Fruit and pulse synergy: evaluating Vigna mungo performance in Himalayan wild pomegranate based agroforestry systems

Abstract

The integration of fruit-based agroforestry systems with pulses, supported by nutrient management, presents a sustainable approach for developing nations, enhancing productivity along with soil and human health. This study evaluated the impact of planting conditions and nutrient management on the growth, yield, and soil attributes of Vigna mungo (mash) under a wild pomegranate-based agroforestry system. A factorial experiment using RBD with twelve integrated nutrient treatments (T₁: RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer), T₂: FYM (100% N equivalent basis), T₃: Vermicompost (100% N equivalent basis), T₄: Goat manure (100% N equivalent basis), T₅: Jeevamrut @ 500 l/ha, T₆: 50% RDF + 50% FYM, T₇: 50% RDF + 50% VC, T₈: 50% RDF + 50% GM, T₉: 50% RDF + 50% Jeevamrut, T₁₀: 50% RDF + 25% FYM + 25% VC, T₁₁: 50% RDF + 25% GM + 25% Jeevamrut and T₁₂: Control) were tested under both wild pomegranate canopy and open conditions, each replicated thrice. The results indicated that Vigna mungo exhibited better growth and yield parameters in open conditions compared to the wild pomegranate canopy with the T₆ treatment. Post-harvest soil analysis revealed improvements in physical and chemical properties under the agroforestry system with T₂. Economically, the agroforestry system with wild pomegranate + Vigna mungo yielded the highest net returns (US$ 1094.09 ha⁻¹) and benefit–cost ratio (2.72) compared to monocropping. This study accentuates the potential of integrating fruit trees with pulse crops under appropriate nutrient management to achieve sustainable practices, improved farmer incomes and improve soil and human health.