Abstract

Six taungya plots (0.4-2 ha) were selected in 1977 in clear-felled areas of plantations in Vazhachal, Trichur and Nilambur Divisions, Kerala. Plots were cropped for 2 yr and soil samples taken for determination of profile and surface soil characteristics (sand, silt and clay separates, pH, organic C and c.e.c.) before and after cropping. After 2 yr changes had occurred in all characteristics measured, the data suggesting that the surface horizons were being eroded and the subsurface horizons exposed. Changes were attributed to soil disturbance by preplanting tillage, cultivation and harvesting. One crop of rice caused fewer changes than rice-rice, rice-tapioca [cassava] or tapioca crops. It is suggested that only one crop (of rice) be allowed in taungya plantations and that if a second crop is necessary rice be cultivated with minimum site preparation