Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i>L.) Yield and Soil Properties as Influenced by Different Agri-silviculture Systems of Terai Region, Northern India

Abstract

of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar to evaluate the effect of tree species and their spacing on yield of intercrop wheat (variety PBW-502) and soil properties. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with 3 replications. The highest grain yield (36.0 q ha -1 ) was obtained under open farming system (control). The reduction in grain yield was in the range of 16 to 62% under agroforestry systems as compared to control. Poplar based agri-silvicultural system performed better as compared to other systems. Highest wheat yield was recorded in 3.02.5 m 2 spacing under Poplar, Melia, and Leucaena based agri-silvicultural system but in the case of Eucalyptus, 3.02.0 m 2 spacing was the best. The organic carbon was highest under Poplar (1.73%) as compared to control (0.60%). The electrical conductivity was significantly lowered under Leucaena interfaces as compared to control. Whereas, soil pH was lowered under Poplar (at 3.02.0 m 2 ) and statistically similar with Leucaena (at 3.01.0 m 2 ). Bulk density was significantly decreased under Leucaena and Melia interfaces at 3.01.0 m 2 spacing. Highest available N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O content (200.42, 18.67 and 169.12 kg ha -1 , respectively) were observed in the soil under Leucaena (3.02.0 m 2 ).