Productivity of buffel grass and Caribbean stylo in different row ratio under neem based silvipastoral system in semi-arid region

Abstract

Neem based silvipastoral system with Cenchrus ciliaris and Stylosanthes hamata was evaluated under polythene mulch and different row ratio in semi-arid region. Green foliage yield of neem tree was obtained 41-42% more with the application of mulch over no mulch. Plant height of C. ciliaris was highest in the row ratio of 1:2 while green fodder, dry fodder and protein yield was more under 2:2 row proportion. The plants of S. hamata attained greater height under the row proportion of 2:2. However, green, dry fodder and protein yield was more in row ratio of 1:2. Total green fodder yield, dry fodder yield, crude protein yield, production efficiency, net returns and benefit: cost ratio was greater in neem with polythene mulch + [C. ciliaris + S. hamata (2:2)] followed by neem alone + [C. ciliaris + S. hamata (2:2)] and C. ciliaris + S. hamata (2:2).The silvipastoral system of buffel grass + Caribbean stylo (2:2) under neem plantation with polythene mulch may be advocated for hot semi-arid regions.