Tree-Crop Interaction in Plum Based Agroforestry system

The present study entitled “Tree-crop interaction studies in Plum (Prunus domestica L.) Based Agroforestry System in Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh” have revealed that field crop performed poorly under agrihorticulture system in comparison to pure crops. The studies have further indicated that plum compete strongly with maize for moisture, nutrients and other resources. Plum suppressed crop growth and productivity significantly on north side and closer distance from the tree row. It is further deduced from the studies that soil fertility status was higher under agrihorticulture system than sole cropping. Nutrient availability was more at closer distance. The effect of direction on available nutrients was statistically non-significant. Addition of nutrients was found higher in agrihorticulture system than sole cropping. The removal of nutrients from different harvested components was higher in agrihorticulture system than sole cropping. Among nutrient elements studied the pattern of removal was: N > K > P. The phosphorus was depleted more in both the systems and showed net loss whereas; N and K have shown net gain.