Physical Characteristics of Aridisols as Affected by Ley Farming Systems

Abstract

Ley farming is a system of growing grass in rotation with agricultural crops for improved soil environment and sustained grain and fodder production. Three types of ley farming systems, with 4 years, 6 years and 8 years of grass cultivation, were selected and compared with control plots on the basis of different soil physical parameters like infiltration, water retention and water - transmission. Infiltration and available water capacity improved significantly in case of 8 years grass growing plots. Presence of stubbles after harvest of grass disturbed the stability of soil structure and decreased the value of hydraulic conductivity in all the cases.