Influence of salix density and water table depth on growth and yield of coffee
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Date
2008-06
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
Field Research was undertaken to find out the influence of Salix density and water table depth on growth and yield of coffee. The experiment was conducted during January 2007- January 2008 in the Agroforestry Research Block at Horticulture Research Centre, Patharchatta of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. The field was laid out in a split plot design with four replication taking Salix spacing (10 x 5m, 6 x 5m) and control as main plot treatment and four fertilizer doses (S1: N, S2: N+K, S3: N+P+K and S4: control) as sub plot treatments. Bush height, stem girth, number of primary branches, number of suckers and bush spread was significantly higher under agroforestry treatments than control. All growth character and coffee cherry yield was recorded higher under 10 x 5m Salix spacing where average water table was lower than 90 cm indicating that Salix plantations at 10 x 5m spacing has provided favourable microclimatic conditions for coffee growth as compared to control. Fertilizer treatments did not affect cherry yield significantly during coffee growth period. Maximum cherry yield (4119 kg/ha) was observed in S1F2 treatment. Average cherry yield in S1 (3385 kg/ha) was highest among the agroforestry treatments. Irrespective of Salix spacing and fertiliser doses, coffee bush growth and coffee cherry yield were highest where water table depth was deeper than 90 cm. Results have established that non traditional area of tarai region of Uttarakhand has a potential for successful coffee plantation.