Abstract
Ambiguity in the potential of soils under Imperata cylindrica grass contributes to the slow pace of grassland development in Northeast Luzon. The aim of this study is to investigate the soil properties of Imperata grassland and the prospects for tree-based farming systems in northeastern Luzon. Soils are developed over Miocene-Pliocene sedimentary rock and Plio-Pleistocene volcanic and fluvial deposits. There is a clear distinction between relatively well-developed fertile soils (Cambisols, Luvisols) along hill slopes, clayey soils in lowlands (Vertisols) and inferior leached soils (Planosols) restricted to palaeo terraces and elevated surfaces. Low soil organic matter content is a regional constraint to grassland development. Other constraints mainly occur on a local level and are associated with soil physical, rather than soil chemical, properties such as low infiltration, surface crusting, gully formation, limited soil depth, and stony surfaces. It is argued that variable soil conditions and topography are inadequately considered in regional attempts to develop and rehabilitate grasslands. Fertile, low-angle foot slopes are most suitable to permanent cultivation with crop rotation and husbandry practices such as mulching of crop residues, efficient use of animal manure and inclusion of nitrogen-fixing plants. Enrichment of natural forest patches is proposed, together with mixed tree plantations on rocky and steep terrain, field boundaries and stream banks in cultivated areas. Less fertile palaeo terraces, watersheds and upper slopes are most suitable to silvipastoral systems.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 27-40 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Agroforestry Systems |
| Volume | 52 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 15 Jun 2001 |
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Keywords
- Cogon
- Humid tropics
- Land use
- Sedimentary rock
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Soil properties of Imperata grasslands and prospects for tree-based farming systems in Northeast Luzon, the Philippines. / Snelder, D. J.
In: Agroforestry Systems, Vol. 52, No. 1, 15.06.2001, p. 27-40.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
TY - JOUR
T1 - Soil properties of Imperata grasslands and prospects for tree-based farming systems in Northeast Luzon, the Philippines
AU - Snelder, D. J.
PY - 2001/6/15
Y1 - 2001/6/15
N2 - Ambiguity in the potential of soils under Imperata cylindrica grass contributes to the slow pace of grassland development in Northeast Luzon. The aim of this study is to investigate the soil properties of Imperata grassland and the prospects for tree-based farming systems in northeastern Luzon. Soils are developed over Miocene-Pliocene sedimentary rock and Plio-Pleistocene volcanic and fluvial deposits. There is a clear distinction between relatively well-developed fertile soils (Cambisols, Luvisols) along hill slopes, clayey soils in lowlands (Vertisols) and inferior leached soils (Planosols) restricted to palaeo terraces and elevated surfaces. Low soil organic matter content is a regional constraint to grassland development. Other constraints mainly occur on a local level and are associated with soil physical, rather than soil chemical, properties such as low infiltration, surface crusting, gully formation, limited soil depth, and stony surfaces. It is argued that variable soil conditions and topography are inadequately considered in regional attempts to develop and rehabilitate grasslands. Fertile, low-angle foot slopes are most suitable to permanent cultivation with crop rotation and husbandry practices such as mulching of crop residues, efficient use of animal manure and inclusion of nitrogen-fixing plants. Enrichment of natural forest patches is proposed, together with mixed tree plantations on rocky and steep terrain, field boundaries and stream banks in cultivated areas. Less fertile palaeo terraces, watersheds and upper slopes are most suitable to silvipastoral systems.
AB - Ambiguity in the potential of soils under Imperata cylindrica grass contributes to the slow pace of grassland development in Northeast Luzon. The aim of this study is to investigate the soil properties of Imperata grassland and the prospects for tree-based farming systems in northeastern Luzon. Soils are developed over Miocene-Pliocene sedimentary rock and Plio-Pleistocene volcanic and fluvial deposits. There is a clear distinction between relatively well-developed fertile soils (Cambisols, Luvisols) along hill slopes, clayey soils in lowlands (Vertisols) and inferior leached soils (Planosols) restricted to palaeo terraces and elevated surfaces. Low soil organic matter content is a regional constraint to grassland development. Other constraints mainly occur on a local level and are associated with soil physical, rather than soil chemical, properties such as low infiltration, surface crusting, gully formation, limited soil depth, and stony surfaces. It is argued that variable soil conditions and topography are inadequately considered in regional attempts to develop and rehabilitate grasslands. Fertile, low-angle foot slopes are most suitable to permanent cultivation with crop rotation and husbandry practices such as mulching of crop residues, efficient use of animal manure and inclusion of nitrogen-fixing plants. Enrichment of natural forest patches is proposed, together with mixed tree plantations on rocky and steep terrain, field boundaries and stream banks in cultivated areas. Less fertile palaeo terraces, watersheds and upper slopes are most suitable to silvipastoral systems.
KW - Cogon
KW - Humid tropics
KW - Land use
KW - Sedimentary rock
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U2 - 10.1023/A:1010753321030
DO - 10.1023/A:1010753321030
M3 - Article
VL - 52
SP - 27
EP - 40
JO - Agroforestry Systems
JF - Agroforestry Systems
SN - 0167-4366
IS - 1
ER -