Effect of cropping systems, top feeds and planting geometry on growth, yield and economics of top feeds

The present study was conducted to find out the effect of cropping systems, top feeds and planting geometry on the growth, yield and economics of different top feeds. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with 18 treatment combinations and three replications. The treatments consisted of two cropping systems (C₁-sole crop of top feeds, C₂-intercrop of bajra napier hybrid), three top feeds [(F₁-agathi (Sesbania grandiflora), F₂-erythrina (Erythrina indica), F₃-drumstick (Moringa oleifera)] and three planting geometry (G₁-2 m × 1 m, G₂- 2 m × 0.5 m, G₃-paired system). The data over three years revealed that intercropping top feeds with bajra napier hybrid at a paired system (C₂F₁G₃) recorded the highest mean number of branches in all three years. However, intercropping agathi at 2 × 0.5 m (C₂F₁G₂) recorded the highest mean leaf stem ratio (0.82). Pooled data over three years also revealed that intercropping agathi at 2 × 0.5 m geometry recorded the highest total green fodder yield (30.16 t ha⁻¹), total dry fodder yield (7.55 t ha⁻¹), gross return (Rs 201200 ha⁻¹), net returns (Rs 139000 ha⁻¹) and B:C ratio (3.25). Hence, among different tree grass combinations, growing agathi with bajra napier hybrid at 2 × 0.5 m geometry was found as most promising system for meeting the fodder requirements of Kerala.