Yield, soil health and moisture status in bael (Aegle marmelos)-based hortipasture system in semi-arid ecosystem of India

Abstract

A study was conducted from 2008–2009 to 2012–2013 to evaluate the performance of bael-based hortipasture (agroforestry) system under different soil moisture conservation practices in rainfed condition for optimization of system productivity and improvement in soil health. Two cultivars of bael, NB-9 and CISH B-2 were transplanted under square system of planting with 6 × 6 m spacing. The understorey of each plot was intercropped with perennial pastures (grass + range legume) viz; Cenchrus ciliaris + Stylosanthes seabrana to utilize interspaces available between rows. Tree growth, forage yield (green & dry), physico-chemical quality of bael fruit, nutrient buildup and moisture content were found to be better in different moisture conservation treatments over control (without treatment). During the fifth year, tree height (NB-9) ranges from 3.11 to 3.31 m and 2.99 to 3.42 m (CISH B-2) under different treatments. Collar diameter varied from 6.91 to 7.86 cm and 6.81 to 7.56 cm in NB-9 and CISH B-2, respectively. Tree canopy (EW) varied from 1.94 to 2.49 m and 1.68 to 2.17 m and canopy spread (NS) ranges from 1.84 to 2.21 m and 1.85 to 2.28 m in cultivars NB-9 and CISH B-2, respectively. Green and dry forage yield was found to be maximum in staggered trenches (17.88 t/ha and 5.78 tDM/ha). Fruit yield in NB-9 varied from 1.14 to 2.41 t/ha and cultivar CISH B-2 gave 1.74 t/ha fruit yield in staggered trench and 1.11 t/ha in control. Increased Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash buildup in soil of experimental site ranged from 3.84 to 15.16%, 7.05 to 21.1% and 4.73 to 15.53%, respectively. Moisture content in staggered trench was 37.08% (at 15 cm depth) and 33.51% (at 30 cm depth) higher than control. Overall productivity of fruit and pasture increased with application of in situ moisture conservation treatments in bael-based hortipasture system. Results revealed that bael-based hortipasture system is a potential agroforestry model for degraded land.