Agri-horti-silvi based models for sustainable land use and conservation in hill zone of West Bengal

Experimental trials were conducted to find out suitable agri-horti-silvi model for getting sustained income and livelihood reliant on fruit based agroforestry system in hill zone of West Bengal. Two years old grafted fruit saplings of Citrus reticulata and Pyrus communis were planted on staggered contour trenches at a spacing of 10 m x 10 m and silvi species (Alnus nepalensis) were in between two fruit plants during kharif 2011. Ten intercrops viz. maize, rice, french bean, pea and pumpkin during kharif and potato, cabbage, cauliflower, mustard and onion during rabi season were grown as intercrops. The results revealed that the growth parameters of silvi species significantly increased in all intercrop combinations than the sole fruit tree and silvi plantations. Kharif pea and rabi mustard were found better intercrops than others. Yield of intercrops were recorded higher in sole crop. However, in intercropping situation higher yields were recorded when intercropped with Alnus nepalensis + Citrus reticulata than Alnus nepalensis + Pyrus communis. Studies on the soil fertility revealed the improvement of soil at higher side under all fruit based agroforestry systems and maximum improvement was recorded when intercropped with legume crops.