Radiation use efficiency of turmeric varieties under Ailanthus alley system in saline soils
Research Type
Departmental Research
Experiment Background
Agroforestry including multi-storeyed cropping systems in India contributes to the targets of increasing forest cover from the present level of 23% of land area to 33%. Agroforestry is practised in both irrigated and rainfed conditions where it produces multiple products like food, fodder, timber, fiber, fertiliser and contribution to food, energy and ecological security for sustain livelihoods, alleviates poverty and promotes productive and resilient crop production system. Currently, government of India is promoting agroforestry systems under Green India mission; however, it needs to develop region and crop specific agroforestry systems with different tree species. In this juncture, Ailanthus is one such fast growing wide adoptable agroforestry tree where it gives multiple products like sports goods, packaging and matches box etc. Also, this species is like to increase plantation areas under the mission. In addition, turmeric is very important spice in Indian food and culinary system even though potential medicinal uses. In addition, the global turmeric market accounted US dollar 64.53 million during 2020 will estimated to be raised at US$ 191.94 million by 2030. Hence, this traditionally grown under partial shade conditions is a good indicator to incorporate under tree shade. But their degree of shade tolerance is little known under this tree. Thus, it makes more profitable, with integration of crops under alley which is a sustainable land resource management. So, it is imperative to find out which varieties would perform better under this agroforestry system.