Spatial and temporal trends of soil nutrient dynamics under different agroforestry systems in Gangatic plain

Abstract

The most crucial factor in crop production is soil fertility; thus, it directly influences food security. Therefore, to ensure food security, soil fertility level needs improvement. Though, poor cultivation practices led to soil infertility across the Gangatic region, making even more need to identify and implement sustainable farming practices. In this light, this experiment was undertaken to study the dynamics of soil nutrients in different agroforestry systems (AFS) as a sustainable farming practice concerning seasonal and depth-wise variations. The experiment was conducted in the Samastipur district of India, which comes under the Gangatic plain. Three AFS, including Kadamb (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.), Simarauba (Simarouba glauca DC), and Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) based AFS along with one fallow land were taken under investigation. Soil samples were collected from three depths (0-15cm, 15-30cm and 30-45cm) during four seasons (Summer, Autuam, Rainy and Winter). Data revealed that agroforestry development had significantly increased soil nutrients (11-19%) in all seasons and depths. The month of June reported higher availability of nutrients over December. Soil depth had significant influence on soil nutrient availability, irrespective of treatments. The variation of available nutrients among the soil layer was more in agroforestry systems over fallow land. This study will help the researchers to understand the influence of seasons and depths on the movements and transformation of soil nutrients.