PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ARIDISOLS AS AFFECTED BY LEY FARMING SYSTEMS

Ley farming is a system of growing grass in rotation with agricultural crops for improved soil environment and sustained grain and fodder pr oduction. Three types bf ley farming systems, with 4 years, 6 years an d 8 years of grass cultivation, were selected and compared with contro l plots on the basis of different soil physical parameters like infilt ration, water retention and water transmission. Infiltration and avail able water capacity improved significantly in case of 8 years grass gr owing plots. Presence of stubbles after harvest of grass disturbed the stability of soil structure and decreased the value of hydraulic cond uctivity in all the cases.