B. Das¹, P.K. Sarkar^1,a, M.K. Dhakar¹, S.K. Naik¹, S. Maurya¹, A.K. Singh¹, S. Kumar¹ and B.P. Bhatt^2
1 ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Farming System Research Centre for Hill and Plateau Region, Plandu, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834010, India
² ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar 800014, India

SUMMARY A trial was conducted during 2014–15 to 2017–18 to develop a bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) based production system for the eastern plateau and hill region of India with the approach of enriching the plant basin through mulching or soil incorporation of biomass obtained from different biomass yielding plants viz. Tephrosia (Tephrosia candida), Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), rice bean (Vigna sesquipedalis), vegetable soybean (Glycine max) and weeds growing in the alley area. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments laid out in Randomized Block Design. The maximum dry biomass yield (5.70 to 12.80 t ha-1) and recycling of nutrients (cumulative of 4 years) into the basin of bael plants (1031.94, 56.16 and 372.06 kg ha-1 N, P and K, respectively), as well as plant vigour of bael were recorded with Tephrosia treatments. All the treatments except mulching of vegetable soybean resulted in a significant increase in soil organic carbon in the plant basin. Significantly higher content of soil N, P and K in various treatments were documented in the soil over that of control. Mulching of Tephrosia also resulted in markedly higher soil moisture content during drier months of the year. However, the study also indicated need for supplementation of phosphorus from other sources for fulfilling of phosphorus requirement of bearing bael plants under the present planting model. Keywords bael, alley cropping, nutrient recycling, soil properties, Tephrosia

Significance of this study What is already known on this subject? Increasing demand for organic produce as well as increasing cost of manure and fertilizers warrant alternative cheaper options on sustainable nutrient management. Growing of biomass yielding plants in the alley area of orchards and recycling of harvested biomass in the plant basin of fruit trees have been found to improve soil fertility and plant growth of number of fruit trees. Although, species Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) has been found very effective around the world for harvesting biomass and improving the soil fertility, the difficulties associated with its eradication from an established area due to its deep root system and high seed dispersal rate is a major deterrent in its popularization. What are the new findings? In the present study, integration of biomass yielding leguminous plant, Tephrosia candida in the alley area of bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) orchard was found to be an effective option in improving the soil fertility and plant growth of bael. The superiority of Tephrosia candida over the popularly grown biomass yielding plant, Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) for integration in the alley area was mainly due to its short life span under normal pruning conditions (5 to 6 years) in contrast to the difficult to eradicate Subabul plants. What is the expected impact on horticulture? The technology on biological nutrient recycling in bael orchard through Tephrosia candida can help immensely in improving the soil fertility at lower cost and ensuring higher productivity of bael growing in low fertility regions.

E-mail: pradipsarkar.tripura@gmail.com  

References

• Aguiar, A.D.C.F., Bicudo, S.J., Sobrinho, J.R.C., Martins, A.L.S., Coelho, K.P., and de Moura, E.G. (2010). Nutrient recycling and physical indicators of an alley cropping system in a sandy loam soil in the pre-Amazon region of Brazil. Nutrient Recycling in Agro-Ecosystems 86, 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-009-9283-6.

• Akinnifesi, F.K., Sileshi, G., Franzel, S., Ajayi, O.C., Harawa, R., Makumba, W., Chakeredza, S., Mngomba, S., De Wolf, J.J., and Chianu, J.N. (2009). On-farm assessment of legume fallows and other soil fertility management options used by smallholder farmers in Southern Malawi. Agric. J. 4, 260–271.

• Arunachalam, A., Maithani, K., Pandey, H.N., and Tripathi, R.S. (1998). Leaf litter decomposition and nutrient mineralization patterns in regrowing stands of a humid subtropical forest after tree cutting. For. Ecol. Manag. 109, 151–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-1127(98)00240-0.

• Busscher, W.J., Bauer, P.J., and Frederick, J.R. (2002). Recompaction of the coastal loamy sand after deep tillage the function of subsequent cumulative rainfall. Soil and Tillage Res. 68, 49–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-1987(02)00083-1.

• Das, B., Dhakar, M.K., Sarkar, P.K., Kumar, S., Nath, V., Dey, P., Singh, A.K., and Bhatt, B.P. (2017). Performance of mango (Mangifera indica) based agri-horticultural systems under rainfed plateau conditions of eastern India. Indian J. Agric. Sci. 87, 521–527. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1211.12.

• Dhaker, M., Soni, A.K., Yadav, P.K., Chandra, A., and Kumar, H. (2013). Response of different levels of farm yard manure and boron on growth and yield of bael (Aegle marmelos Corr.). Asian J. Hortic. 8, 767–771.

• Fagerstrom, M.H.H., Van Noordwijk, M., Phien, T., and Nguyen, C.V. (2001). Innovations within upland rice-based systems in northern Vietnam with Tephrosia candida as fallow species, hedgerow, or mulch: net returns and farmers’ response. Agric. Ecosyst. Environm. 86, 23–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8809(00)00261-9.

• Fagerstrom, M.H.H., Nilsson, S.I., Van Noordwijk, M., Phien, T., Olsson, M., Hansson, A., and Svensson, C. (2002). Does Tephrosia candida as fallow species, hedgerow or mulch improve nutrient cycling and prevent nutrient losses by erosion on slopes in northern Viet Nam? Agric. Ecosyst. Environm. 90, 291–304. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8809(01)00208-0.

• Gichuru, M.P. (1991). Residual effects of natural bush, Cajanus cajan and Tephrosia candida on the productivity of an acid soil in south–eastern Nigeria. Plant Soil 134, 32–36. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00010714.

• Gilbert, O., and Bocock, K.L. (1960). Changes in the leaf litter when placed on the surface of soils with contrasting humus types. II. Changes in the nitrogen content of oak and ash litter. J. Soil Sci. 11, 10–19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2389.1960.tb02197.x.

• Gomez, K.A., and Gomez, A.A. (1984). Statistical Procedures for Agricultural Research (New York: Wiley).

• Huancheng, M.A., and Jueiming, Z. (1993). Effect of Tephrosia candida on soil. Nitrogen Fixing Tree Res. Rep. 11, 127–128.

• Ikpe, F.N., Owoeye, L.G., and Gichuru, M.P.(2003). Nutrient recycling potential of Tephrosia candida in cropping systems of southeastern Nigeria. Nutr. Cycling in Agroecosyst. 67, 129–136. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025591719556.

• Jackson, M.L. (1973). Soil Chemical Analysis. (New Delhi, India: Prentice Hall of India Pvt. Ltd.).

• Kadiata, B.D., Mulongoy, K., Isirimah, N.O., and Amakiri, M.A. (1996). Screening woody and shrub legumes for growth, nodulation and nitrogen-fixation potential in two contrasting soils. Agroforestry Syst. 33, 137–152. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00213646.

• Kang, B.T., Wilson, G.F., and Sipkens, L. (1981). Alley cropping maize (Zea mays L.) and leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala Lam.) in southern Nigeria. Plant Soil 63, 165–179. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02374595.

• Kang, B.T., Reynolds, L., and Atta-Krah, A.N. (1990). Alley farming. Adv. Agron. 43, 315–359. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2113(08)60481-2.

• Kasirayi, M. (2014). Agroforestry trees as source of N for sustainable alley cropped maize (Zea mays L.) yield on depleted loamy soils. J. Soil Sci. Plant Nutr. 1, 16–22. https://doi.org/10.15580/GJSSPN.2014.2.010614018.

• Khurshid, K., Iqbal, M., Arif, M.S., and Nawaz, A. (2006). Effect of tillage and mulch on soil physical properties and growth of maize. Int. J. Agric. Biol. 8, 593–596.

• Kumar, D., Pandey, V., and Nath, V. (2008). Effect of organic mulching and irrigation schedule through drip on growth and yield of ‘Lat Sundari’ mango (Mangifera indica) in eastern region of India. Indian J. Agric. Sci. 78, 385–338.

• Kumar, P., Halepyati, A.S., Pujari, B.T., and Desai, B.K. (2007). Effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity, nutrient uptake and economics of maize (Zea mays L.) under rainfed conditions. Kar. J. Agric. Sci. 20, 462–465.

• Latt, C.R., Nair, P.K.R., and Kang, B.T.(2000). Interactions among cutting frequency, reserve carbohydrates, and post-cutting biomass production in Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala. Agroforestry Syst. 50, 27–46. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006427221557.

• Lindsay, W.L., and Norvell, W.A. (1978). Development of a DTPA soil test for zinc, iron, manganese and copper. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 42, 421–428. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1978.03615995004200030009x.

• Mbomi, S.E., Ogungbesan, A.M., Babayemi, O.J., and Nchinda, V.P. (2011). Chemical composition, acceptability of three Tephrosia species and use of Tephrosia purpurea as supplement for grazing animals in the western highlands of Cameroon. J. Environm. Issues and Agric. in Develop. Countr. 3, 132–139.

• Mendonca, E.S., and Stott, D.E. (2003). Characteristics and decomposition rates of pruning residues from a shaded coffee system in Southeastern Brazil. Agrofor. Syst. 57, 117–125. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023900822261.

• Mulumba, L.N., and Lal, R. (2008). Mulching effects on selected soil physical properties. Soil and Tillage Res. 98, 106–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2007.10.011.

• Munthali, M.G., Gachene, C.K.K., Sileshi, G.W., and Karanja, K.N. (2014). Amendment of Tephrosia improved fallows with inorganic fertilizers improves soil chemical properties, N uptake, and maize yield in Malawi. Int. J. Agron. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/902820.

• Munthali, M.G., Gachene, C.K.K., Karanja, N.K., and Sileshi, G.W. (2015). Decomposition rates and nutrient release patterns of Tephrosia vogelii and Tephrosia candida residues in Malawi. Int. J. Plant Res. 1, 26–35.

• Naik, S.K.,Maurya, S., Banerjee, D., Singh, A.K., and Bhatt, B.P. (2017). Rates of decomposition and nutrient mineralization of leaf litter from different orchards under hot and dry sub-humid climate. Arch. Agron. Soil Sci. 64(4), 560–573. https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2017.1362104.

• Nguyen, T.S., and Thai, P. (1993). Tephrosia candida – A soil ameliorator plant in Vietnam. Contour 1, 27–28.

• Nguyen, T.T., Fuentes, S., and Marschner, P. (2013). Effect of incorporated or mulched compost on leaf nutrient concentrations and performance of Vitis vinifera cv. Merlot. J. Soil Sci. Plant Nutr. 13, 485–497. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-95162013005000038.

• Oyen, L.P.A. (1997). Tephrosia candida (Roxb.) D.C. In Plant Resources of South-East Asia. Auxiliary Plants, No. 11, I. Faridah Hanum, and L.J.G. Van der Maesen, eds. (Leiden, The Netherlands: Backhuys Publishers), p. 244–246.

• Palm, C.A., and Sanchez, P.A.(1991).Nitrogen release from the leaves of some tropical legumes as affected by their lignin and polyphenolic contents.Soil Biol. Biochem. 23, 83–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/0038-0717(91)90166-H.

• Raghu, S.,Wiltshire, C., and Dhileepan, K. (2005). Intensity of pre-dispersal seed predation in the invasive legume Leucaena leucocephala is limited by the duration of pod retention. Austral. Ecol. 30, 310–318. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-9993.2005.01475.x.

• Rutunga, V., Karanja, N.K., Gachene, C.K.K., and Palm, C.(1999). Biomass production and nutrient accumulation by Tephrosia vogelii (Hemsley) A. Gray and Tithonia diversifolia Hook F. fallows during the six-month growth period at Maseno, Western Kenya. Biotechnol. Agron. Soc. Environm. 3, 237–246.

• Sanchez, P.A., and Palm, C.A. (1996). Nutrient cycling and agroforestry in Africa. Unasylva 185, 24–28.

• Schroth, G.,Oliver, R., Balle, P., Gnahoua, G.M., Kanchanakanti, N., Leduc, B., Mallet, B., Peltier, R., and Zech, W. (1995). Alley cropping with Gliriciia sepium on a high base status soil following forest clearing: Effects on soil conditions, plant nutrition and crop yields. Agrofor. Syst. 32, 261–276. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00711714.

• Sharath, A.A., Ghosh, S.N., and Das, B.C. (2016). Integrated nutrient management in bael (Aegle marmelos Corr.) in New Alluvial soil. Int. J. Minor Fruits, Med. Arom. Plants 2, 41–46.

• Shepherd, M.A., Harrison, R., and Webb, J.(2002). Managing soil organic matter-implications for soil structure on organic farms. Soil Use Manag. 18, 284–292. https://doi.org/10.1079/SUM2002134.

• Snapp, S.S., Mafongoya, P.L., and Waddington, S. (1998). Organic matter strategies for integrated nutrient management in smallholder cropping systems of southern Africa. Agric. Ecosys. Environm. 71, 158–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8809(98)00140-6.

• Subbiah, B.V., and Asija, G.L. (1956). A rapid procedure for determination of available nitrogen in soil. Current Sci. 25, 259–260.

• Tandon, H.L.S. (1999). Methods of Analysis of Soils, Plants, Waters, Fertilisers and Organic Manures. (New Delhi: Fertiliser Development and Consultation Organisation).

• Wang, A.S., Hu, P., Hollister B.E., Rothlisberger, K.L., Somenahally, A., Provin, T.L., Hons, F.M., and Gentry, T.J. (2012). Impact of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) and Flax (Linum usitatissimum) Seed meal applications on soil carbon, nitrogen, and microbial dynamics. Appl. Environm. Soil Sci. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/351609.

Received: 27 August 2020 | Accepted: 28 November 2020 | Published: 30 March 2021 | Available online: 30 March 2021