Production potential of fodder crops sequences in association with ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) under agri-horticulture system in hot arid ecosystem of western India

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted during 2008-11 to find out the most productive and remunerative fodder crops sequence in association with ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) plantation in hot arid ecosystem of western India. Results indicated that among fodder cropping sequences, pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) + cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) - Lucerne (Medicago sativa) sequence recorded maximum green fodder (96.5 and 92.9 t/ha), dry matter (19.5 and 21.3 t/ha) and crude protein (2.87 and 3.05 t/ha) yields in both the years, and overall net returns of (Rs. 97.6 thousands/ha) and B:C ratio (2.43). These fodder yields were significantly higher over rest of the sequences in both the years except green fodder and dry matter yield of pearl millet sole - lucerne in first year and dry matter yields alone of pearl millet + cluster bean - oats (Avena sativa) in both the years. Growth data on ber plantation showed that none of the fodder cropping sequence had its significant effect on ber growth attributes viz., plant height, collar girth and canopy diameter except collar girth at 15 months stage, where differences in collar girth were significant and trees in the plots under pearl millet + cluster bean - oats recoded maximum value of 21.7 cm, which was at par with pearl millet + cluster bean - lucerne, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) + cowpea - oats, sorghum + cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) - lucerne, sorghum sole - oats, cluster bean sole - lucerne and ber sole, and significantly higher over rest of the sequences. Differences in ber tree productivity viz., fruits, dry leaves fodder and dry wood yields were also non-significant.