Vol. 12, Issue 5 (2023)

Author(s):
P Hemalatha, P Rajendran, R Ravi, M Vijayabhama and I Sekar

Abstract:
The main objective of the project is to explore the possibilities of integrating cluster bean under Melia dubia based agroforestry model to provide small and marginal farmers a new potential vegetable crop to diversify cropping and achieve sustainability. The experiment was carried out at Department of Agroforestry, Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam during 2019-2022 with three vegetable cluster bean varieties viz., MDU 1, Pusa Navbahar and Sonali under three different ecosystems viz., open field conditions, under 3 years old Melia dubia and 6 years old Melia dubia. The morphological parameters viz., plant height (107.3%) and leaf area index (1.53) were registered highest in cluster bean variety MDU 1 under open condition. The pod yield (11.58 t/ha) and quality parameters viz., crude protein (16.94%), ash (3.40%) and dry matter (20.10%) content were recorded higher in MDU 1 variety under open condition. Under all the ecosystems, the soil nutrient status was stable after the harvest of cluster bean. In addition, the cost benefit ratio was comparatively higher in MDU 1 cluster bean variety raised under 3 years old Melia dubia ecosystem (1.73) which indicates the amenability for cultivating MDU 1 cluster bean variety as intercrop under Melia dubia ecosystems upto 3 years of planting of the perennial crop.