Abstract
The objective of the present study is to understand the forest recovery and soil replenishment of fallow after shifting cultivation. Currently, the cycle of shifting cultivation has been shortened to 3–4 years, which affects the recovery potential of the forest. So, it is important to study the changes in vegetation and soil nutrient status in fallow areas of different ages. Based on the year of abandonment, 12 experimental plots of 30 m × 30 m were established, 4 shifting-cultivation fallows (FP) (i.e., 0–3, 4–7, 8–11 and 12–15 years old) and another 3 experimental plots were established in natural undisturbed forest (NF) for comparison. Phytosociological indices and soil properties were studied to understand the changes in relation to fallow age.Species composition varied among the fallow ages. The 12–15 year old FP had the highest number of tree individuals as well as number of species among all FP. The study showed an increase in the tree component, while the herbaceous and shrub component decreased with increasing age of FP, and the major effect was noticeable after 11 years FP. Soil properties differed significantly among all the study sites. Our study shows that longer the FP, the higher is the forest recovery and soil replenishment of fallows.
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