Improved Fallow Species in Shifting Cultivation
Fallow are cropland left without crops for a period ranging from one season to several years. The objective of improved fallow species in shifting cultivation is to recover depleted soil nutrients. Ones the soil has recovered crops are reintroduced for one more seasons.
Shifting cultivation as the term implies, is a pattern of land use and a system of production of crops under which plots of land are cleared, cultivated for a short period for raising crops, after which the land is allowed to rest longer than the period of cultivation. It is a system of production almost without capital inputs.
This system is practiced extensively the north-eastern hill region comprising the states of Assam, Meghlaya, Maniput, Nagaland and Tripura (Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram). To some extent in Andra radesh, Bihar, Madya pradesh, Orissa and Kernataka. It is called as JHUM in the north eastern hill region and PODU, in A.P. and Orissa and considered most destructive for forest areas.
The main features of the improved fallow system of Agroforestry is that trees and shrubs.
Are not grown with crops on the same land, the best species for the fallow system should be include good N fixation in the soil.
The main function of the fallow is to maintain or restore soil fertility and reduce erosion some plants can be introduced primarily for their economic value.
Establishment:
Improved fallow can be established in a variety of ways and at various stages of the fallow methods. Direct seeding of clean filled harvest plots and Selective cutting of bush followed by enrichment planting with tall plants. Introducing tall seedlings and cutting into poor quality fallows.
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