Performance of three-tier silvopasture systems as influenced by shrub species and planting densities on degraded land in semiarid conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during July 2017 to June 2022 at Central Research Farm of Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi to study the performance of three-tier silvopasture systems as influenced by shrub species and planting densities on degraded land in semiarid rainfed conditions. Study revealed that planting of H. binata and shrub species in alternate row at 6x6 m spacing in three-tier silvopasture system recorded significantly higher dry forage yield of C. ciliaris (8.77 t/ha) as compared to 4x4 m spacing (6.97 t/ha). Dry top feed yield obtained from pruning of Z. mauritiana was significantly higher (1.62 t/ha) as compared to Z. xylopyrus (1.47 t/ha) and A. catechu (1.42 t/ha) in association with H. binata. Higher planting density 312/ha at 4x4 m spacing of each shrubs and H. binata in alternate row resulted in increase in available nutrients (N-182.27 and 208.11 kg/ha, P-7.33 and 8.43 kg/ha and K-167.19 and 188.46 kg/ha) and organic carbon (0.43 and 0.49%) than lower planting density 139/ha at 6x6 m spacing (N-160.84 and 178.83 kg/ha, P-6.66 and 7.23 kg/ha and K-150.17 and 162.57 kg/ha and OC-0.38 and 0.42%) in 1^st and 5^th years of experiment respectively in three-tier silvopasture system However, planting of H. binata and shrub species in alternate row at 6x6 m spacing in three-tier silvopasture system utilized by sheep grazing at the rate of 2 ACU/ha recorded significantly higher net return (Rs 51680/ha) and benefit cost ratio (0.54) as compared to 6x4 m planting spacing (Rs 46063/ha and 0.47) and 4x4 m planting spacing (Rs 37735/ha and 0.36) respectively.