Effects of jhum (shifting) Cultivation Fallow Period on Soil Physicochemical Properties, West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya, India

Objective: To evaluate the effects of different fallow periods on soil properties under jhum cultivation and also determine the minimum fallow duration required for restoring soil fertility level in the West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya. Method: Soil samples were collected from 23 jhum cultivation plots with fallow periods ranging from 1 to 15 years, along with two natural forest patches for comparison. Soil samples were obtained from a depth of 0–15 cm and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. Findings: The study revealed that longer fallow periods (7–15 years) resulted in higher proportions of fine soil particles (silt and clay), along with increased levels of organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Soil fertility was found to be lowest in areas with less than 4 years of fallow and showed significant improvement from the 7th year onward. Novelty: This study provides empirical evidence supporting the importance of extended fallow periods in restoring soil fertility under jhum cultivation. It highlights the threshold fallow duration (7–8 years) necessary to regain soil health and sustain productivity, offering critical insight for sustainable land management practices in jhum cultivation method. Keywords: Jhum cultivation, effects, fallow period, soil physicochemical properties, soil fertility