TREE-CROP INTERACTION STUDIES IN PLUM BASED AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM IN KULLU VALLEY OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
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Date
2012
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ABSTRACT
The present investigation on “Tree-Crop interaction studies in Plum based Agroforestry system in kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh” were carried out during the year 2011. The study was undertaken with the tripartite objectives (a) to study the effect of tree component on the growth and yield of field crop (b) to study the nutrient dynamics in plum based agroforestry system (c) to carry out cost: benefit analysis. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design. Data on growth and yield performance of field crops at three distances (1, 2, 3 m) and four directions (East, West, North, and South) from the tree trunk and control (no trees) were collected along with fruit tree growth and yield. The results observed indicate that plum tree suppressed maize growth and yield significantly at 1m distance and north direction as compared to other distances and directions. Furthermore, the plum tree also competes strongly with maize crop for moisture, nutrient and other resources. Harvested plant parts were analyzed for different nutrient contents. Crop nutrient content and uptake was recorded higher at 3m distance and south direction as compared to other distances and directions.Soil chemical properties viz. pH, organic carbon, available N, P, K, Ca and Mg was also recorded. Organic carbon and available nutrients were recorded higher at 1m distance but they were statistically non-significant with respect to directions. Soil fertility was higher in agrihorticulture system than sole cropping. Addition and removal of nutrients were higher in agrihorticulture system than sole cropping. Agrihorticulture system gave higher values for biomass productivity and net returns than sole cropping.