Effect of moisture conservation practices on performance of Anjan (Hardwickia binata) tree based silvipasture systems

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of moisture conservation practices on performance of Hardwickia binata based silvipasture systems in semi arid rainfed conditions. The treatment was consisted of establishment of three grasses viz., Cenchrus ciliaris, Chrysopogon fulvus and Panicum maximum and construction of three mechanical practices for moisture conservation viz., staggered trenches (2x0.5x0.5m), bunding and control (without bunds and staggered trenches). Construction of staggered trenches recorded significantly higher height (1.62, 2.59, 3.03 and 4.22 m) and collar diameter (2.48, 5.44, 6.70 and 9.14 cm) during 1 st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of study and diameter at breast height (4.61 and 7.01 cm) and canopy spread (1.75 and 2.20 m) of H. binata during 3rd and 4th years of study respectively as compared to control. Staggered trenches also recorded significantly higher dry leafy forage yields (0.29 and 0.44 t ha-1) and fire woods (0.35 and 0.49 t ha-1) of H. binata as compared to control (leafy forage 0.23 and 0.36 and fire wood 0.25 and 0.36 t ha-1) in 3rd and 4th years of study, respectively. In pasture yield, intercropping of Panicum maximum with Stylosanthes hamata in association with H. binata produced significantly higher dry forage yield (5.10-8.26 t ha-1) as compared to intercropping of Chrysopogon fulvus and Cenchrus ciliaris with S. hamata. Construction of bunds resulted in significantly higher total crude protein yields from pasture (457.0-711.4 kg ha-1) than control treatment. This also recorded maximum moisture content (7.79-9.28% at 15 cm soil depth and 8.03-11.73% at 30 cm soil depth during October-April) closely followed by staggered trenches.