Intercropping performance and its influence on soil nutrient status in bamboo-based agroforestry practice

Bamboo-based agroforestry systems have emerged as a sustainable and promising approach for land management, offering enhanced productivity, sustainability, and resource preservation. Intercrops play a pivotal role in agroforestry systems, significantly contributing to their overall productivity and sustainability. This article explores the potential of bamboo agroforestry in diversifying agroecosystems, generating income streams, and contributing to sustainable rural development. The study evaluates the performance (yield and biomass) of two intercrops, okra and black gram, within Dendrocalamus brandisii-based agroforestry model and assesses their impact on soil nutrient status. Okra cultivation commenced once the bamboo plants had matured to 12 months, while black gram was introduced at the 18-month stage. Results indicate that wider spacing between bamboo plants significantly enhances intercrop yields, emphasizing the economic viability of bamboo agroforestry. The harvest index analysis reveals efficient resource utilization in intercropped systems, harvest indices for vegetables (okra) typically range between 30 and 40 percent, whereas pulses, such as black gram, often exhibit higher harvest indices, falling within the range of 70 to 90 percent. Importantly, the study finds that bamboo growth remains unaffected by intercrops, highlighting the compatibility of bamboo cultivation with diverse agricultural practices. Furthermore, the impact of intercrops on soil physico-chemical properties is examined, with okra cultivation negatively influencing soil moisture, bulk density, pH, and electrical conductivity, while black gram cultivation positively affects soil nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, and sulphur. These findings contribute valuable insights for optimizing bamboo agroforestry systems, promoting sustainable land use, and ensuring food security in diverse agroecological contexts.