EFFECT OF ALLEY CROPPING ON SPLASH EROSION AND GROWTH AND YIELD COMPONENTS IN ERODED ALLUVIAL SOILS

Abstract

Introduction of alley cropping system under eroded alluvial tract has primed an excellent opportunity in arras to musicale soil erosion and to meet the demand of food, fodder and in situ organic matter addition. Under this system two alloy widths 4.0 in and 6.0 m, three intro mw spacings [0.5 In. 1.0 m and 1.5 rnl and one control was tested to evaluate their effectiveness in control of splash loss and growth and yield of pearl millet. Studies indicated that higher !eucaena biomass and crop growth parameters and lesser erosion and crop yield was obtained under 4 .0 rm alley in comparison to 6.0 112allt% However, higher leucaena biomass, crop growth parameters and crop yield and lesser splash erosion was recorded under closer [0.5 tn.] infra row spacing followed by 1.0 tn. Alley cropping also proved better in control of splash erosion biomass production and growth of crop plants but resulted in significantly lower crop yield in comparison to control.