Evaluation of planting techniques neem (Azadirachta indica A. juss) as an agroforestry tree species on sodic soils

In recent time Neem (Azadirachta Indica A.Juss) is getting much attention as an economic tree because of growing use of neem products at global level in agriculture as biopeticides, medicines, cosmetics and animal health care. Neem based pesticides are safe, nontoxic and do not keep any residual effect on agriculture produce. Thus, the neem tree can become boon as an agroforestry tree species for farming majority by improving the economy.

An experiment, conducted at Regional Research Station, Daleepnagar, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture, Kanpur and the crop variety barley (Jagrati and Lakhan) and at (UPO-250 and UPO -215) sown between the rows of Neem plantation under agrisilvi culture system of agroforestry and obtained (1.92 and 2.36) and (3.24 and 2.81) q/ha yield of grain, respectively. It is also worthwhile to mention here that the green manuring of Dhancha (Sesbania grandiflora) given in Kharif seasons of both the years under agroforestry system is found beneficial, because during its decomposition period, no incidence of insect/pest was observed. Probably it may be due to the standing of neem plant in the fields as well as litter fall of their leaves.