AGROFORESTRY AS A CONTRAPTION FOR CONTROLLING SOIL EROSION AND IMPROVING SOIL HEALTH: A REVIEWPALLABI DAS, VIKRAM SINGH, VISHAL JOHAR, DEEPABOLI AND ABHISHEK SINGHAbstract Agroforestry is the land use planning where woody perennial crops, shrubs fodders are combined with agricultural field crops along with livestock. In terms of protection agroforestry reduces soil erosion, surface runoff and nutrients loss. In terms of amelioration it improves soil structure, nutrient status, addition of organic matter, maintain proper pH and controlling pest and diseases. Agroforestry increases infiltration, carbon sequestration rate and N, P, K, content in soil which is available for current season crops. Production of food, fuel, fodder, wood along with livestock is seen here under environmental influence. According to different studies agroforestry has more internal restoration potential than mono-cropping. Species with deep roots increase water intake from deeper layers in soil and reduces less water loss through percolation. Soil microbial activities are higher in case of agroforestry system due to presence of trees, incorporation of organic matter, toot exudates, and litter fall. It shelters epigenic organisms under a particular climate, buffering action, soil water content. During climate variability especially in drought years presence of trees on farmland can minimize the frequency of crop failure. Agroforestry is the environment friendly approach where cost of cultivation is reduced by applying inorganic fertilizers less frequently. |