Smallholder eucalyptus growers’ perception of the causes and symptoms of soil degradation in Central Vietnam

Abstract

This study investigates local perceptions of soil degradation in eucalyptus plantations in Central Vietnam, where rapid plantation expansion has raised concerns about long‑term environmental sustainability. Using semi‑structured interviews and focus group discussions with 60 plantation growers, the study reveals an almost universal perception of soil decline: 93.3% of respondents reported degradation and 87.5% rated its severity as moderate or severe. Farmers identified monoculture forestry as the principal anthropogenic driver (87.5%), together with management practices such as clear‑cutting, residue burning, short rotation cycles, and removal of harvest residues. Reported manifestations of degradation included reduced forest productivity (100% of respondents), soil compaction and loss of friability, decreased surface organic matter, rapid soil drying, and increased erosion. While natural factors such as intense and irregular rainfall were acknowledged as contributing to degradation, respondents emphasized that human management plays the decisive role, implying that soil decline can be mitigated through improved silvicultural practices. The findings highlight the importance of integrating local ecological knowledge with scientific evidence to design multi‑level management strategies aimed at restoring soil health, enhancing the sustainability of eucalyptus plantation systems, and supporting rural livelihoods in Central Vietnam.