CROP PRODUCTION AND ECONOMICS UNDERLITCHI CHINENSISSONN. PLANTATION ACROSS 1- TO 9-YEAR AGE SERIES IN NORTH BIHAR, INDIA

Abstract

SUMMARY Litchi is a major commercial crop of north Bihar, India. Growing a number of other crops in association with litchi plantation is a widespread practice in all litchi growing areas. Yields of intercrops under two rotations, viz. paddy-wheat-green gram-ginger and maize-toria-green gram-pointed gourd were studied across an age series of litchi plantations during years 1–9 following planting. Average height and diameter of litchi trees under 1 to 9 year-old plantation varied between 1.0 ± 0.20 to 5.47 ± 0.33 m and 5.10 ± 1.30 to 36.3 ± 3.82 cm, respectively. Relative light intensity under tree plantations decreased with increasing canopy depth and tree height. There was a marked reduction in yield of all intercrops with increase in age of the plantations. The economics of intercrops and plantations each from 1 to 9 years of age were calculated at the end of year 9 of planting. The benefit: rcost ratio under paddy-wheat-green gram-ginger and fruit systems was 2.17 and under maize-toria-green gram-point...