Forest conversion to coffee-based agroforestry initially
leads to a decrease in the rate of litterfall and the standing
litter layer covering the soil reducing food for earthworms
and replenishment of soil organic matter (SOM) and likely
related to a reduction of soil macroporosity. On sloping
lands a reduction of macroporosity and soil cover is likely
to increase overland flow and erosion.
This research was aimed at quantifying litter thickness
earthworm populations and soil macroporosity in response
to land use change in the Sumberjaya benchmark area (West
Lampung) by comparing (a) remnant forest as a control
(b) multistrata shaded coffee with fruit and timber trees as well as the nitrogen-fixing (Erythrina sububrams and/or
Gliricidia sepium) as shade trees (c) shaded coffee with
the same nitrogen-fixing Erythrina sububrams and/or
Gliricidia sepium as shade trees (d) monoculture (sun)
coffee. Plots were selected with a minimum age of 7 years
in three slope classes: (a) flat (0-10o) (b) medium (10-30o)
and (c) steep ( > 30o). The measurements were carried out in
November 2001 to Juli 2002.
Publication year
2004
Authors
Hairiah, D.K.; Suprayogo, D.; Widianto; Berlian; Suhara, E.; Mardiastuning, A.; Widodo, R.H.; Prayogo, C.; Rahayu, S.
Keywords
Agricultural education, Agroforestry systems, Farming, Land management, Learning
