Effect of grazing management and fertilizer application on vegetation and soil properties of a moist temperature forest range in Siran valley (Mansehra) NWFP
Effect of grazing management and fertilizer application on vegetation and soil properties of a moist temperature forest range in Siran valley (Mansehra) NWFP
Sardar Mohammad Rafique
ABSTRACT
Uncontrolled heavy grazing in blanks of moist temperate forests of the mountaineous tract of NWFP is a common practice of the local and nomad livestock herders. These blanks have been created as a result of compaction and trampling by livestock. This study was carried out in two blanks in moist temperate forest range at Kund, Mansehra during June, 1989 and was maintained for 5 years. It study aimed at investigating the effects of grazing management and application of fertilizer on forage production, cover percent, soil protective cover, soil infiltration rate and soil bulk density. Three major treatments namely; one clipping (no grazing), two clippings (simulated rotational grazing) and conventional grazing (continuous seasonal grazing) were applied randomly in 3 plots of 10 x 10 meter size.
Similarly, three sub- plots of 10 x 5 meters size were fertilized with single dose of NPK (1:2:2) at the rate of 100 kg N + 200 Kg P + 200 Kg K per ha in split plot design. Ten permanent sample plots of 1 x 1 meter size (Braun - Blanquet's method) in each sub plot were
established for estimation of forage production by clipping method, cover percentage and percentage soil protective cover. The study revealed 2.3 times improvement in forage production at present production level through protection (zero grazing) and fertilizer
application. The study revealed 2.3 times improvement in forage production at present production level through protection (zero grazing) and fertilizer application. The percentage vegetation cover percentage and soil protective cover have also shown manifold increased in
the treated plots. Further the study revealed appreciably higher soil porosity through decrease in soil bulk density and increase in water intake capacity (infiltration rate) with grazing management and application of fertilizer.
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March 1994
Vol. 44, Iss. 1
