Effect of different spacings of poplar-based agroforestry system on soil chemical properties and nutrient status in Haryana, India

• Published in: Current science (Bangalore) 2017-10, Vol.113 (7), p.1403-1407
• Main Authors: Sirohi, Chhavi, Bangarwa, K. S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0011-3891
• DOI: 10.18520/cs/v113/i07/1403-1407

A field experiment was conducted during 2013–14 and 2014–15 to study the effect of different spacings, i.e. 5 × 4 m, 10 × 2 m and 18 × 2 × 2 m (paired row) of 7- and 8-yr-old poplar-based agroforestry system on soil chemical properties such as soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC) and available N, P and K. Poplar-based agroforestry system had better available nutrients status in comparison to sole wheat crop. The lowest value of soil pH (7.5) was recorded under 5 × 4 m spacing after harvesting of wheat crop during April 2015. The decrease in EC was maximum (67%) under 5 × 4 m spacing followed by 10 × 2 m and 18 × 2 × 2 m spacing with a reduction up to 63% and 61% respectively. SOC increased with the decrease in tree spacing and was maximum (0.74%) under 5 × 4 m spacing; it followed the order 5 × 4 m > 10 × 2 m > 18 × 2 × 2 m > control after harvesting of wheat crop during April 2015. The available soil N, P and K increased significantly under different spacings of poplar-based agroforestry system in all the treatments from their initial values. The highest available soil N (366.3 kg ha−1), P (21.4 kg ha−1) and K (355.3 kg ha−1) were recorded under 5 × 4 m spacing compared to 10 × 2 m and 18 × 2 × 2 m and sole cropping after harvesting of wheat crop during April 2015.