Eco-physiological studies on Gmelina arborea Vent. (Khamer) intercropped with Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemon grass) with special reference to productivity and performance
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Keywords:
Planting geometry, Intercropping, Agroforestry, Khamer, Lemongrass, organic carbon, productivity.Abstract
The present study was conducted in Khamer + lemon grass based agroforestry systems for two different tree planting geometry of khamer to evaluate the performance and feasibility of system. In the study height, diameter, tree crown diameter and basal area of Khamer tree were found maximum under 5 x 2.5 m planting geometry as compared to 2.5 x 2.5 m planting geometry. Lemon grass growth with respect to their height, basal diameter, leaf area, number of tiller per plant was also found higher in 5.0 x 2.5 m tree planting geometry as compared to open as well as in 2.5 x 2.5 m tree planting geometry. The lemon grass growth parameter performed better under shade as compared to open. Maximum litter accumulation of Khamer tree was recorded under wider tree spacing i.e. 5 x 2.5 m in comparison to closer spacing i.e. 2.5 x 2.5 m. and rate of decomposition in the summer months was faster than the winter months resulted in release of nutrient in soil and which ultimately increases the availability of soil organic carbon. The khamer tree added a significant amount of NPK of 200.54, 19.415 and 258.66 kg/ha respectively under lemon grass + Khamer based agroforestry system through the litterfall and their decomposition. The litter in Khamer tree + lemon grass combination in contrast to that in open (without tree) showed significant higher NPK addition in the soil. The less light intensity was observed under Khamer + lemon grass based system which resulted higher soil moisture under shade as compared to open. Khamer intercropped with lemon grass at 5 x 2.5 m tree planting geometry not only improved the physio-chemical properties of soil but also enhances the productivity and performance of the Khamer and lemon grass both as compatible filter of the agroforestry system.
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