Performance of Pearl Millet-Wheat in Poplar Based Agri-silviculture System in Sandy Soils of Southern Haryana

Abstract

A field experiment on poplar with three plant geometries (5x4, 8x3 and 10x3 m) and three irrigation intervals (6, 12 and 18 days interval during summer months in the first year only) was initiated in 1998 at Regional Research Station, Bawal, Haryana. During the initial two years of study, the growth performance of pearl millet - wheat raised in the interspaces of poplar was evaluated in comparison to their sole cropping. Both basal diameter and diameter at breast height of 24-months-old trees of poplar was at par in 8x3 and 10x3 m plant geometries which was significantly higher than that at 5x4 m plant geometry. Irrigation intervals of 6 and 12 days were statistically at par in respect of survival and growth parameters of poplar but better than 18 days interval. Grain yield of pearl millet in first year and that of wheat in both the years under various plant geometries and irrigation intervals were statistically at par to their sole cropping. While in second year, the grain yield of pearl millet decreased significantly in closer planting of trees of 5x4 m in comparison to sole cropping.