Effect of pruning and grasses on forage productivity, carbon storage, soil healthand economics of Anjan tree (Hardwickia binata) based silvopasture systems

A field experiment was conducted during 2018 to 2023 on ten years old Hardwickia binata Roxb. based silvopasture system at Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi. The treatment consisted of three pruning intensities of H. binata, viz. 30%, 45% and 60% and establishment of three grasses, viz. Cenchrus ciliaris, Chrysopogon fulvus and Panicum maximum in association with H. binata. Pruning of branches of H. binata at 60% intensity recorded significantly higher top feed (TF 1.48, 1.77, 2.23, 2.68 and 3.27 t/ha) and fire wood yields (FW 2.74, 3.17, 3.49, 3.79 and 4.65 t/ha) as compared to 30% pruning intensity (TF 0.93, 1.01, 1.19, 1.55 and 2.08 t/ha and FW 1.76, 1.90, 1.98, 2.26 and 2.84 t/ha) and 45% pruning intensity (TF 1.21, 1.41, 1.75, 2.15 and 2.59 t/ha and FW 2.33, 2.59, 2.82, 3.08 and 3.63 t/ha) during 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th years of study, respectively. Among grasses, establishment of C. fulvus in association with H. binata recorded significantly higher dry pasture yields (7.91, 8.33, 8.66, 8.93 and 9.18 t/ha) as compared to P. maximum (6.19, 6.37, 6.54, 7.08 and 7.41 t/ha) and it was found at par with C. ciliaris (7.62, 8.15, 8.44, 8.70 and 8.86 t/ha) during 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th years of study. Estab- lishment of H. binata based silvopasture systems on poor shallow soil and degraded land recorded 9.11-15.50% improvement in available nutrients (N : 12.73%, P : 15.50% and K : 9.11%) and organic carbon (OC 9.47%) in 5th year of experiment than initial year (N 229.39, P 8.32 and K 214.73 kg/ha and OC 0.584%. Similarly, H. binata recorded 111.31% higher carbon stock in 5th year of study (23.04 t/ha) as compared to initial year (10.90 t/ha). In term of monetary return, maximum net return and benefit-cost ratio was obtained from 60% pruning intensity (` 63459/ha and 2.08) followed by 45% pruning intensity (` 50263/ha and 1.91) from H. binata based silvopasture system.