Abstract
Innovative practices like combining agroforestry with organic mulch can store carbon and enhance crop yields by regulating soil temperature, improving soil health and moisture. A study was conducted during 2022–23 in the mid-hills of the North-western Himalayas to evaluate the productivity of turmeric plants grown under different densities of Melia composita Willd. The research employed a split-plot design, utilizing different tree spacings (main plot)—8m × 5m (S1) and 8m × 4m (S2) of Melia composita trees and sole cropping, along with one control (T1) and nine distinct mulch treatments (sub-plots): T2 (Farm yard manure (FYM)), T3 (Toona ciliata + FYM + Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)), T4 (Artemis vulgaris + FYM + RDF), T5 (Ulmus villosa + FYM + RDF), T6 (Celtis australis + FYM + RDF), T7 (Pinus roxburghii + FYM + RDF), T8 (Pistacia integrimma + FYM + RDF), T9 (Phyllostachys aurea + FYM + RDF), T10 (Melia composita + FYM + RDF). The results showed that higher biomass (301.54 Mg ha−1) and carbon density (143.24 Mg ha−1) were achieved with S2 tree spacing than S1. However, for better turmeric growth and yield, S1 tree spacing performed better. Among the different mulch treatments, T6 produced the highest curcumin percentage, primary finger count, and mother rhizome weight. On the other hand, T10 resulted in the highest primary finger weight and total yield. Using T3 mulch enhanced the level of available N, P, K in soil and mulch used in T9 improved the soil microbial characteristics. Turmeric intercropped with M. composita in 8m × 5m (S1) and 8m × 4m (S2) spacing resulted in net returns of $7948.44 ha−1 and $7456.64 ha−1 year−1, respectively, which were 23.74% and 16.07% increase compared to sole cropping (S3). This research provides valuable insights into optimizing tree spacing and mulch materials in an agroforestry system based on M. composita, which enhances turmeric crop productivity, soil health and economic viability.
Abstract
Innovative practices like combining agroforestry with organic mulch can store carbon and enhance crop yields by regulating soil temperature, improving soil health and moisture. A study was conducted during 2022–23 in the mid-hills of the North-western Himalayas to evaluate the productivity of turmeric plants grown under different densities of Melia composita Willd. The research employed a split-plot design, utilizing different tree spacings (main plot)—8m × 5m (S1) and 8m × 4m (S2) of Melia composita trees and sole cropping, along with one control (T1) and nine distinct mulch treatments (sub-plots): T2 (Farm yard manure (FYM)), T3 (Toona ciliata + FYM + Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)), T4 (Artemis vulgaris + FYM + RDF), T5 (Ulmus villosa + FYM + RDF), T6 (Celtis australis + FYM + RDF), T7 (Pinus roxburghii + FYM + RDF), T8 (Pistacia integrimma + FYM + RDF), T9 (Phyllostachys aurea + FYM + RDF), T10 (Melia composita + FYM + RDF). The results showed that higher biomass (301.54 Mg ha−1) and carbon density (143.24 Mg ha−1) were achieved with S2 tree spacing than S1. However, for better turmeric growth and yield, S1 tree spacing performed better. Among the different mulch treatments, T6 produced the highest curcumin percentage, primary finger count, and mother rhizome weight. On the other hand, T10 resulted in the highest primary finger weight and total yield. Using T3 mulch enhanced the level of available N, P, K in soil and mulch used in T9 improved the soil microbial characteristics. Turmeric intercropped with M. composita in 8m × 5m (S1) and 8m × 4m (S2) spacing resulted in net returns of $7948.44 ha−1 and $7456.64 ha−1 year−1, respectively, which were 23.74% and 16.07% increase compared to sole cropping (S3). This research provides valuable insights into optimizing tree spacing and mulch materials in an agroforestry system based on M. composita, which enhances turmeric crop productivity, soil health and economic viability.
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