Sheep penning for agro-pastoral economy and restoration of soil fertility

Abstract

Goat and manure, known for its higher nutrient content, particularly nitrogen, plays a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility, especially through the traditional practice of penning. Penning involves confining livestock to graze on fallow lands, allowing them to deposit manure directly onto the soil. This practice, deeply rooted in the agro-pastoral traditions of Southern India, contributes to sustainable farming by improving soil health and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Historical evidence from the Southern Indian Neolithic era and contemporary studies highlights the effectiveness of penning in enriching soil with essential nutrients, controlling soil-borne pathogens, and fostering beneficial microbial activity. While much research has focused on the agronomic benefits, the socio-cultural, economic, and ecological aspects of penning remain underexplored. This study underscores the need to institutionalize penning as a key component of natural farming practices, advocating for its inclusion in agricultural policies to promote sustainable soil management and support rural livelihoods. Traditional plant growth promoting formulation namely Goat ‘aavottam’ or ‘aattottam’ needs to be popularized widely for sustainable crop productivity.