Assessment of Depth-Wise Variation in Soil Physico-Chemical Properties Under Different Agroforestry System of Ayodhya District in Semi-Arid Region of India
Nootnank Shekhar Mishra*
Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224 229, Uttar Pradesh, India
*Corresponding Author: Nootnank Shekhar Mishra, Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224 229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Published: April 10, 2025
Abstract
Agroforestry is a sustainable land-use system that combines trees, shrubs, and crops to improve soil health and productivity. This study assesses the effects of different agroforestry systems on soil properties in the semi-arid region of eastern Uttar Pradesh, specifically in the Milkipur block of Ayodhya district, where declining soil fertility is a major concern. Soil samples were collected from three depths (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-60 cm) under various agroforestry systems, including agri-silviculture, agri-silvi-pasture, block plantation, agri-horti-silviculture, and agri-horticulture. Results showed that soil bulk density was lowest (1.27-1.31 Mg/m³) under agri-silviculture, while porosity (39.43-37.96%) and water-holding capacity (38.43-30.75%) were highest in agri-silvi-pasture and agri-horti-silviculture. Organic carbon content was also highest in agri-silvi-pasture, which contributed to better microbial activity and soil fertility. The study highlights that agroforestry improves soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient cycling compared to conventional agriculture. Agri-silvi-pasture and agri-horti-silviculture proved most effective in enhancing soil health, making them suitable options for sustainable farming in semi-arid regions.
Keywords: Agroforestry systems; Soil fertility improvement; Semi-arid region; Soil physico-chemical properties; Sustainable land management
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