Performance of annona (Annona squamosa)-based hortipasture system in relation to legumes intercropping and fertility levels under rainfed conditions

摘要

A field experiment was conducted during 2002-05 on sandy loam soil to study the effect of legumes (Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taub and S. scabra (L.) Vog. intercropping and fertility levels (P2O5 and K2O at 0-0, 20-15, 40-30 and 6045 kg/ha) on growth, productivity, quality, nutrients uptake and economics of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) + annona (Annona squamosa L.)-based hortipasture system. Intercropping of S. hamata with buffel grass under annona trees resulted in significantly higher total dry forage (5.95 tonnes/ha) and crude protein yield (503.4 kg/ha) than S. scabra. Dry forage yield (6.07 tonnes/ha) and fruit quality of annona was significantly increased with application of 40 kg P2O5 + 30 kg K2O/ha compared with the control treatment. However crude protein yield (545.3 kg/ha) and fruit yield (7.14 kg/tree) was significantly increased up to 60 kg P2O5 + 45 kg K(2)0/ha. Application of phosphorus and potash also had a positive effect on maintenance of legumes population when compared to control treatment. This effect was 91.8 and 84.3% in the treatment where phosphorus and potash was applied @ 60 + 45 kg/ha as compared to control treatment (78.3 and 67.2%) during the second and third years, respectively. Maximum net returns (25 483/ha) and benefit : cost ratio (2.17) were obtained by intercropping of S. hamata along with application of 60 kg P2O5/ha + 45 kg K2O/ha in buffel grass under annona trees.