Crop Productivity and Soil Properties under Agroforestry System in Kosi Watershed of Kumaun Himalaya

Abstract

: In the hilly region of Kumaun Himalaya agroforestry system is an important source of food, fodder, fuel, fibre, livelihood security, biological diversity and soil conservation. Local inhabitants are primarily dependent on agriculture along with trees maintained on margin of terraces and bunds of crop fields. This study focused on (i) productivity of paddy and wheat crops under agroforestry and sole agriculture, (ii) comparison of soil properties of different land-use sites of Kantli, Dhaniyakot and Sauraal villages situated along different altitudinal gradient in Kosi watershed. Crop yield and harvest index were recorded better under sole agriculture compared to agroforestry system. Overall, 17.8 to 32.6 % higher grain yield of paddy and 13.76 to 24.76% higher grain yield of wheat crops were recorded under sole agriculture system. Soil properties were better under vegetation compared to control site. Increases in soil organic carbon and better water holding capacity under top soil (0 15 cm) were noted under agroforestry and forest soil.