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Effects of integrated nutrient management on performance of bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata L.) and soil fertility under the Grewia optiva Drummond. canopy in a mid-hill agroecosystem of north western Himalayas

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Abstract

Integration of medicinal plants is one of the viable options for crop diversification and economic upliftment under tree fodder-based agroforestry system for mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh, India. Keeping in mind this scenario, the present study was carried out to evaluate the production potential of bhringraj in response to the application of integrated nutrient sources under grewia (Grewia optiva Drummond.) based agroforestry system. A Randomized Complete Block Design experiment (factorial) was employed with C1: Grewia based agroforestry system and C2: sole bhringraj cropping system) treated with different integrated nutrient sources viz., T1: 100% FYM (Farm Yard Manure), T2: 100% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer), T3: 100% Vermicompost, T4: Jeevamrut @ 5%, T5: 25% RDF + 75% FYM, T6: 50% RDF + 50% FYM, T7: 75% RDF + 25% FYM, T8: 50% RDF + 50% Vermicompost, T9: 75% RDF + 25% Vermicompost and T10: Control (No Fertilizer). Marked enhancement in the growth and yield parameters with a maximum dry matter yield of bhringraj (17.23 q ha−1) was recorded in intercropping system with application of 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 50% vermicompost (treatment T8). The maximum level of soil available nitrogen (504.25 kg ha−1), phosphorus (70.79 kg ha−1) and potassium (275.86 kg ha−1) was estimated under treatment T8. However, maximum net returns (US$ 915.58) and Benefit Cost Ratio (1.45) were realised under grewia based intercropping system coupled with the application of 25% RDF + 75% FYM (T5). The present study observed that bhringraj performs better in grewia-based agroforestry system (AFS) than under sole cropping system and the application of integrated nutrients have demonstrated efficacy in enhancing yield, economic returns and soil health, however, further investigations are required before large scale adoption.

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Data availabililty

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

This experiment was conducted in the Grewia optiva based agroforestry system established under the AICRP on agroforestry in the Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP). We fully acknowledge the AICRP on Agroforestry for providing necessary facilities required to carry out this research.

Funding

This study was funded by Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulutre and Forestry, Nauni, Himachal Pradesh, India.

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  1. Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173230, India

    Jatin Kumar, C. L. Thakur, D. R. Bhardwaj & Saurabh Kumar

  2. Department of Forest Products, College of Forestry, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173230, India

    Bhupender Dutt

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  1. Jatin Kumar
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All authors contributed to the study conception and design, draft preparation, data collection and analysis, reviewing and editing. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Kumar, J., Thakur, C.L., Bhardwaj, D.R. et al. Effects of integrated nutrient management on performance of bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata L.) and soil fertility under the Grewia optiva Drummond. canopy in a mid-hill agroecosystem of north western Himalayas. Agroforest Syst 97, 711–726 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-023-00822-6

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