Performance of intercrops under bamboo based agroforestry system in Bihar

Abstract

In a study conducted during 2000-02 under the shaded unutilized Dendrocalamus strictus plantation at the boundary of crop fields in a research farm of RAU, Pusa (Samastipur), Bihar, India, the results showed that turmeric, ginger and dinanath grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) produced higher yields near bamboo rows (1-2 m), and these yields decreased with greater light transmittance away from the rows. However, a reversed trend was observed for finger millet and rice yields, i.e. greater yields were observed at the 12-m distance from the bamboo rows. Soil analysis showed that pH and organic matter were parameters least affected by distance from the bamboo row. Exchangeable K and exchangeable Ca decreased with increasing distances while available P increased as the distance from bamboo rows increased. Thus, cultivation of only shade-loving crops such as turmeric, ginger and dinanath grass are recommended under bamboo clumps/thickets in the agroclimatic conditions of Bihar.