Intercropping of Matricaria chamomilla with poplar based agroforestry systems: Effect of organic manures on yield and root characteristics

Abstract

The aim of this study was to check if medicinal herb (Matricaria chamomilla) can be a successful intercrop with poplar trees and organic manures can minimize interspecific competition for resources. The experiment comprised eighteen treatments, which included four different doses, each of vermicompost and FYM @ 1 t/ha, 2 t/ha, 3 t/ha and 4 t/ha in combination with and without poplar trees. The observations were taken at two distances, i.e. D₁ (up to 80 cm) and D₂ (81 to 160 cm) from the tree line. The results revealed that Matricaria chamomilla can be grown successfully under agroforestry systems consisting poplar as dominant functional component. The tree presence had little suppressing effect on the yield and root characteristics of herb, even in plants growing immediately beneath tree canopy (D₁). The use of organic manures like vermicompost and FYM at appropriate doses was found beneficial for minimizing competition for critical resources. Vermicompost @ 4 t/ha was the most effective dose of organic manure, followed by vermicompost @ 3 t/ha and FYM @4 t/ha. It was observed that Matricaria chamomilla could successfully be cultivated as an intercrop with poplar trees without any adverse impact on the performance and production ability of this herb, except when grown very close to the tree rows. The presence of tree species, particularly commercial timber species provide additional monetary benefits.