Restoration of degraded Jhum lands through hedge-row

Abstract

During one cropping phase, agricultural systems in north-eastern region hills, soil may lose the 600 kg N/ha and half of this amount is recovered during subsequent 5 years of fallow period in jhum areas. However, an accelerated and directed succession trough introduction of variety of legumes and nonleguminous nitrogen-fixers during cropping and fallow phase could restore soil fertility over a short (5-year) cycle period. Contour hedge-row technology provides an option for farming on hills slopes on a sustainable basis. Growing of nitrogen-fixing hedge, crops on field bunds helps in fixation of atmospheric N and reduces leaching losses of nitrogen. Addition of leaf biomass through hedge row cropping resulted in significant improvement in fertility status of soil and lowered soil acidity remarkably from its initial levels.