Farmers’ training on “Scaling up of Water Productivity in horticultural crops” at KVK, Tura, Meghalaya from 11th to 17th March’ 2008
were grown in the IIF System. The productivity of different fodder grasses were found to be 30, 45, 40 and 20t/ha respectively.
Performance of oat in IIFS
(d) Effect of different hedgerow leaves incorporation on productivity of Pahlu Dal
Field experiment was conducted during pre Rabi season to study the effect of different hedgerow leaves incorporation on growth and yield attributes of Pahlu Dal. Seven treatments comprised of leaves incorporation of Fleminggia macrophylla, Indigofera tinctoria,Crotolaria tetragona, Tephrosia candida and Cajanus cajan @ 2t/ha dry weight basis along with recommended dose of fertilizer application (25:60:30 kg NPK/ha) and a control. Maximum seed yield 1.06 t/ha was obtained with application of recommended dose of fertilizer application followed by incorporation of leaves of Idigofera tinctoria (0.91 t/ha) and Tephrosia candida (0.90 t/ha).
Performance of pahlu dal under different hedgerow leaves incorporation
Performance of turmeric in IIFS Performance of mustard in IIFS
Performance of radish in IIFS
(e) Effect of different rate of lime application on growth and yield of groundnut
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of groundnut under different rates of lime application. The initial soil pH was 4.9. The treatments comprised of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5 along with lime dose calculation as per software developed in the institute (1.72 t/ha). A uniform rate of FYM @ 10 t/ha was applied in all the treatments. The data revealed that maximum pod yield 23.10 q/ha was recorded with application of lime @ 2.5 t/ha followed by lime @ 1.72 t/ha (22.75 q/ha) and lime @ 2.0 t/ha (22.6 q/ha). The lowest pod yield 16.0 q/ha was recorded under no lime control.
Performance of groundnut under different rate of lime application
(f) Biomass production under different hedgerow species
Data on biomass production of different hedgerow species has been collected and presented in table. Maximum fresh weight (175 t/ha) and dry weight (38 t/ha) was recorded with Indigofera tinctoria with four prunings.
Table 2. Biomass productivity of different hedgerow species in the IIFS
Species No. of Fresh Dry
cuttings weight weight (t/ha) (t/ha)
Clotolaria tetragona 3 80 22
Tephrosia candida 4 100 26
Indigofera tinctoria 4 175 38
Flemingia macrophylla 3 150 28
(g) Effect of different rates of lime application on growth and yield of turmeric under Michelia champaca based AFS.
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of turmeric with different rates of lime application under Michelia based agroforestry system. The initial soil pH was 4.8. The treatments comprised of, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 t/ha along with lime dose calculation as per software developed in the institute (1.87 t/ha). A uniform rate of FYM @ 15 t/ha was applied in all the treatments.
Maximum rhizome yield 25.6 t/ha, number of fingers (10.6) and clump weight 510 g was recorded with application of lime @ 2.5 t/ha followed by application of lime @ 2.0 t/ha (25 t/ha) and lime
@ 1.6 t/ha (24.7 t/ha). The lowest yield (16.5 t/ha) was recorded under no lime control.
Performance of turmeric under Michelia champaca based AFS
Hedge row planting in IIFS
(h) Effect of different rates of lime application on growth and yield of ginger under Alder based AFS.
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of ginger with different rates of lime application under Alder based agroforestry system.
The initial soil pH was 4.9. The treatments comprised of, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 t/ha along with lime dose (1.72 t/ha) calculation as per software developed in the institute. A uniform rate of FYM
@ 15 t/ha was applied in all the treatments.
Maximum rhizome yield 22 t/ha was recorded with lime @ 2.0 t/ha followed by application of lime @ 1.72 t/ha (21.3 t/ha). The lowest rhizome yield (15 t/ha) was recorded under no lime control.
(i) Analysis of soil samples of the pond in IIFS The soil of the fish-pond is generally acidic (4.8- 6.21) and it was rectified with the application of lime on the basis of pH. The organic carbon content in the soil of integrated fishpond was found to be high (0.75– 3.44%) but it is within desirable range.
In the integrated pond nitrogen (165.28-416.42 kg/
ha) content was found to be high due to continuous application of organic nitrogen in the form of manure. The phosphorus level (6.81-17.04 kg/ha) in the soil of integrated pond was found within satisfactory range for higher primary productivity.
Potassium content of soil was found to be 1.18 to 1.70 fold higher than control.
Fish production in the IIFS (k) Animal component
The growth performance of ducks Khaki Campbell 0.0040kg/ day was recorded in IIFS at a density of 500 ducks for 1ha pond area. The
performance of broiler birds reared in IIFS showed better growth rate (0.034 kg/day) and its droppings helped in increasing primary productivity. Among various livestocks, the daily weight gain (0.342kg/
day) of pig was found to be maximum and optimum primary productivity of fish pond was found better when reared with a stocking density of 30 nos/ha pond area. Integrated fish farming showed the promising results. Fish fingerlings at a stocking density of 9000 nos/ha recorded maximum fish productivity and it was found to be 1.59, 1.38, 1.24 and 1.20 t/ha, when integrated with cattle, pig, duck, poultry and goat respectively with the above mentioned stocking density of livestock/ birds as against control without integration (0.81 t/ha) and concentrated feeding with productivity of 1.75 t/
ha.
Broiler bird in IIFS
Integrated approach of land use through agroforestry interventions
Agri-horticulture AFS
Among different fruit tree species maximum plant height (4.92 m) maximum collar diameter (37.6 cm) and canopy width (5.62 cm) was recorded with plum, while maximum number of branches per plant (8) was recorded with Peach. In case of crop performance maximum yield of maize was recorded in sole crop (4.10 t/ha) while among combinations maximum yield (3.23 t/ha) was recorded with Orange + maize combination.
Maximum turmeric yield (25.0 t/ha) was recorded as sole crop while among the combination with fruit tree species maximum yield (21.0 t/ha) was recorded with pear + turmeric combination.
Table 4. Performance of different fruit trees
Fruit tree Plant Collar No. of Canopy height diameter branches width (m) (cm) /plant (m)
Sweet orange 1.95 15 5.4 1.42
Guava 2.40 17.0 3.0 2.38
Peach 4.92* 37.6* 4.6 5.62*
Plum 3.46 23.8 8.0* 2.14
Pear 4.06 9.0 4.4 1.0
Orange 2.56 13.2 2.8 0.86
Assam lemon 1.55 16 4 1.96
Table 5. Performance of different crops in combination with different tree species
Fruit tree and crop Scale Crop Fruit yield combination (sq. m) yield t/ha
t/ha
Sweet orange + maize 468 1.45 Yield yet to recorded Guava + maize 1575 2.85 5.06 Assam lemon + maize 300 3.03 2.55 Peach + maize 275 2.59 5.26
Orange + maize 270 3.23* Not in flowering Plum + turmeric 248 19.0 Not in flowering Pear + turmeric 620 20.0 Not in flowering Maize + turmeric 900 17.5 -
Turmeric 690 25.0 -
Ginger 900 21.0 -
Groundnut 400 2.20 -
Maize alone - 4.10 q-
Evaluation of MPT for growth and biomass performance
Different tree species have varied canopy architecture, which makes variation in the light interception or quantum of light available to crops grown in association with tree species. The periodical growth observation and canopy architecture of different agro-forestry tree species like teeta champ (Michelia champacca), poma (Chukresia tabularis), ghamar (Gmelinea arborea), litsea (Litsea poliantha) and alder (Alnus nepalensis) were studied after five years of plantation under hilly condition of Meghalaya.
Different intercrops viz. maize, rice mustard and other vegetable crops were also grown successfully under the canopy of above mentioned tree species.
The data on yield and biomass of associated crops were also recorded.
Selection and evaluation of multipurpose tree species (MPTs) for agroforestry systems Tree growth and crop yield
The periodical growth observation of ten already existing multipurpose tree species (MPTs) in the arboretum block were recorded and observed that Parkia roxburghii attained the highest growth (28.71 m) among various tree species, whereas, DBH was highest in Gmelina arborea (34.66 cm) after 20 years of plantation. The maximum timber volume were recorded in case of M. oblonga (278.29 m3/ha) followed by P. roxburghii (277.77 Table 3. Productivity and stocking density of animal/birds and fishes of different IIFS
Sl. IIFS Area Productivity/yr Stocking density of animals/
No. (ha) birds and fishes
1 Chicken -crop- fish-duck-horticulture 1.05 Duck meat- 54 kgFish-1.0 q Duck- 500 nos./haFish-9000
alongwith hedgerow on contour bunds. fingerlings/ha
2 Crop-fish-poultry--multipurpose trees 0.97 Live chicken- 8.82qFish-0.9 q Broiler birds 200/batch Fish-9000 fingerlings/ha 3 Crop- fish-goat -multi purpose trees 1.04 Meat-1.0qFish-0.9 q Goat- 55 nos./ha
Fish-9000 fingerlings/ha 4 Crop- fish-pig - vermicompost-bamboo- 1.04 Pork- 1.0qFish1.1 q Pigs- 30 nos./ha
multipurpose trees hedgerow-broom Fish-9000 fingerlings/ha
5 Crop- fish-dairy - mushroom- 1.17 Milk- 5833 liters Fish-1.3 q Cattle-5nos./haFish-9000
vermicompost - horticulture-hedgerow fingerlings/ha
6 Crop-fish without integration (control) 0.95 Fish--0.50q; Fish-9000 fingerlings/ha
7 Concentrate feeding Fish- 1.5 q
m). The yield of shade loving crop (ginger and turmeric) were recorded under each tree species and observed that there was a drastic reduction in crop yield. Maximum turmeric yield (189.2 q/ha was recorded under control and among combination with tree species maximum yield (153.40 q/ha) was recorded under Pinus kesia.
While in case of ginger reduction in yield was more severe and maximum yield (90.67 q/ha) was recorded in combination with Parkia roxburghii as against a yield of (231.00 q/ha) in control without tree combination.
Performance of three maize varieties under different fruit trees
In continuation of third year experimentation three maize varieties are RCM-1-1, RCM-1-3 and Vijaya composite were taken under fruit three fruit trees viz. guava (Psidum guajava cv. Allahabad Safeda). Assam lemon (Citrus lemon cv. Local) and peach (Prunus persica cv. TA 170). Grain yield (average of tree years) of all the three maize varieties were recorded highest (4.0 t/ha) in control plot (without tree) than in understorey of fruit trees.
Among the fruit trees species average grain yield of RCM-1-1 was highest under Assam lemon (3.47 t/ha) followed by guava and peach. Average fruit yield was 5.81, 2.02 and 4.72 t/ha respectively, to peach Assam lemon and guava.
Evaluation of multistoried AFS
In continuation of experimentation in multistoried agroforestry system, the existing tea
plant are heavily pruned and side branches of alder trees were also pruned up to 50% of tree height in the month of April 2007 under intensive management practices. After heavy pruning there was significant improvement in the emergence of new shoot with leads to produce new fresh buds in a per unit area. Now it is flourishing well under the partial shade of alder as it provide favourable microclimate to understorey crops. Thus, the average yield of tea (fresh buds) was recorded 7.0 – 8.5 t/ha whereas, in case of black pepper (dried) the yield was 650 g/plant. The timber volume was recorded to be 215.78 m3/ha for Alnus nepalensis.
Black paper based AF System Studies on silvi-horti-pastoral systems
To study the performance of silvi-horti-pastoral AFS pineapple (var. Kew) was planted beneath the canopy of silver oak (Grevillea robusta) and som
Table 6. Growth and yield performance of trees (20 years old) and crops in AFS
Tree species Height DBH Timber volume Crop yield t/ha
(m) (cm) (m3/ha)
Turmeric Ginger
Alnus nepalensis 24.24 30.39 191.57 12.57 8.80
Prunus cerasoides 18.78 25.45 87.12 12.60 7.96
Symingtonia populnea 19.13 31.65 159.67 13.00 8.07
Parkia roxburghii 28.71* 32.19 275.77 14.36 9.07*
Michelia oblonga 27.12 30.88 278.29* 13.93 8.44
Gmelina arborea 22.02 34.66* 254.13 13.48 8.50
Cryptomeria japonica 15.38 22.48 65.72 9.85 7.08
Cupressus torulosa 14.57 21.05 55.95 9.00 7.46
Pinus kesiya 20.45 27.59 136.74 15.34 7.21
Control (no tree) - - - 18.92* 23.10
(Machilus bambicina) across the steep slope (25- 30%) with 50 x 80 cm spacing. In third year of experimentation the average yield of pineapple was recorded highest in the understorey of G. robusta (16.5 t/ha). After 14 years of plantation G. robusta attain an average height and dbh of 12.21 m and 12.98 cm, respectively, Similarly, M. bombicina attained 12.58 m height and 19.12 cm dbh. On terrace risers, grasses like congo and guinea were planted as a vegetative barrier. The average productivity of congo and guinea grass was 27.15 and 28.18 t/ha respectively.
Pineapple based multistoried AF system
Table 7. Tree growth and crop yield under on silvi-horti-pastoral systems
Tree species Tree DBH Crops
height (cm) (mt)
Pineapple Guinea Congo t/ha grass grass
t/ha t/ha Grevillea robusta 13.17 17.59 1.65 2.93 2.93 Machilus bambicina 12.26 21.82 1.43 2.50 2.71
Development of agroforestry models in hilly ecosystems
One year old healthy seedling of peach, pear and guava with 50 nos of species were planted in alternate terraced with two spacing i.e. 5 x 5 m and 5 x 6 m (plant to plant and row to row) following the standard planting procedure during this year. After six months of plantation the survival
percentage of peach, pear and guava showed 95, 92 and 90% respectively. The interspaced area was utilized for intercropping of maize followed by mustard whereas contour bunds were covered under congo and guinea grass to check erosion and effective utilization of land.
Agri horti system
Table 8. Performance of fruit plant and crops
Tree species Tree DBH Crops height (cm)
(mt) Maize Mustered
t/ha t/ha Guava (2 year old) 13.17 17.59 1.84 1.03 Peach (2 year old) 12.26 21.82 2.05 1.25 Pear (2 year old) 12.26 21.82 1.90 1.30
Evaluation of superior planting material of Jatropha (seedling/cuttings) from different part of Meghalaya sponsored by NOVOD R & D Network Programme
Studies on Jatropha seed viability and time of sowing
Seeds collected from different provenances viz.
Mendipathar, Tura, Dimapara and Mawhati were sown during pre-monsoon and winter seasons. The seeds sown during pre-monsoon showed better germination percent (97.4%) as compared to seed sown in winter (67.0%). Collar diameter (2.19 cm) and plant height (52.5 cm) was also recorded maximum during pre-monsoon period and minimum during winter.
Establishment of Jatropha block
Besides the research activities, the Jatropha planting materials collected from various parts of Meghalaya tested under field trial for screening out the superior materials on the basis of morphological and phonological behaviour. These seeds and cuttings were raised in the nursery and five months old seedlings were planted in Jatropha plantation block. Further morphological observation and routine management practices in the established Jatropha plantation block were carried out.
Jatropha block
Provenance variability of Jatropha curcas Thirteen provenances of Jatropha curcas were collected from all over India evaluated during 2007- 2008. Wide ranges of variation were observed in growth of Jatropha in the field. Maximum plant height (197 cm) was recorded with PJS-2.
Maximum collar diameter 5.4 cm, maximum number of secondary branches 1.8/plant and canopy diameter 88 cm was recorded with
genotypes Mawhati, while maximum number of primary branches (6.8/plant) was recorded with Tura provenances. The plantation has not yet started bearing. Planting of another 3 promising genotypes has been initiated.
Jatropha provenance trial
Provenance variability of Parkia roxburghii Seven provenances of Parkia roxburghii were selected from different part of northeast region were raised and evaluated for growth performances during 2007-2008. Wide variations were observed in growth parameters of different provenances of P. roxburghii in the field (Table 11). The plantation has not yet bearing. Maximum plant height (215 cm) and maximum number of primary branches (2.33/plant) was recorded with Kanpokpi. While maximum collar diameter (3.93 cm) and number of secondary branches (0.33) was recorded with Bilkhawthlir provenances. Maximum canopy diameter (143.33 cm) was recorded with Kezanglwa provenances.
Table 9. Germination and growth performance of different provenance of Jatropha in two seasons
Provenances Germination% Plant height (cm) Collar diameter
Pre-monsoon Winter Pre-monsoon Winter Pre-monsoon Winter
Mendipathar, 90.0 65.0 50.1 45.3 2.00 1.55
Tura, 97.4 67.0 52.5 40.2 2.19 1.53
Dimapara 88.46 66.4 49.8 45.67 1.89 1.7
Mawhati 92.3 63.0 51 42.0 1.58 1.6
Establishment of medicinal and aromatic garden
Thirty five medicinal plants (Table 12) were established in the medicinal garden of the Institute.
The collection and plantation of aromatic plants are under progress.
Table 10. Growth attributes of Jatropha curcas
Provenances/ Plant height Collar Primary Secondary Canopy
Genotypes (cm) diameter (cm) branches branches length (cm)
Rahuri 150 3.94 3.6 0.6 80
TFRI-2 125 3.77 3.0 0.0 72.5
TFRI-1 146 4.96 4.8 1.0 72.0
PDKV Akola-2 126 3.23 3.0 0.0 58.33
PJS-2 197* 5.04 5.2 0.80 74
PJS-1 176 4.26 6.0 1.8* 85
Nagpur 132 3.96 5.2 0.4 68
Byrnihat 109 3.86 3.2 0.6 67
Mawahati 186 5.4* 6.2 1.8* 88*
Molasnai 108 3.72 4.2 0.2 64
Tura 147 4.88 6.8* 0.6 71
Mandipathar 140 4.38 4.2 0.2 61
Dimapara 127 4.24 5.6 0.6 71.4
Table11. Growth performance of Parkia roxburghii
Provenances/ Plant height Collar Primary Secondary Canopy
Genotypes (cm) diameter (cm) branches branches length (cm)
Bilkhawthlir 196.67 3.93* 1.33 0.33* 133.33
Kanpokpi 215.00* 2.93 2.33* 0.00 136.67
Kawnpui 140.00 2.20 0.67 0.00 88.33
Kezanglwa 196.67 3.07 0.00 0.00 143.33*
Khaibung 165.00 2.37 2.00 0.00 98.33
Thingkhang 150.00 2.33 0.67 0.00 126.67
Mawkiang 135.00 2.17 0.67 0.00 83.33
Parkia roxburghii provenances
Table12. Medicinal and aromatic plants in the medicinal garden at ICAR Research Complex, Umiam, Meghalaya
Sl. Botanical name Common name Parts used Uses No.
1. Ocimum sanctum Tulsi leaves, seeds Treatment of bronchitis, catarrh, digestive complaints, common cold and urinary infection.
2. Ocimum basilicum Bantulsi leaves , seeds Treatment of dysentery and chronic diarrhea.
3. Lepidium sativum Chansur leaves, seed Antibacterial activity. Milk enhancement 4. Cybopogon flexuosus Lemon grass leaves Pharmaceutical preparations, disinfectants,
perfumery and cosmetics.
5. Eucalyptus citriodora Odomos leaves Essential oil used in perfumery and a source of citrionellol and menthol.
6. Andrographis paniculata Kalmegh stem, leaves Treatment of fever, worms, dysentery, liver and digestive complaints.
7. Taxus baccata Common yew shoots Cabinet work, furniture, paneling. Treatment of headache, giddiness and diarrhea.
8. Curcuma caesia Black turmeric rhizome, roots Antipyretic and treatment of asthma, bronchitis, tumour and enlargement of spleen and foul breath.
9. Curcuma longa Common rhizome Rhizome is a laxative, anthelmintic, tonic and useful turmeric in blood disease, leucoderma, scabies, urinary
infection, inflammation, smallpox, etc.
10. Mucuna prurita Kiwach seeds, roots Used as nervine tonic and treatment of cholera.
11. Ocimum gratissimum Ramtulsi leaves,seed Used as mosquito repellent.
12. Ocimum americanum Kalitulsi leaves, seeds Used as flavouring sauces, soups and salads. Seeds are considered as diuretic and tonic. Leaves also used for dysentery, mouth wash and relieving toothache.
13. Asparagus adscendens Satavar roots Used as demulcent, diarrhoea and dysentery.
14. Bacopa sp. Brahmi leaves, stem Used as tonic and treatment of nervous disorders, leprosy, tubrculosis, anaemia and smallpox.
15. Rosmarinus officinallis Rosemary leaves, entire Used in perfumery, scenting soaps, hair lotions, room plant sprays. Entire plant is astringent and is used for
stomachache, rheumatism, paralysis and dry leaves are smoked in asthma.
16. Plantago major Isabgol seeds Seeds used in inflammatory conditions of mucous membrane of gastrointestinal and genitor-urinary tracts.
17. Houttyunia cordata leaves, roots Leaves used in medicine for dysentery, gonorrhoea, eye troubles and an extract of roots is diuretic.
18. Fagopyrum cymosum Buckwheat leaves, flowers Leaves used as vegetables. Treatment of capillary fragility and other haemorrhagic conditions.
19. Oxalis corniculata Amrul leaves The plant possesses astringent and anticeptic properties. Fresh juice of plant cures dyspepsia, piles and anaemia.
20. Cinnamomum camphora Camphor, wood Oil from wood gives high yield of camphor and mushkapur safrole. Perfumes and treatment of inflammation,
rheumatic pains, diarrhoea and cardiac stimulant.
21. Rauvolfia serpentina Sarpagandha roots Used as antihypertensive, sedatives and treatment of insanity, insomnia, epilepsy and intestinal disorders.
22. Bixa orellana Sinduri seeds Used in ice-creams,bakery products and edible oils.
Also used in floor wax, shoe polishes, nail gloss and hair oils.
23. Apium graveolens Ajmod seeds Seeds are used as stimulant, carminative, nervine sedative and tonic.leaf-stalks are consumed as salad and vegetable. Seed oils used as fixative and perfumes and soups. Dried ripe fruits are used as spice.
Contd...
Sl. Botanical name Common name Parts used Uses No.
24. Alpenia galanga Sugandhbach rhizome Treatment of bronchitis and catarrh.
kulanjan 25 Chlorophytum sp. Safed musli 26 Cassia occidentalis Kasamdhi 27 Stevia
28 Nigella sativa Kalonji 29 Emblica officinalis Amla
30 Tree tomato
31 Aloe vera Aloe vera
33 Withania somnifera Ashwagandha 34 Alpinia officinarin Kulanjan 35 Nepenthes khasiana Pitcher plant