Investigating the Impact of Herbal and Grass Clover Leys on Soil Quality, Water Holding Capacity and PH, and the Early Growth of Lentils

Abstract

Traditional farming has led to significant soil degradation, prompting a shift towards sustainable practices. This study explored the nuanced interplay between different durations of ley farming, soil cultivation techniques, and their effects on water holding capacity, PH and The initial growth phases of lentils. Using eight unique treatment setups, each tested four times. Methods employed include soil preparation, moisture content and pH measurement, and water-holding capacity assessment; the study incorporated a blend of herbal and grass-clover leys, subjected to both grazing and mowing, over periods of 2 and 3 years. Central observations pointed to notable differences in the soil's ability to retain water, with herbal leys mown for two and three years displaying increased water retention capabilities. Furthermore, leys maintained for three years exhibited a heightened capacity for water retention compared to their two-year counterparts. Importantly, lentils grown in grass-clover leys showed a more pronounced above-ground biomass than those in herbal leys. Regarding lentil growth rate, grass-clover soil, especially under grazing conditions, demonstrated superior growth rates. Interestingly, a three-year herbal grazed treatment also showed promising growth rates, rivalling those of grass-clover treatments. The type of ley and its management significantly influenced soil pH levels. The study also shed light on the varying effects of mowing versus grazing on the growth metrics and biomass of lentils. While the findings offer crucial insights, they also emphasize the importance of extended and real-world investigations. These results are set to inform and shape eco-friendly farming practices, especially concerning lentil growth.