Effects of Different Fruit-based Multitier Systems On Soil Chemical Properties and Leaf Nutrient Acquisition Under Rainfed Plateau Conditions

Abstract

The investigation examined a horti-silvi-agricultural system established four years ago, integrating various crops to optimize land use and productivity. This system included short-statured fruit crops such as Aonla and Peach as filler crops, with Mango and Mahogany serving as the main crops, while rice and ragi as intercrops. A split-plot design was employed, designating rice and ragi as main plots, and the following systems as subplots: Mahogany + Mango + Aonla, Mahogany + Mango + Peach, and Mahogany + Mango with no filler crop. The study revealed that the growth and development of filler crops were significantly influenced by the horti-silvi-agricultural system. Notably, in the Mahogany + Mango + Peach system, significant effects were observed on leaf nutrient levels (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and carbohydrate content. The system also demonstrated greater soil moisture retention compared to a fallow system, with the peach-based combinations resulting in the highest reduction in electrical conductivity (EC). The organic carbon content in the horti-silvi-agricultural system’s soil was significantly higher than in a monocropping system, decreasing with soil depth. Additionally, the availability of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) was higher in the surface layer of the Mango + Mahogany + Peach system. Overall, fruit tree-based systems were found to enhance soil organic matter, increase nutrient availability, and improve soil properties.