Current Advances in Agricultural Sciences(An International Journal)

The study was carried out during kharif and rabi seasons of 2004–06 at Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh in factorial randomized block design with 14 treatment combinations comprised of 42 plots covering 36 plots under poplar (Populus deltoids)based agroforestry systems (6 clones of poplar x 2 moisture conservation practices x 3 replications and 6 plots without poplar i.e. control with and without mulch). Among the poplar clones, G-48 acclimatized better and performed excellent with arable intercrops, followed by Udai, while L-188 performed poorest. The yield of maize (Zea mays L.) and mustard (Brassica juncea L. Cejern & Cosson.) as intercrops were significantly influenced by poplar clones. Maximum reduction was observed with clone L-188 and the minimum with G-48. Economic analysis showed the superiority of agroforestry systems over sole crop systems. Thus, poplar-based intercropping is a good alternative to pure cropping system by virtue of its economic viability and better environmental sustainability.