Impact of bamboo spacing and intercropping on soil health in Dendrocalamus stocksii based: Agroforestry system

Bamboo-based agroforestry is gaining recognition for its potential to enhance both ecological stability and economic efficiency. Dendrocalamus stocksii, a prominent bamboo species, plays a vital role in improving soil health through nutrient cycling, soil erosion reduction, and organic matter accumulation. This study aimed to evaluate the soil chemical properties under a four-year-old D. stocksii plantation at the Main Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Iruvakki, Shivamogga, during the 2022-23 period. The research focused on soil pH, organic carbon content, and nutrient availability under three different spacing regimes (8m × 4m, 8m × 6m, and 8m × 8m) and intercropping conditions. The findings revealed that soil pH increased with depth, with the highest pH value (6.70) recorded at the 80-100 cm depth in the 8m × 8m spacing. Organic carbon content was highest in the topsoil, with the maximum value (0.74%) found at the 0-20 cm depth in areas without intercrops. Available nitrogen content peaked at 313.71 kg ha–1 in the 0-20 cm depth under the 8m × 8m spacing treatment. Similarly, available phosphorus and potassium also showed their highest values in the 0-20 cm depth of the 8m × 8m spacing, at 61.89 kg ha–1and 317.70 kg ha–1, respectively. These results underscore that wider spacing regimes (8m × 8m) and areas without intercrops significantly enhance soil fertility, improve nutrient availability, and promote organic matter accumulation. These conditions are key for supporting the long-term sustainability and ecological health of bamboo-based agroforestry systems, making them a promising solution for sustainable agricultural practices.