Summary
This field study, conducted at the AICRP on Agroforestry research farm in Nagpur, evaluated mustard as an intercrop within citrus-based agroforestry systems in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The research compared mustard performance under sole cropping and under four agroforestry configurations combining mandarin trees with different forest species (Tectona grandis, Eucalyptus teretocornis, and Ailanthus excelsa). The findings indicate that whilst sole cropping produced higher mustard yields and growth parameters, intercropping within agroforestry systems maintained productivity whilst offering diversification benefits, though trade-offs in soil organic carbon were observed depending on tree species composition.
Regional applicability
Direct applicability to UK farming is limited, as this research addresses semi-arid subtropical conditions specific to Maharashtra's climate and existing agroforestry traditions. However, the methodological approach to evaluating intercrop performance and soil health impacts within tree-based farming systems may inform UK research into temperate agroforestry configurations and diversified farming practices.
Key measures
Mustard growth parameters and yield (grain and straw yields in q ha⁻¹), soil organic carbon (percentage), comparative performance under sole cropping versus agroforestry treatments (percentage reduction)
Outcomes reported
The study quantified the agronomic performance of mustard (Brassica juncea var. Pusa bold) cultivated under citrus-based agroforestry systems with different tree species combinations, and assessed changes in soil organic carbon across treatments. Growth parameters, grain yield, straw yield, and soil fertility metrics were measured across five treatment combinations.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.