Assessment of Performance of Bhimal (Grewia optiva) Provenances under Diverse Agroforestry Practices at Low and Mid Hills of Indian Himalaya

Abstract

Bhimal (Grewia optiva) is one of the most important multipurpose agroforestry tree species grown primarily for fodder production. However, information is completely lacking about the role of species provenance in enhancing the overall productivity under agroforestry systems. We assessed the performance of three Bhimal provenances in different practices and locations to identify suitable germplasm and develop suitable agroforestry systems. Therefore, for the present investigation, three Bhimal provenances (I.C. Malas, I.C. Bhaintan, I.C. Chamba) were considered and grown with diverse crops at four locations (lower elevation: Selakui and Sabhawala; middle elevation: Ranigaon and Almas). The results of the provenance trial explained the substantial differences in the productivity potential of three (I.C. Bhaintan, I.C. Chamba, and I.C. Malas) bhimal provenances. Results showed that after ten years (2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015) of planting, the maximum plant height (7.53 m) and collar diameter (14.48 cm) of Bhimal was recorded at Sabhawala site. Results further observed that at middle elevations (Almas and Ranigaon), provenance I.C. Chamba recorded the maximum height and collar diameter growth during the same period. At lower elevations (Sabhawala and Selakui), I.C. Bhaintan recorded the maximum plant height and collar diameter growth after ten years. Results explained that the fodder yield and dry fuelwood yield were recorded higher at lower elevations (Selakui and Sabhawala) compared to middle elevations (Ranigaon and Almas). At middle elevations (Almas and Ranigaon), provenance I.C. Chamba recorded the maximum fodder (3.51 and 2.72 q/ha, respectively) and fuelwood (4.45 and 3.20 q/ha, respectively). At lower elevations (Sabhawala and Selakui), I.C. Bhaintan recorded the maximum fodder (6.32 and 5.95 q/ha, respectively) and fuelwood (7.53 cm and 6.37 q/ha, respectively) yield. Overall, the productivity potential of provenances was observed better at lower elevations than at higher elevations. The I.C. Bhaintan and I.C. Malas at lower elevations, while I.C. Chamba at middle elevations was observed to be the most productive provenance in terms of fodder and fuelwood production. The nutrient contents of soils under agroforestry systems on farmer fields showed improvements in N, P, K, and organic carbon content after ten years. The results concluded that the tree+crop systems were observed to be superior in enhancing the productivity and profitability of the farmland.