Ailanthus excelsa L. based agroforestry systems in North-West Indian dry lands: effect on yields of intercrops and soil properties

ABSTRACT

Different Ailanthus excelsa-based agroforestry systems (Bund/boundary, scattered trees in the existing farming systems) are practiced by the farmers in dry parts of north-west India. However, improved A. excelsa-based agroforestry systems are not popular among the farmers. Therefore, in this study, improved A. excelsa-based agroforestry systems (in association with pearl millet-mustard and cluster bean-wheat) were introduced with different tree densities (50, 100, 150 and 200 trees ha⁻¹) to identify its effect on crop yield and soil attributes (fertility and productivity). In the present study, yields of agricultural crops were not influenced by A. excesla, irrespective of crop or tree density; however, higher yields were recorded under sole cropping in both the cropping systems. Among different tree densities, higher crop yields were recorded with 50 trees ha⁻¹. Soil fertility status in terms of organic matter (OM), available P and K improved under agroforestry systems as compared to sole cropping. Growth of A. excelsa under tree densities and in association with crops was at par, maximum girth (47.10 cm) at breast height was recorded under density of 200 trees ha⁻¹ with cluster bean-wheat cropping sequence. Two years experimentation showed maximum benefits under agroforestry with 200 trees ha⁻¹.

KEYWORDS:

• Ailanthus excelsa
• agroforestry
• carbon sequestration
• mahaneem
• soil fertility

Acknowledgements

Authors are thankful to Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, New Delhi, Govt. of India for providing financial help for conducting the studies. CSS Haryana Agricultural University is also fully acknowledged for providing the facilities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).