Growth and yield responses of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to tree lopping and organic manure under Morus-based agri-silvicultural system

Abstract

Sustainable land management targets climate change by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, bolstering resilience against climate-related disasters and advocating sustainable practices. India has significantly contributed to shaping the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, in which agroforestry has emerged as a critical component. The tree-based intercropping practices implemented in agroforestry reduce competitive associations between woody and non-woody components, at the same time obtaining advantage of interactions that are beneficial. The present investigation was accomplished during the year 2019–20. The research trial was structured using a split-plot design to explore the possibilities of successfully cultivating Phaseolus vulgaris as an intercrop under Morus alba. The study incorporated 4 different levels of tree lopping (T₀: 0%; T₁: 25%; T₂: 50%; T₃: 75%) and 5 dosages of manure (S₀: No manure; S₁; FYM, S₂: Jeevamrutha 5%; S₃: Jeevamrutha 10%; S₄: RDF+FYM). The results revealed that maximum values for above and below-ground growth parameters were recorded in treatment T₃ (75% lopping intensity) and treatment S₄ (RDF + FYM). The treatments S₁ (FYM) and S₄ also significantly influenced soil parameters. Based on this investigation, it was inference that the integration of Phaseolus vulgaris with Morus alba provides the best possibility for diversity and enhanced profitability compared to a single species, if lopping is performed scientifically and a combination of manures are applied appropriately, besides offering numerous additional environmental gains.