THAKUR, P.S.JAT, SUGNA RAM2017-02-142017-02-14200947116http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810000907ABSTRACT The present study “Response of Matricaria chamomilla to different doses of organic manures under poplar based agroforestry systems” was carried out at the experimental field of Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan (H.P.) during 2008-09. The study was aimed to explore the possibilities of successful cultivation of Matricaria chamomilla as an intercrop with poplar trees along with standardizing the doses of organic manures used. The experiment comprised eighteen treatments, which included four different doses, each of vermicompost and FYM @ 1t/ha, 2t/ha, 3t/ha and 4t/ha in combination with and without poplar trees. The observations were taken at two distances, i.e. D1 (up to 80cm) and D2 (81 to 160cm) from the tree line and at two harvests (H1 and H2) of economic part of Matricaria herb. The results revealed that Matricaria chamomilla can be grown successfully under agroforestry systems consisting poplar as timber species. The tree presence had little suppressing effect on the growth and yield performance of herb, even in plants growing immediately beneath tree canopy (D1). The use of organic manures like vermicompost and FYM at appropriate doses was found beneficial for minimizing competition for critical resources. Vermicompost @ 3t/ha to 4t/ha was the most effective dose of organic manure, followed by FYM @ 4t/ha. The physiological parameters and root characteristics of aromatic herb were not adversely influenced by the presence of trees. The performance of herb plants was better at second harvest (H2) than first (H1). On the basis of the quantum of information generated through this study, it can be concluded that the cultivation of high value cash crops like medicinal and aromatic herbs with multipurpose tree species, especially commercial timber is a profitable alternative for traditional cropping systems. It was observed that Matricaria chamomilla could successfully be cultivated as an intercrop with poplar trees without any adverse impact on the performance and production ability of this herb, except when grown very close to the tree rows. The presence of tree species, particularly commercial timber species provide additional monetary benefits. The use of organic manures further improves the performance and production ability of intercrop by minimizing competition for critical resources. Matricaria performed better under poplar trees than control without trees and manures. It is suggested that cultivation of Matricaria chamomilla in combination with multipurpose tree species, especially poplar may be recommended for better economic returns from the agroforestry systems under rainfed conditions.ensowing, intercropping, wheats, tillage equipment, seed drilling, crops, mustard, fertilizers, land resources, chickpeasThesis