Abstract

Experiments were conducted to develop suitable Melia dubia based agroforestry models for higher productivity in Tamil Nadu. Greengram, blackgram, cowpea, bhendi, small onion, groundnut, sesame, brinjal and chillies were intercropped in 10 months old Melia dubia. Results revealed that the growth and yield of annual crops were found to be reduced under intercrop compared to pure crop, while the volume of trees improved when planted along with intercrops. Among the crops, blackgram (760 kg ha-1) was the most affected and brinjal (8700 kg ha-1) was the least affected. Growth of M. dubia was also found to be influenced due to intercropping; the lowest in seasame (11.56 m3 ha-1) and the highest in blackgram (19.63 m3 ha-1). However, the benefit cost ratio was the highest for brinjal (4.301) and the lowest for small onion (2.101) due to the higher productivity in brinjal.

Keywords: Agroforestry models, Intercropping, Melia dubia, Yield