Abstract
Imperata cylindrica grasslands are widely believed to indicate poor soil fertility. Soil fertility improvement may have to be an important component of a reclamation strategy. Data for Sumatra, Indonesia indicate, however, that Imperata occurs on a broad range of soil types and is not confined to the poorest soils. A direct role of Imperata in soil degradation cannot be ascertained. In many instances, however, Imperata soils are low in available P and effective N supply. The use of rock phosphate in combination with erosion control (‘fertility traps’) and legume cover crops can be effective in restoring soil fertility. Case studies for a number of sites in Sumatra have confirmed the practical possibility of reclaiming grasslands for food and tree crops.
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Santoso, D., Adiningsih, S., Mutert, E. et al. Soil fertility management for reclamation of Imperata grasslands by smallholder agroforestry. Agroforest Syst 36, 181–202 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00142873
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00142873