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KMID : 1024520210300020145
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Journal of the Environmental Sciences
2021 Volume.30 No. 2 p.145 ~ p.152
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Effects of Alfalfa Cultivation on Soil Erosion and Maize Production in Highland Agriculture
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Bak Gye-Ryeong
Lee Jeong-Tae
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Abstract
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Soil conservation management is necessary for sustainable agriculture, in highland areas, and cover crops are one of the best soil conservation methods for slopes. In this study, we evaluated the effects of alfalfa cultivation on maize production, as well as soil conservation and quality. There was an outstanding soil conservation effect with alfalfa cultivation in the fallow and maize growing seasons. In particular, alfalfa cultivation reduced soil loss by up to 98% compared with bare field. It also increased the activities of soil microorganisms and the supply of organic matter. Maize production with alfalfa cultivation showed no significant differences in yield. In conclusion, alfalfa is an advantageous perennial cover crop in highland agricultural slope areas, which can have positive effects on soil quality and conservation, as well as maize production.
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KEYWORD
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Alfalfa, Cover crop, Highland agriculture, Soil erosion, Maize
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