Bael (Aegle marmelos) Based Hortipastoral System with Moisture Conservation in Semi Arid Condition.

A study was conducted during 2008–13 on bael based hortipasture system under semi arid rainfed condition of Jhansi. Bael cultivars NB-9 and CISH B-2 were planted under square system with 6 x 6m spacing. The understorey of each plot was intercropped with perennial pasture viz; Cenchrus ciliaris + Stylosanthes seabrana to utilize interspace available between rows. Growth parameters in terms of plant height, collar diameter, canopy spread were found to be higher in different moisture conservation treatments than control (without treatment). During the fifth year, tree height ranged from 2.99–3.42 m in different treatments with maximum in stone mulch (3.42 m). Collar diameter varied from 6.91–7.66 cm with maximum in stone mulch (7.66 cm) and minimum in control (6.91cm). Tree canopy varied from 1.94–2.49 m with maximum in stone mulch (2.49 m). Forage production was significantly influenced by different moisture conservation treatments and the maximum yield was recorded in staggered trench (7.35 t DM/ha) with minimum in control (5.32 t DM/ha). Fruit production was also influenced by intercropping forage crops under rainfed condition and produced fruit yield of 1.74 t/ha which was maximum in staggered trench and minimum in control (1.11 t/ha).