Comparative growth dynamics of Grewia optiva and Morus alba in agroforestry farming systems of Doon Valley of Uttarakhand

The present investigation evaluated the ecological, agronomic, and soil health impacts of tree-based agroforestry systems in the Doon Valley of Uttarakhand, India. Two multipurpose tree species, Grewia optiva Drummond and Morus alba L., were assessed under sole tree stands and in combination with seasonal intercrops, namely turmeric (Curcuma longa), ginger (Zingiber officinale), mung bean (Vigna radiata), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and toria (Brassica campestris var. toria). The experiment was conducted at ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, using a randomized complete block design with ten treatments and three replications. Tree growth attributes, biomass production, and changes in soil bulk density were recorded. Results revealed that Morus alba–based systems exhibited superior biomass accumulation and greater improvement in soil organic carbon compared to Grewia optiva. Sole M. alba recorded the highest biomass yield (3.6 t ha–¹). Among intercropping treatments, cowpea–toria combinations significantly enhanced tree growth and biomass production in both species. Agroforestry systems markedly improved soil bulk density over sole cropping, indicating their potential for sustainable land management. The study highlights the suitability of G. optiva and M. alba–based agroforestry systems for improving productivity, soil health, and ecosystem resilience as well as ecological and economic benefits of agroforestry in the Himalayan foothills and supports its wider adoption for sustainable land use.