Legume Research
Web of Science
  • Year: 2026
  • Volume: 49
  • Issue: 2

Optimizing Pulse Cultivation: Impact of Malabar Neem (Melia dubia Cav.) Spacings on Growth and Yield of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) Vis-a-Vis Soil Health in Semi-arid Conditions of Bundelkhand

  • Author:
  • Pradyumna Prataprao Deshmukh1,*, Prabhat Tiwari1, Manmohan J. Dobriyal1, Ram Prakash Yadav1, A.K. Handa2, Varsha Shekhawat1, K. Anuvarna3, Mamta1, Subhaprada Behera4
  • Total Page Count: 8
  • Page Number: 276 to 283

1Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi-284 003, Uttar Pradesh, India.

2ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi-284 003, Uttar Pradesh, India.

3Department of Forest Product and Utilization, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi-284 003, Uttar Pradesh, India.

4ICFRE-Bamboo and Rattan Centre, Aizawl-796 007, Mizoram, India.

*Corresponding Author: Pradyumna Prataprao Deshmukh, Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi-284 003, Uttar Pradesh, India. Email: deshmukhpradyumna4@gmail.com

Abstract

Lentil (Lens culinaris) is a major rainfed crop cultivated in Bundelkhand region and Malabar Neem (Melia dubia), a fast-growing tree species of significant economic and ecological importance. This study underscores the ecological benefits of optimized tree spacing with lentil varieties in agroforestry systems for Bundelkhand region.

The present study entitled was conducted during the year 2023–2024 employed a split plot design with four levels of tree spacings under main plot and two levels of lentil (Lens culinaris) varieties under sub-plot with three replications. Growth and yield analysis of lentil varieties was estimated along with effect of tree spacing on soil properties.

The results revealing that from main plot, the sole cropping (G0) and IPL 316 lentil variety (V1) from sub-plot consistently outperformed intercropped treatments as it exhibited highest plant growth parameters, shorter number of days to 50% flowering and maturity along with higher yield attributes compared to the intercropped treatments. Yield decreased with increasing tree density, with the lowest values under the agroforestry system spaced at 5 m × 3 m (G3) spacing. However, intercropping improved soil health, with the highest soil physico-chemical properties and microbial activity recorded in the agroforestry system spaced at 5 m × 3 m (G3) spacing. Despite lower yields, intercropping promoted long-term soil sustainability. Overall, IPL 316 (V1) was the best- performing variety and agroforestry with optimized tree spacing improved soil fertility in semi-arid regions.

Keywords

Agroforestry system, Lens culinaris, Melia dubia, Sustainability, Tree spacing