Productivity of buffel grass and Caribbean stylo in different row ratio under neem based silvipastoral system in semi-arid region Meena S. L.*,**, Nagar R. P., Meena S. S. Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Western Regional Research Station, Avikanagar, Tonk -304 501 (Rajasthan), India *Present address: Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
*Corresponding author email: dr_slmeena@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 8 October, 2014. Abstract Neem based silvipastoral system with Cenchrus ciliaris and Stylosanthes hamata was evaluated under polythene mulch and different row ratio in semi-arid region. Green foliage yield of neem tree was obtained 41–42% more with the application of mulch over no mulch. Plant height of C. ciliaris was highest in the row ratio of 1:2 while green fodder, dry fodder and protein yield was more under 2:2 row proportion. The plants of S. hamata attained greater height under the row proportion of 2:2. However, green, dry fodder and protein yield was more in row ratio of 1:2. Total green fodder yield, dry fodder yield, crude protein yield, production efficiency, net returns and benefit: cost ratio was greater in neem with polythene mulch + [C. ciliaris + S. hamata (2:2)] followed by neem alone + [C. ciliaris + S. hamata (2:2)] and C. ciliaris + S. hamata (2:2). The silvipastoral system of buffel grass + Caribbean stylo (2:2) under neem plantation with polythene mulch may be advocated for hot semi-arid regions. Top Keywords Cenchrus ciliaris, Mulching, Neem, Production efficiency, Rainfall use efficiency, Row ratio, Silvipasture, Stylosanthes hamata. Top |