Performance of anjan tree (Hardwickia binata)-based silvopasture systems under moisture-conservation practices in semi-arid conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2013–2018 on 5-year-old anjan (Hardwickia binata Roxb.)-based silvopasture system at the ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The treatment consisted of establishment of 3 grasses in association with H. binata with 3 moisture-conservation practices. Establishment of guria grass [Chrysopogon fulvus (Spreng.) Chiov.] in association with H. binata resulted in significantly higher dry pasture yield (6.40 t/ha) than guinea grass [Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs; syn. Panicum maximum Jacq.] (6.02 t/ha) and found statistically at par with buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) (6.39 t/ha). Among the moisture-conservation practices, construction of staggered trenches recorded significantly higher green top feed (2.04 t/ha), dry top feed (1.21 t/ha) and firewood (1.40 t/ha) of H. binata than without moisture-conservation practices (1.64, 0.83 and 0.89 t/ha) and bund (1.89, 1.04 and 1.31 t/ha) respectively. Construction of bund across the slope recorded significantly higher moisture content at 0–15 cm (8.71%) and 15–30 cm (9.78%) soil depth as compared to without moisture-conservation practices. However, at 30–60 cm soil depth, moisture content was significantly increased (9.63%) in trenches than the control plots. Available nutrients (N 239.5 and 225.1, P 8.53 and 8.22 and K 221.3 and 212.1 kg/ha) and organic carbon (0.60% and 0.57%) increased significantly where bund and trenches were constructed than no moisture-conservation practice respectively. In term of monetary returns, Chrysopogon fulvus showed the maximum net returns (`35,485/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.53), followed by Cenchrus ciliaris (`33,853/ha and 1.51 respectively) and Megathyrsus maximus (`32,107/ha and 1.49 respectively) utilized in grazing mode by goats and sheep at the rate of 2 adult cattle unit. Sustainable yield index of staggered trenches and bund were higher (0.79 and 0.76) than without moisture-conservation practice (0.67) which showed that yields obtained under moisture-conservation practices were more stable over the years than no moisture-conservation practices.