Author(s):

Manjunatha RL and NJ Singh

Abstract: Shifting cultivation is an agricultural practice in hilly terrains involving the slashing and burning of vegetation and cropping for few years following a fallow period. It was attempted to study the different fallow Ages effect on soil properties. Six different sites of each fallow ages such as 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 Years were identified and selected for composite soil sampling. The composite soil samples were collected at two depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) from the selected 6 sites of each fallow age using a global position system aided with satellite imagery/maps etc. The data were statistically analyzed using one way analysis of variance and means were compared with Duncan test in SPSS 21. Results revealed that in longer fallow ages of Jhum land, 12 -15 years fallow age had relatively higher finer fraction (silt and clay) compared to short term fallow ages (3 years).The amount of organic carbon and available nitrogen was minimum in 3 to 6 years of Jhum fallow age and increased from 9 year onwards and maximum at 15 year Jhum fallow age. The available phosphorus and potassium was minimum at 3 year fallow age and increased from 6 years fallow age. The surface exchangeable Calcium was increased from 6 years of fallow age onwards. From the study, it was concluded that the minimum Jhum fallow period should be atleast 6-7 years in the district at present time.

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