Farm Resource Management (FRM) - College of Agricultural ...

AWATT Farm Resource Management Training ManualIn general, annual legumes are succulent. They release nitrogen and other nutrients quicklythrough the active fraction, and long-term use of annual legumes (Egyptian clover) can increasesoil humus. Perennial legumes such as alfalfa may fall in both categories—its leaves will breakdown quickly, but their stems and root systems may become tough and fibrous and cancontribute to humus accumulation.Organic matter builds up very slowly in the soil. A soil with 3 % organic matter might onlyincrease to 4 % after a decade or more of soil building. The benefits of increased organicmatter, however, are likely to be apparent long before increased quantities are detectable.Some, such as enhanced aggregation and increased water infiltration rates and nutrient releasewill be apparent the first season; others may take several years to become noticeable.Animal ManureAnimal manure is important for soil fertility, water holding capacity and productivity.Animal Manure at Kefayt Dairy Farm in Mazar on May 10, 2010.COVER CROPS CAN STABILIZE SOILThe more you use cover crops (Egyptian clover), the better your soil health will be, researchcontinues to show. One reason is that cover crops, especially legumes, encourage populationsof beneficial fungi and other microorganisms that help bind soil aggregates.Afghanistan Water, Agriculture and Technology Transfer Program 16