Impact of Agroforestry on Soil Fertility in a Natural Farming System
L. Chanu Langlentombi*
ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, Imphal West, Imphal, Manipur (795 004), India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54083/ResBio/6.3.2024/95-98
Keywords: Agroforestry, Intercropping, Natural farming, Soil fertility
Abstract
This work examines the effects of sole turmeric and turmeric intercropped with tree along with mulching under the Natural Farming system on soils nutrients level and physical properties of the soils at depths of 0 to 15 cm and 15 to 30 cm. The experimental plot was laid out at hill terrace with RBD design. The research specifically centers on the status of soil health in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon, bulk density and pH. It was established that intercropping significantly improved soil nitrogen, potassium and organic carbon levels at both within the soils layer as compared to sole turmeric cultivation. Nitrogen levels increased to 336.88 kg ha-1 and 323.42 kg ha-1 in the intercropped system at the depths of the soils 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm, respectively, while potassium levels and organic carbon were also noted to increase in the intercropped system which showed good potential soil fertility. However, there was no significant difference in the phosphorous content, bulk density and the pH between the two farming system. These findings suggested that intercropped turmeric with tree along with mulching improves soil fertility, promoting better soil health and potentially greater crop yield.
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