Agroforestry depletes soil nutrients, impacting crop growth and food security.
The researchers studied soil properties under agro-forestry (Eucalyptus + wheat) and agricultural crops (wheat) in D.I.Khan. They collected soil samples and analyzed them for pH, organic matter, mineral N, and extractable P and K. In agro-forestry, soil had low organic matter and deficient P levels. Soil K was adequate. In agricultural crops, soil had deficient P levels and varying organic matter. Organic matter, mineral N, and soil P were lower under agro-forestry than agricultural crops in surface soil. Subsoil pH, EC, soil P, and K differed between the two systems.