On-Farm Evaluation of Multipurpose Tree/Shrub Species for Sustaining Productivity in Alley Cropping

Abstract

Alley cropping is a system in which strips (alleys) of annual crops are grown between rows of trees or shrubs, resembling hedges. Alley cropping is one of promising agro forestry practice to sustain productivity in highly populated areas where landholding sizes are very small and inorganic fertilizer use is very low. This study has been carried out with the aim of evaluating the effect of selected multipurpose tree/shrub species on yield performance of Teff (EragrostisTeff) through green manure application of hedgerow planting. Four different multipurpose tree/shrub species (Sesbania sesban, Croton macrostaychus, Cacia species and Cajuns cajun) seedlings were used and planted in two rows within the space of 8m between avenue and 0.25m within avenue and the trial was designed as Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Leaf biomass was incorporated to the soil in early July (1-2 weeks before sowing) as green manure. At each plot 15m2 (3m x 5m) areas were laid for Teff (EragrostisTeff) grain and straw yield parameter measurements. The result shows that significantly higher grain and straw biomass yield of Teff (EragrostisTeff) were obtained through application of Sesbania sesban and Croton macrostaychus green manure as compare to Cajuns cajun and Cassia species. Leaf nutrient concentrations of N and P were found higher in Sesbania sesban than the rest of tree/shrub species. For this reason, farmers are advised to use Sesbania sesban and Croton macrostaychus species for Teff production in alley cropping agroforestry system.