Impact of combined nutrient inputs on French bean and wheat yields in sustainable poplar based agroforestry systems

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in the year 2017-18 at the Agroforestry Research Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. Nine treatment combinations involving different proportions of recommended NPK fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), vermi-compost (VC), and a microbial inoculant (Pantnagar Nodule Endophyte-PNE 21) were evaluated for French bean and wheat. Results indicated that treatments integrating organic and inorganic nutrient sources significantly improved plant growth parameters, yield attributes, and overall productivity compared to sole nutrient sources or control treatments. In French bean, the highest grain yield (25.50 q ha⁻¹), pod number (37.66), and pod length (13.60 cm) were recorded under treatment T₇ (50% N through RDF + FYM + VC + inoculum), reflecting the benefits of balanced nutrient availability. In wheat, treatment T₈ (50% N through NPK + 25% N through FYM @ 6 t ha⁻¹ + 25% N through VC @ 2 t ha⁻¹) achieved the highest grain yield (37.14 q ha⁻¹), straw yield (65.17 q ha⁻¹), and biological yield (102.31 q ha⁻¹), accompanied by a favorable harvest index (36.29%). These results were attributed to improved soil structure, moisture retention, microbial activity, and enhanced nutrient uptake due to organic amendments, in combination with the readily available nutrients from chemical fertilizers. Overall, the study concludes that integrated nutrient management practices optimize nutrient use efficiency, enhance crop performance, and contribute to sustainable intensification in Poplar-based agroforestry systems. The findings provide practical insights for improving the productivity and profitability of such systems while preserving soil health and ecosystem services.