rain-shelter it is about I t/ha/y. High amounts of organic fertiliser ranging from 40 to 84 t/ha/season are used in vegetable and flower farms, and this has led to considerable pollution of surface water. Changes in catchment characteristics due to deforestation as well as farming activities have not only resulted in less retention capacity, but also deterioration in the quality of water feeding reservoirs and dams.