Track 1-2-1: Assessment, Monitoring and Sustainability Indicators of Grassland Health
Description
Intensive tillage, cultivation along the slope, low input, minimal nutrient replacement and high rainfall are among major causes of land degradation in the north eastern hill (NEH) region (Ghosh et al. 2009). Maintaining and enhancing soil quality are crucial to sustaining agricultural productivity and environmental quality (Lal, 2004). Continuous cropping, without use of conservation-effective measures, has negative effects on the soil and environment (e.g., loss of SOC, soil erosion, water pollution). Thus, soil management methods are needed that enhance use efficiency of inputs, reduce losses and minimize adverse impacts on the environment (Bilalis et al. 2009). Perennial grasses provide year- round ground cover, which reduces run-off and soil erosion from sloping land (Ghosh et al. 2009).
Cultivation of forages in degraded and sloping lands not only supply green palatable fodders to livestocks but also rehabilitates the degraded soils by improving physico-chemical properties. Forages have strong root systems compared to field crops (such as rice, maize etc.), protect soil and improve aggregation (Ghosh et al. 2009). Soils under perennial grasses and those which are undisturbed for a long time are potential C sinks because the grasses add organic matter (OM) to soils through root growth, and decline in OM decomposition because of lack of tillage. Further, conversion of degraded cropland soils to forages and perennial grasses lead to C sequestration (Grandy and Robertson, 2007).
Thus, present investigation was conducted with the objective to assess the impact of perennial forage grasses and organic amendments on soil properties and C-sequestration potential.
Included in
Soil Quality Parameters and Carbon Stock as Influenced by Fodder Grasses and Organic Amendments in an Alfisol of Northeastern India
Intensive tillage, cultivation along the slope, low input, minimal nutrient replacement and high rainfall are among major causes of land degradation in the north eastern hill (NEH) region (Ghosh et al. 2009). Maintaining and enhancing soil quality are crucial to sustaining agricultural productivity and environmental quality (Lal, 2004). Continuous cropping, without use of conservation-effective measures, has negative effects on the soil and environment (e.g., loss of SOC, soil erosion, water pollution). Thus, soil management methods are needed that enhance use efficiency of inputs, reduce losses and minimize adverse impacts on the environment (Bilalis et al. 2009). Perennial grasses provide year- round ground cover, which reduces run-off and soil erosion from sloping land (Ghosh et al. 2009).
Cultivation of forages in degraded and sloping lands not only supply green palatable fodders to livestocks but also rehabilitates the degraded soils by improving physico-chemical properties. Forages have strong root systems compared to field crops (such as rice, maize etc.), protect soil and improve aggregation (Ghosh et al. 2009). Soils under perennial grasses and those which are undisturbed for a long time are potential C sinks because the grasses add organic matter (OM) to soils through root growth, and decline in OM decomposition because of lack of tillage. Further, conversion of degraded cropland soils to forages and perennial grasses lead to C sequestration (Grandy and Robertson, 2007).
Thus, present investigation was conducted with the objective to assess the impact of perennial forage grasses and organic amendments on soil properties and C-sequestration potential.
