Characterization of Soils under Zabo Farming System of Nagaland

Author: Shilpa Mohanty, Sanjay-Swami, N. Janaki Singh, A.K. Singh and Lala I.P. Ray

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Abstract

Long-term usage of a certain land use system may alter the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil, changing its soil quality and nutrient availability to crops. Keeping this in view, an investigation was carried out to assess the physico-chemical properties and nutrient availability status under Zabo farming system, an indigenous farming systems practiced by the Naga tribe in Nagaland. Three villages from Phek district of Nagaland where farmers are practicing Zabo farming system were selected. From each village, 3 sites i.e. terrace, valley and hilltop forest as a reference were selected and from each sites, one composite soil sample (0-15 cm) were collected. The soil samples were analyzed for various physico-chemical properties. For group comparison among 3 villages and 3 forest sites, non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H-test incorporating Monte-Carlo significance test at 95% confidence limit was used. The result revealed that bulk density (0.80-0.85), particle density (1.1-1.6), MWHC (62-66%) were higher in cultivated soil (terrace and valley) of Zabo system than the hilltop forest soil. The soil under Zabo farming system was found to be acidic in reaction (pH 4.3-5.6) and high in organic matter (2.2-3.6%). The available N (330-365 kg/ha), P (23-33 kg/ha) and K (255-285 kg/ha) were higher in cultivated soil i.e. terrace and valley soils, compared to hilltop forest soil under Zabo farming system.

Keywords

Zabo farming system, soil physico-chemical characteristics, nutrient availability, Nagaland

Conclusion

In the present study, BD (0.80-0.85), PD (1.1-1.6), MWHC (62-66%) were higher in cultivated soil (terrace and valley) of Zabo system than the hilltop forest soil which was used as a reference soil. The soil under Zabo farming system was found to be acidic in reaction (pH 4.3-5.6) and high in organic matter (2.2-3.6%). The available N (330-365 kg/ha), available P (23-33 kg/ha) and available K (255-285 kg/ha) were higher in cultivated soil i.e. terrace and valley soils, compared to hilltop forest soil under Zabo farming system. The study clearly indicated that the Zabo farming system improved the soil behaviour. Considerable improvement in available nutrients and organic matter as well as in-situ soil moisture conservation has been observed under this system in hilly eco-system.

References

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How to cite this article

Shilpa Mohanty, Sanjay-Swami, N. Janaki Singh, A.K. Singh and Lala I.P. Ray (2023). Characterization of Soils under Zabo Farming System of Nagaland. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 392-396.