Influence of shrubs and tree densities on three-tier silvopasture components in semiarid rainfed conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted (2011-17) on sandy loam soil at Central Research Farm of Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi to study the influence of shrubs and tree densities on three-tier silvopasture components in semiarid rainfed conditions. The experiment consisted of nine treatment having three shrub species and three planting densities of shrubs and tree. Study revealed that Ziziphus mauritiana attained significantly higher height (2.78 m) as compared to Acacia catechu (2.49 m) and Ziziphus xylopyrus (2.32 m) during 6th year. Total top feed and fuel wood obtained from pruning of Ziziphus mauritiana and Hardwickia binata (0.363 and 0.423 t/ha) were also significantly higher as compared to Ziziphus xylopyrus (0.333 and 0.383 t/ha) and Acacia catechu (0.313 and 0.363 t/ha). Planting of Hardwickia binata and shrubs at 6 x 6 m spacing in three tier silvopasture system resulted in significantly higher dry forage (5.58 t/ha) and crude protein yield (542.5 kg/ha) of Cenchrus ciliaris and Stylosanthes seabrana intercropping system as compared to 6 x 4 m (5.43 t/ha and 529.2 kg/ha) and 4 x 4 m spacing (5.31 t/ ha and 512.6 kg/ha), respectively. Net return ( Rs. 14278/ ha) and B:C ratio (1.99) were also significantly increased by planting of H. binata and shrubs at 6 x 6 m spacing as compared to 6x4 m (Rs. 13722/ha and 1.93) and 4 x 4 m spacing (Rs. 12420/ha and 1.78).