Influence of Mango-Based Intercropping Systems on Improvement of Soil Health under Rainfed Situation

Abstract

An experiment using various mango-based intercropping systems was conducted to find out the effect of intercropping on soil health in the rainfed uplands of Orissa, India. The results of the study revealed that the intercropping systems were effective in bringing gradual improvement in the physicochemical properties of the orchard soil. Among different intercropping systems tried, the mango + guava + cowpea system resulted in the most improvement in bulk density, electrical conductivity, water-holding capacity, organic carbon content, and pH within soil depths of 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm. The nutrient status of orchard soil indicated that the mango + guava + cowpea system also recorded the greatest available nitrogen and potassium contents. The maximum available phosphorus content was recorded in the mango + guava + mango ginger system, which was statistically at par with that of the mango + guava + cowpea system.