A field experiment was conducted during 2002–05 on sandy-loam soil to study the effect of legumes (Stylosanthes hamata L. Taub. and S. scabra Vogel) and fertility levels (P2O5 and K2O @ 0 and 0, 20 and 15, 40 and 30, and 60 and 45 kg/ha) on buffel grass + annona horti–pasture system. An intercropping of S. hamata with buffel grass under annona trees resulted in significantly higher total dry forage (5.07, 6.15 and 6.63 tonnes/ha) and crude protein yield (436.1, 526.8 and 547.3 kg/ha) than S. scabra in the first, second and third years respectively. Dry forage yield and fruit quality of annona was significantly improved with the application of 40 kg P2O5 + 30 kg K2O/ha compared with the control treatment. However, crude protein yield and fruit yield were significantly increased up to 60 kg P2O5 + 45 kg K2O/ha. Application of phosphorus and potash also had a positive effect on maintenance of legumes population. Persistence of legumes were 91.8 and 84.3% in the treatment where fertilizer (phosphorus and potash) was applied @ 60 + 45 kg/ha compared to the control treatment (78.3 and 67.2%) during the second and third years respectively. Maximum net returns and benefit: cost ratio were obtained by the intercropping of S. hamata along with application of 60 kg P2O5/ha and 45 kg K2O/ha in buffel grass under annona tress during all the 3 years.
Horti–pasture system, Intercropping, Cenchrus ciliaris, Stylosanthes species, Annona squa mosa, Phosphorus, Potash
