Productivity oiSesbania alley cropping system with sequentially cropped berseem and maize at different moisture regimes and fertilizers

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken in hot sub-humid region at Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, India, to assess the productivity of Sesbania sesban hedgerows and its effect on berseem (;Trifolium alexandrinum L.)-maize (.Zea mays L.) cropping sequence at different moisture regimes and fertilizers levels. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Three levels of phosphorus (40,80 and 120 kg P2Os h a ') and 4 levels of sulphur (0,20,40 and 60 kg S ha ') were applied on berseem in rabi (November-March). The treatments imposed on maize in kharif (July- September) were 3 moisture regimes (rainfed, irrigation at canopy air temperature difference (CATO), values of 0° and -2°C) and 4 levels of nitrogen (0,40,80 & 120 kg N h a 1). The increase in biomass production of Sebania was associated with reduction of berseem productivity in subsequent years. However, Sesbania alley did not significantly affect yield of maize crop over the years. The system produced maximum yield with the application off 120 kg P2Os and 60 kg S ha 'on berseem, and irrigation at -2°C CATD and 120 kg N ha 'on maize grown under 4 m apart Sesbania alley.