Poplar Based Agroforestry System Research Articles

Poplar based agroforestry system: Symmetry to maximize productivity and optimized nutrient acquisition in fodder sorghum–wheat rotation in semiarid region of Haryana

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif and rabi season of 2 years (2022–24) at the farm of agroforestry of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to evaluate the impact of different geometry of poplar on the yield and nutrient uptake of sorghum and wheat under poplar-based agroforestry sys- tems. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 3 replications. The sorghum and wheat were sown as per the treatment comprising different spacing of poplar i.e. 3 m × 3 m, 4 m × 3 m, 5 m × 3 m, 6 m × 3 m, 7 m × 3 m, 8 m × 3 m and control (sole crops without trees). The results showed that sorghum (14.02 and 14.48 t/ ha) dry fodder yield and wheat grain yield (5.14 and 5.30 t/ha) and straw yield (7.17 and 7.28 t/ha) were maximum under control in 2022–23 and 2023–24, respectively. The yield of sorghum (13.62 and 15.54%), wheat grain (44.55 and 45.66%) and wheat straw (39.05 and 39.15%) were lower at 3 m × 3 m spacing compared to control in 2022–23 and 2023–24, respectively. The increase in spacing of poplar increase the yield of sorghum and wheat during both the years of study i.e. least yields at 3 m × 3 m popular spacing and highest under 8 m × 3 m spacing. However, popular based system yields of sorghum (8.01 and 8.42%), wheat grain (50.18 and 50.00%) and wheat straw (42.56 and 42.44%) were higher under 8 m × 3 m than 3 m × 3 m spacing in 2022–23 and 2023–24, respec- tively. Similar significant results were obtained in case of nutrient uptake N, P and K as yield of sorghum (143.9, 147.2, 18.3, 19.9 and 31.4, 29.2 kg/ha) and wheat in grain (81.8, 83.4, 13.7, 14.3 and 13.3 14.4 kg/ha) and straw (26.8, 28.4, 7.5, 8.7 and 64.2, 66.3 kg/ha) under 8 m × 3 m during 2022–23 and 2023–24, respectively. Hence, control has significant effect on the yield and nutrient uptake of crops than under agroforestry systems. While, among all the treatments of poplar-based alley crop systems, spacing of 8 × 3 m the significantly higher green for- age, and grain yields and nutrient uptake.

Tree spacings and nutrient sources effect on turmeric yield, quality, bio-economics and soil fertility in a poplar-based agroforestry system in Indian Himalayas

Tree spacings and nutrient sources effect on turmeric yield, quality, bio-economics and soil fertility in a poplar-based agroforestry system in Indian Himalayas

Correlation Studies on Different Growth Parameter of Spice Crops under Poplar Based Agroforestry System

The Present study was carried out to estimate the correlation of intercrop viz., Fennel, Ajowain, Coriander, Fenugreek, Mentha, Kalonji, Chilli and Cumin under Poplar-based agroforestry system. Experiment was conducted under 15 years old existing poplar based agri-silviculture system using Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and 8 treatments in central part of state U.P. The treatments used under experimentation are (C1) Fennel, (C2) Ajowain, (C3) Coriander, (C4) Fenugreek, (C5) Mentha, (C6) Kalonji, (C7) Chilli, and (C8) Cumin. The significantly positive and negative correlation was recorded on parameter viz. Plant Height, No. of Branch, No. of leaves, No. of Umbels / plant, No. of Umblets/ Umbels, No. of Seed / Umblets, test Weight and yield. The findings of present study will be benefits to farmers and agriculture professionals in estimating correlation of various yield and growth parameters under Poplar tree under certain management practices to get higher returns.

Agroforestry systems in the mid-hills of the north-western Himalaya: A sustainable pathway to improved soil health and climate resilience

Identifying the new tree crop combinations plays an important function in transforming the low input agriculture into land units with high economic returns, increasing carbon (C) sink and nutrients storage capacity, and acting as a panacea to achieve Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). The present study aims to evaluate various tree-crop combinations for (i) biomass production, (ii) carbon accumulation, and (iii) soil nutrient enrichment of traditional and commercially evolved eight agroforestry systems (AFSs), including agri-silvi-horticulture system, agri-silviculture system, silvi-pasture, fruit tree, fodder tree, bamboo, melia and poplar based AFSs with sole cropping system in the mid-hill zone of the north-western Himalaya. The results demonstrated that poplar based AFS accumulated a higher amount of biomass (130.87 Mg ha−1) and carbon (65.44 Mg ha−1) closely followed by melia-based AFS. The C stored in leaf litter was higher (0.66 Mg ha−1) in poplar-based AFS, however, soil C stock was maximum (114.69 Mg ha−1) under bamboo-based AFS. Overall, the Melia based AFS exhibited a higher rate of carbon dioxide mitigation (19.30 Mg ha−1 yr−1) and C-sequestration (5.26 Mg ha−1 yr−1) than other studied AFSs. Moreover, soil macro-nutrients (available N, P, K, S and Ca) were maximum under bamboo-based AFS, on the other hand, the fruit-based AFS had the higher concentrations of micro-nutrients i.e., Cu (3.05), Fe (31.10 mg g−1) and Mn (17.31 mg g−1). The soil microbial counts were higher in poplar-based AFS, whereas, the soil quality index improved significantly under bamboo based and fruit tree based AFSs. Hence, it can be concluded that the experimentally evolved AFSs represent an effective approach for boosting C-sequestration, soil fertility, regenerating the soil and sustainability of hill agriculture in the north-western Himalayas over traditional AFSs and sole cropping.

Effect of Different Levels of Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Beetroot under Poplar Based Agroforestry System

Agroforestry play crucial role in satisfying the need for industrial round wood and reaching the national aim of bringing one-third of total country’s land under forest/tree cover. The risk of losing money on crops due to poor monsoon conditions is mitigated, and farmers receive a steady stream of additional income as a result. Beet root is a highly productive, popular root vegetable grown mainly for its fleshy, enlarged roots prefers moderately cool condition. Furthermore, it could make a significant impact on the national initiative to double farmers' income growing agricultural crops under with spatial and temporal management. Present experiment was laid out to assess the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of Beetroot under Poplar based Agroforestry in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications viz. T0 – (70:110:70 kg NPK / ha), T1 –(100:110:70 kg NPK / ha), T2– (130:110:70 kg NPK / ha), T3–(160:110:70 kg NPK / ha), T4 – (70:130:70 kg NPK / ha), T5 –(70:150:70 kg NPK / ha), T6– (70:180:70 kg NPK / ha), T7– (70:110:80 kg NPK / ha), T8– (70:110:90 kg NPK/ha), T9–(70:110:100 kg NPK / ha). Findings of experiment show that fertilizer Treatment has a significant influence on the growth and yield of Beetroot. The yield parameters of beetroot were significantly affected due to different inorganic nutrient management and comparatively higher tuber yield (307.67 q/ha) was recorded in Treatment T6 (70:180:70kg NPK/ha).

Impact of chronosequence of poplar based agroforestry system on storage of soil organic carbon in active and recalcitrant pools

The study comprised of five land uses viz., sites having continuous poplar (Populus deltoides)-based agroforestry system (AFS) for 10, 20 and 30 years, fodder [pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum)/ sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)]-fodder [oats (Avena sativa)/ berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum)] (F-F) rotation and fallow land (control) to determine depthwise (0-15, 15-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm) changes in total C (TC), soil inorganic C (SIC), soil organic C (SOC), total organic C (TOC) and its fractions in different land uses. The TOC pools consisting of very labile C (VLC), labile C (LC), less labile C (LLC) and recalcitrant C (RC) were determined. Fallow land had highest (1.53 Mg m-3) whereas 30 years AFS had lowest bulk density (1.42 Mg m-3) of the surface soil depth. The TC, SOC and TOC stocks followed the order: AFS > F-F > FL in various soil depths. The active carbon (AC) pools (VLC + LC) were higher in 10-year plantation cycle (62.3% of TOC) than 30-year cycle (32.9% of TOC), whereas the passive carbon (PC) pools (LLC + RC) were higher in 30-year plantation cycle (67.1%) than in 10 years (37.7%) in surface depth. The contribution of LLC to PC was higher in 30-year plantation cycle (65%) than in 10-year plantation cycle (48%). Therefore, long-term adoption of poplar based agroforestry system plays a significant role in sequestration of resistant carbon pools in the soils.

Optimization of planting geometry and weed control improves the productivity of potato under poplar-based agroforestry system

Optimization of planting geometry and weed control improves the productivity of potato under poplar-based agroforestry system

Impacts of Varying Nitrogen Levels on Leaf length of Onion Varieties under Poplar Based Agroforestry System

Agroforestry systems play a vital role in increasing the production of the crops that help to improve the financial status of the farmer. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with three replications and 12 treatments with and without a combination of three onion varieties and different levels of nitrogen fertilizer. The experiment consisted of twelve treatments, viz. V1 + N 0 kg, V1 + N 40 kg, V1 + N 80 kg, V1 + N 120 kg, V2 + N 0 kg, V2 + N 40 kg, V2 + N 80 kg, V2 + N 120 kg, V3 + N 0 kg, V3 + N 40 kg, V3 + N 80 kg, and V3 + N 120 kg. The results revealed that leaf length was found superior at a 120 kg N/h fertilizer level (V1 + N 120 kg) in the onion variety Nasik Red. The onion variety Nasik Red was determined to be the best variety, and 120 kg N ha -1 was determined to be the optimum dose for achieving maximum onion leaf length in a poplar-based agroforestry system.

Soil Nutrient Status Under Barley Intercropped with Poplar (Populus deltoides) Agroforestry Systems in Northern India

The present investigation was carried out to assess the soil nutrient status under five year old popular plantation. In the study, five barley varieties (BH 946, BH 959, BH 393, BH 885 and BH 902) were sown with already established poplar plantation at a 5 x 3 m spacing. Soil pH and EC decreased significantly under poplar plantation than sole barley crop. A significant increase in soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were observed at all depths (0-15, 15- 30 and 30-45 cm) under poplar based agroforestry system than sole barley (devoid of trees). Poplar based agroforestry system was observed to provide exemplary effect on soil properties as compared to sole cropping. Thus, signifying that poplar based agroforestry system will also yield good returns to farmers in the long-run by improving the soil health and agricultural sustainability.

Agroforestry: Viable alternatives for ensuring green fodder production around the year

Agroforestry is an integration of tree species with agricultural crops or livestock that can be directly used to enhance agro biodiversity, rural livelihood and to meet the demand of green fodder throughout the year. Considering this fact, a study was done at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to assess the productivity of fodder crops under poplar based agroforestry system. In February 2016, poplar was planted in six different spacing of 3× 3 m, 4×3 m, 5×3 m, 6×3 m, 7×3 m and 8×3 m. In this study, fodder crops (sorghum during Kharif season and oat and berseem during Rabi season) were intercropped in different spacing’s of poplar and compared with control in three replications. The results revealed that the maximum DBH (13.92 cm), basal diameter (16.90 cm) and crown spread (6.79 m) attained in 8×3 m spacing while maximum height (9.61 m) is attained in 3×3 m spacing. The highest pH (7.94) and EC (0.27 dS/m) were recorded in 8×3 m spacing while highest SOC (0.47 %), N (158.5 kg/ha), P (16.8 kg/ha) and K (343.8 kg/ha) were recorded in 3×3 m spacing. Green fodder biomass of sorghum (38.45 t/ha), berseem (64.56 t/ha) and oat (52.62 t/ha) was recorded higher in wider spacing (8×3 m) as compared to sole crops. The maximum light intensity (672.4 Lux) was recorded in 8×3 m at 1.00 pm in the month of July, 2018. Higher value of BCR was observed for poplar with oat (2.44) followed by poplar with sorghum (2.31) and poplar with berseem (2.28) under 3×3 m spacing indicating that closer spacing of 3×3 m of poplar is more economic than the other spacings due to more number of trees per unit area and more production of wood.

Estimating biomass production and carbon sequestration of poplar-based agroforestry systems in India

Estimating biomass production and carbon sequestration of poplar-based agroforestry systems in India

Optimization of onion planting time and variety under Populus deltoides-based agroforestry system in North-Western India

Vegetable-based agroforestry is one of the means to diversify from cereal-based intercrops under agroforestry system. Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops used for consumption in India and the highest foreign exchange earner among the fruit and vegetables. In this context, the current study was carried out to assess the potential of onion varieties under Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh-based agroforestry system. Six onion varieties (POH-1, PRO-6, PRO-7, PWO-2, PYO-1 and Pb Naroya) were evaluated with three planting times (mid-December, end-December and mid-January), under two cropping systems (sole onion and poplar + onion) for two consecutive years during rabi (winter) seasons 2018–19 and 2019–20. Poplar block plantation was established at 8 × 2.5 m with 8 m width in N–S direction. Age of the trees was 4 and 5 years during the respective period of experiment and attained 17.7 cm mean diameter, 15.8 m height and 17.8 m2 crown spread. Onion variety PRO-7 transplanted in mid-December gave maximum average bulb weight (62.1, 70.3 g), bulb diameter (5.49, 5.79 cm) and bulb yield (27.59, 37.89 tha−1) under both poplar as well as in open field conditions. This is attributed to the short duration nature of PRO-7 which completes its life cycle before whole development of poplar canopy. NPV and annuity value of poplar + onion-based system was 28% higher than the conventionally followed poplar + wheat model. Benefit–cost ratio was also reported highest for the present model (2.94) as compared to poplar + wheat (2.74) and sole onion (1.92). Thus, growing of suitable onion variety at appropriate time can enhance the income of poplar-based agroforestry system.

Changes in Chemical Properties of Soil under Poplar based Agroforestry System and Open Farming System

The present investigation was carried out at Agroforestry Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India, to study the chemical property of soil before and after the growth of taro as sole crop and under poplar based agroforestry system. After planting of taro, soil pH was observed maximum for germplasm PA-73 (7.23) and PA-16 (7.15), EC was observed maximum for germplasm PA-56 (0.40 dSm -1 ) and PA-60 (0.36 dSm -1 ) and soil organic carbon (OC) was observed maximum for germplasm PA-49 (1.17%) and PA-73 (1.06%) under poplar based agroforestry system and open system respectively, whereas after harvesting of taro, the maximum soil pH was observed with germplasm PA-16 for both the condition, which was 7.20 and 7.14, maximum soil EC was observed with germplasm PA-56 (0.39 dSm -1 ) and germplasm PA-60 (0.35 dSm -1 ) and maximum soil OC was observed under poplar based agroforestry system as compared to open system respectively. Results of the present study revealed that the chemical property of soil varied significantly in different taro germplasm under poplar based agroforestry system as compared to open farming system.

Carbon emission, sequestration, credit and economics of wheat under poplar based agroforestry system

The present study was conducted to compare the carbon sequestration potential, carbon emission, and cost benefit ratio of wheat varieties under open farming and poplar based agroforestry system. Field experiment was carried out at Agroforestry Research Center, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India. The experimental plots were laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with two associate farming systems, open farming and poplar based agroforestry system, and four varieties of wheat, PBW-373, PBW-343, UP-262 and VL-907, with three replications. Above ground, below ground and total biomass, carbon stock, carbon sequestration, carbon credit, and carbon price all were significantly higher in wheat under poplar based agroforestry system (22.949, 2.753, 25.702, 11.460, 42.049 tonnes/ha, 40.049 and $744.270/ha) while net emission was significantly lower (−40.998 tonnes/ha) in two years, as compared to open farming (−37.263 tonnes/ha). Net return and Benefit Cost (B:C) ratio ($876.29/ha and 1.83) was also higher in agroforestry system than open farming system ($700.91/ha and 1.82). Among wheat varieties VL-907 recorded maximum net return and B:C ratio ($914.52/ha and 2.12) followed by PBW-343.

Valuation of carbon sequestration by poplar based agroforestry systems in Yamunanagar, Haryana

Poplar (Populus deltoides) based agroforestry systems in Yamunanagar district of Haryana have great potential for carbon sequestration, which is considered as an ecosystems service. This study bridges the knowledge gap regarding payment for ecosystem services through carbon sequestration by poplar farmers. This study was conducted in year 2018 with the objective of estimating the quantity and value of carbon sequestered by poplar based agroforestry systems. Remote sensing analysis for year 2017 revealed that poplar is dominant tree species grown by farmers on their field and occupied about 13.97% of district’s geographical area. Timber production of poplar trees was estimated at 45.9 and 113.3 t/ha for seven years of rotation in boundary and agrisilviculture systems, respectively. The CO2 sequestered by poplar trees in boundary and agrisilviculture systems come out to be 99.2 and 242.0 tCO2 e for seven year-old plantation, and total value of this carbon sequestered was estimated at US$ 1778 and 4673 @US$ 5.1/t CO2e for seven years of rotation, respectively. At district level, estimated value for carbon sequestered by poplar based agroforestry systems was amounted to US$ 25.43 million @US$ 5.1/t CO2 e for entire rotation period of seven years in an area of 172506.96 ha. At country level, this ecosystem service of carbon sequestration would yield hefty amount of about US$ 285 million (`₹185 billion). Hence, poplar based agroforestry systems in India are sustainable solution for not only climate change mitigation but can also enhance farmers’ income through payment of ecosystems service.

Effect of Organic Manure on Growth of Linseed (<i>Linum usitatissimum L</i>.) Under Poplar Tree Based Agroforestry System

A field experiment was conducted with linseed under Poplar during Rabi season of 2018 at crop Research Farm, Department of Silviculture & Agroforestry, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (U. P.). An approach to land use that incorporates trees into farming systems, and allows for the production of trees and crops or livestock from the same piece of land in order to obtain economic, ecological, environmental and cultural benefits. Fastgrowing energy plant and trees such as poplar are characterized by short-term growth and weight gain significantly exceeding the average growth of other plant during the growing period. Use of vermicompost for crop growth is in focus in recent researches, but the response to the application of vermicompost had been specific to each plant species and the stage of growth. Such as unbalance continuous application of limited fertilizers both in the amount and type may aggravate the depletion of other important nutrients such as K, Mg, Ca, S and micro-nutrients not supplied by the chemical fertilizer and may also lead to chemical soil degradation. The treatment comprised of FYM 100%, Control, VC 100%, FYM 50%, VC 50%, FYM 75%, VC 75%, FYM 125%, VC 125% under Poplar based Agroforestry. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD). The result Showed that maximum plant height (cm), plant diameter (cm²) recorded at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAT, capsule per plant, seed per capsule were recorded. The treatment (T₁₁) with application of (FYM 125%) showed the significant superiority in giving the maximum plant height (58.41cm at 120 days), plant diameter (4.43cm² at 120 days), capsule per plant (48.93 at 120 days), and seed per capsule 9.33. Poplar based Agroforestry system could be rank based on economic performance of linseed also recorded in treatment T₁₁ (FYM 125%).

Comparative Study of Wheat Varieties under Open Farming and Poplar-Based Agroforestry System in Uttarakhand, India

Comparative Study of Wheat Varieties under Open Farming and Poplar-Based Agroforestry System in Uttarakhand, India

Long-term effects of intensive rice–wheat and agroforestry based cropping systems on build-up of nutrients and budgets in alluvial soils of Punjab, India

ABSTRACTA detailed study was conducted to investigate the long-term effects of rice–wheat and poplar-based agro-forestry systems existing on a large area for last 25 years on the distribution of macro as well as micronutrients in surface soils, as well as their profiles. To achieve these objectives, profile soil samples (0–150 cm) were collected from 10 randomly scattered locations each from rice–wheat and poplar-based agro-forestry systems and analyzed for various physico-chemical properties. The results of our investigation revealed that pH, EC, OC available N, P and K reported significantly higher levels in agro-forestry as compared to rice–wheat system. On the other hand, DTPA-extractable and total Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn were significantly higher in D1 (0–15 cm), D2 (15–30 cm) and D3 (30–45 cm) depths of rice–wheat system which may be attributed to the reduced conditions prevailing during rice crop. Nutrient budgeting also assessed the impact of crop removal and fertilizer inputs along with recycling of crop residue and leaf litter. Also, the build-up of available nutrient status in surface layer (0–15 cm) and soil profiles (0–150 cm) continuously under these two systems helped in maintaining agricultural sustainability and soil fertility over a long period of time.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth of Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum L.) Under Poplar Based Agroforestry System.

A field experiment was conducted with linseed under Poplar during Rabi season of 2018 at crop Research Farm, Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (U.P.). The treatment comprised of FYM 100%, NPK 100%, Control, VC 100%, NPK 50%, FYM 50%, VC 50%, NPK 75%, FYM 75%, VC 75%, NPK 125%, FYM 125%, VC 125% under Poplar based Agroforestry. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD). The result Showed that maximum plant height (cm2), plant diameter (cm) recorded at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAT, capsule per plant, seed per capsule were recorded. The treatment (T11) with application of (FYM 125%) showed the significant superiority in giving the maximum plant height (58.41cm at 120 days), plant diameter (4.43cm2 at 120 days), capsule per plant (48.93 at 120 days), seed per capsule 9.33. The treatment (T2) with application of (NPK 100%) showed the significant. These parameters were significantly influenced by different sources and doses of organic and inorganic fertilizer. However, Poplar based Agroforestry system could be rank based on economic performance of linseed also recorded in treatment T11 (FYM 125%).

Growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties as influenced by planting time under poplar based agroforestry system

Growth and yield of onion (<i>Allium cepa</i> L.) varieties as influenced by planting time under poplar based agroforestry system