Effect of different spacings of Eucalyptus based agroforestry systems soil nutrient status and chemical properties in semi-arid ecosystem of India

Abstract

Experiment was conducted in research area of Forestry Department, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2015-16 to study the effect of different spatial arrangements (3×3 m, 6×1.5 m and paired row 17×1×1 m) on Eucalyptus based agroforestry system performed better as compared to sole crop in respect of various soil chemical properties and available nutrients status in soil at different soil depths. Among the different spacings organic carbon was found maximum (0.43%) under 3×3 m spacing in soil at different depths. The electrical conductivity had lowered in soil at different depths from its initial status under different spacings of Eucalyptus plantations. However, the soil pH did not show any considerable changes in all depths of Eucalyptus plantation. Results revealed that available N, P and K in soil at different depths increased significantly under different spacings of Eucalyptus based agroforestry system in all the treatments from its initial values in soil at different depths. The highest available soil N (166 kg ha ), P (11.4 kg ha) and K (206.6 kg ha) were recorded in surface soil under 3×3 m spacing as compared to other spacings.