Soil management and alfalfa production in Azad Kashmir.

Abstract

This report evaluates the current land use system ofthe agricultural land ofAzad Jammu & Kashmir (AJI<) and suggests some alternatives. In most parts ofAzad Kashmir continual cultivation of wheat and maize crops in rotation, primarily for fodder production, is causing land degradation and has imposed serious threat to sustainable agriculture and natural environment in the region. The field study was carried out at University College of Agriculture, Rawalakot, which is a relatively cold place, to evaluate alfalfa, clover, ryegrass, wheat and maize crops for their impact on soil characteristics and biomass production. A pot study was also conducted to screen alfalfa, and clover for drought tolerance . The treatments for field study comprised 44 crops or their varieties acquired from different parts ofthe world. Cumulative forage dry matter (CFDM) produced in about three years of growth period (October 1993 to June 1996) was measured. The CFDM produced by two varieties of alfalfa, namely the Hunterfield and the Sandoze Sundor, was significantly higher than produced by the local wheat and maize in rotation or any other fodder crop under study. The other notable legume which showed potential to grow in the area ofstudy was the crimson clover which

established quickly and closely followed the two alfalfa varieties for CFDM. These protein- enriched perennial legumes thus should be introduced as alternative fodders in the region.

Eleven ofthe crops under study were also compared for their effect on soil properties: nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus content of soil, infiltration rate, field-saturated hydraulic conductivity, penetration resistance, and aggregate stability. All these properties can be related to some extent to soil erosion. The alfalfa significantly decreased potassium and penetration resistance but increased nitrogen and phosphorus in soil, infiltration rate, field-saturated hydraulic conductivity, and aggregate stability when compared with the local wheat/maize rotation.

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The drought tolerance studies using soilmoisture blocks evaluated different varieties of alfalfa and clover for CFDM produced under soil moisture stress. The alfalfa varieties the Hunterfield and the Sandoze Sunder produced higher CFDM compared to the other varieties at the lowest soil moisture level which was 50% ofthe field capacity water content. Among clover, however, the crimson clover produced significantly and consistently higher CFDM at all soil moisture levels than other varieties.