Shallow soils have less than 50 cm depth of solum. Generally, they have a thin A horizon over the bedrock or the parent material. Shallow soils are common on hilltops, hillsides, and throughout mountainous regions, where the thin topsoil may be the only thing that lies between the ground surface and subsurface rock layers. They usually lack subsoil and may be poor in quality as well as thin. Some soils are considered shallow if they have root restrictive layers or shallow groundwater table so that roots cannot penetrate those shallow layers.
As mentioned in the above statement on the definition of the shallow soil. So, is there any one package to remedy the shallow soil or are there any integrated management practices for the reclamation of shallow soil
which suitable agronomic or horticultural crop to grow in it. Moreover, which suitable trees or fruit trees to grow in it, Therefore, my request is the practical suggestions to solve or manage this phenomenon is very important, besides the literature review, and articles also are needed.
My suggestion is that the soil depth needs to increase via regenerative means. Biochar is one way to build topsoil. How you go about that will be determined by your specific circumstances. Make sure the biochar is inoculated, say with EM (effective microbes). You will have to research the subject yourself.
Microbial life is paramount so adding appropriate biological material is another approach. This can include Terragen Biotech Greatland 10 litres/ha 3 or 4 x per year. (See Terragen Biotech website). Latest news not yet on the website is a grape harvest in South Australia increasing by 72% over the control. Botrytis was substantially lessened. This was Greatland only, nothing else.
You can add biological foods to GL such as 10 litres/ha fish hydrolysate, 2 kg molasses, 1 kg white sugar, 50 grams kelp flour, 30 grams bakers yeast.
Homemade biological brews are also possible, but that also depends on individual circumstances.
Diverse species planting will increase soil fertility, productivity and sustainability, but you need to find out (the hard way) what suits the land you are referring to.
Chemical fertilisers will not increase soil depth fast enough and who is to determine exactly what is required?
Search Biochar, Effective Microbes and Terragen Biotech.
@ Mohammed, there are many crops which have shallow roots can grow well under shallow soils. They are: tomato, carrot, lettuce, strawberry, corn, potato, radish, cucumber, eggplant, pea etc.
If your soil is on a hilly topography you may want to design a system (prior to cultivating anything) that limits soil loss. Therefore, I would suggest making terraces along the level lines of your slopes and develop an alley cropping system with perennial plants (trees and shrubs) between the alleys. Trees and shrubs of choice should be nitrogen fixers (ex.: leucaena, glyricidia, moringa, and more) so that the leaves of these trees may be used as green manure ti enhance the fertility of the alley (especially if you do not have manure, biochar, or any other amendment/biofertilizer available at the onset of all this). Slope reduction to minimize soil erosion (in my opinion) is a priority.
Plant fast-growing plant or tree in the area where its slope is more than 12%. Varieties of plant suitable are eucalyptus, bamboo, nim, rain tree, Leguminosae, genus Cassia. The planting area is 1x1 m., 1x2 m. or 2x2 m. Plant in a hole which its size is 20x20x20 cm. Add compost 2-5 kg. with chemical fertilizer (15-15-15) 100-200 g. at the bottom of the hole.
Planting grassland for rearing animals. Plant grass and bean together.
This link will help you
https://www.ldd.go.th/ldd_en/en-US/reclamation-of-shallow-soil-and-laterite-soil/
If there is an assured irrigation facility like drip irrigation, we can do cropping at any soil depth, just imagine container gardening, you will get answer for it, if artificial irrigation not possible, then only issue arises. Here to just we have to facilitate the nature to establish itself, first thing is to conserve moisture and second soil, then next easy.
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