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.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00142873Altmetric score:
Dimensions Citation Count:
Publication year
1997
Authors
Santoso, D.; Adiningsih, S.; Mutert, E.; Fairhurst, T.; van Noordwijk, M.
Language
English
Keywords
imperata cylindrica, mucuna pruriens, phosphorus, soil organic matter
Geographic
Netherlands
