UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF INDIGENOUS FALLOW MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN SOIL FERTILITY RESTORATION AND PEST CONTROL

Abstract

This research investigates the ecological functionality and sustainability potential of indigenous fallow management systems through a combination of field experiments and participatory farmer interviews. The findings reveal that fallow practices—especially those involving legumes, shrubs, and mixed vegetation—significantly improve soil organic matter, nitrogen content, microbial biomass, and biodiversity. Table-based results highlight that shrub-integrated systems yielded the highest nutrient availability, while legume-based systems showed superior pest suppression. Figure analyses further underscore the ecological benefits of diversified fallow vegetation in supporting predator populations and stabilizing soil ecosystems. Natural pest control was shown to be highly effective through life cycle disruption and the enhancement of predator habitats, minimizing dependence on synthetic agrochemicals. The study also emphasizes the critical role of indigenous knowledge in tailoring fallow management to local environmental and cultural contexts, thus reinforcing its relevance for agroecological transitions. By demonstrating the multifunctional benefits of fallow systems—ranging from soil fertility restoration to biodiversity enhancement—this research supports the integration of indigenous practices into modern regenerative agricultural strategies. It concludes that the revival and formal inclusion of indigenous fallow systems in agricultural planning can significantly advance the goals of sustainability, resilience, and food security in ecologically challenged farming regions.