Growth Performance of Sorghum under Eucalypts and Guava Based Agri-Horti-Silvi System in Northern India

Abstract

In semi-arid Northern India, agroforestry systems combining trees and crops can enhance farm sustainability and climate resilience. Understanding the performance of sorghum under eucalyptus- and guava-based systems is important for optimizing fodder production and tree-crop interactions. The study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of sorghum (HJ 541) under Eucalyptus tereticornis (clonal P-23) and Guava (Psidium guajava) based agroforestry systems, focusing on crop physiology, yield, and economic viability.The experiment was conducted in agri-silvi-horticulture (eucalypts + guava + agricultural crops) and agri-horticulture (guava + agricultural crops) systems, with sole sorghum cropping (control) for comparison, following a randomized block design. The study was carried out at the Department of Forestry, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Tree components were established during July-August 2019 at 7×8 m spacing, while sorghum was sown in June 2022 (Kharif season). Growth observations were recorded up to April 2023. Growth parameters of trees (basal diameter, DBH), physiological traits of sorghum (chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance), and fodder yield were measured at different crop stages. Guava exhibited higher basal diameter as sole (9.56 cm) compared to guava under eucalypts (8.45 cm). Clonal eucalypts showed rapid increment in basal diameter (31.05 cm) and DBH (25.44 cm). Sorghum under tree-based systems recorded higher chlorophyll content, whereas sole sorghum had superior photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance. Fodder yield ranged from 25.57 t/ha (agri-silvi-horticulture) to 41.35 t/ha (control), with yield reduction of 38.16% and 6.27% under agri-silvi-horticulture and agri-horticulture, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio varied between 0.67 and 1.09. Integration of sorghum with guava and eucalypts influenced crop physiology and yield, demonstrating trade-offs between tree-crop combinations and sole cropping. The findings provide practical insights for sustainable agroforestry strategies in semi-arid regions of Northern India.