Growth and productivity of different intercrops grown in the allies of neem (Azadirachta indica A.Juss) in red & laterite zone of West Bengal

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted on the lateritic soil of West Bengal during 2006 and 2007 to evaluate the seasonal aerial growth and productivity of Azadirachta indica (planted during August 2002) at a spacing of 5 m x 5 m (400 plants/ha) under alley cropping system with 4 different intercrops Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), Rice (Oryza sativa), Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and Blackgram (Vigna mungo). The result revealed that height, diameter at breast height (dbh) and volume of wood of Neem were increased gradually with the increasing age of the tree but the rate of increment of height and dbh was shown in a phasic manner due to change of climate throughout the year. Experimental results revealed that out of four intercrops, production of Rice (2.40 and 2.50 t/ha during kharif 2006 and 2007 respectively) was recorded maximum. Performance of all the intercrops grown under Neem Plantation was slightly better during 2nd year of experimentation than 1st year. However, total economic outturn was recorded maximum under Azadirachta indica + Groundnut Agroforestry System (Rs. 49,600/ha/year) closely followed by that of Azadirachta indica + Rice Agroforestry System (Rs. 42,700/ha/year). The soil moisture content as well as soil nutrient status was increased in all depth of soil where intercrops were grown in the allies of neem tree.