Vol. 10, Special Issue 5 (2021)

Author(s):
Krishma Nanda, Sandeep Arya, Bojja Harish Babu, JS Ranawat, Ashish Kumar and Tarun Kumar

Abstract:
The objective of the present study was to assess various properties of soil in 4 year old Melia dubia plantation at 3m × 3m distance in Haryana, intercropped with five barley varieties. Samples were collected at 0 to 15 cm, 15 to 30 cm and 30-45 cm soil depth in both intercropped and control conditions (field without trees) and at a distance of 0.5m, 1m, and 1.5m from the tree line. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, soil moisture and available nitrogen, phosphorus & potassium. The electrical conductivity of soil decreased from 0.43-0.39 dSm^-1 (under trees) and 0.35-0.33 dSm^-1 (control) at 0-15 cm of soil depth. Results revealed a slight decrease (8.10 to 7.90 and 8.30 to 8.29) in soil pH under trees at both soil depths i.e. 0-15cm and 15-30 cm respectively. The soil pH and EC decreased more under trees than under control. However, amount of N,P,K and organic carbon was found higher in intercropped conditions at both soil depths (0-15 cm & 15-30 cm). Soil moisture content in the soil was found higher under plantation. The present study indicates that growing trees has positive correlation with soil health.