M. K. SINGH, VIPAN KUMAR, RAJESH KUMAR ARYA, PAWAN KUMAR, KANIKA, RAVISH PANCHTA, SOMVEER NIMBAL, KANNOJ AND SATYENDER SINGH
KVK, Kurukshetra, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India
MAP Section, Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana), India
Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana), India
Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, FASC, SGT University, Gurugram, India
*(e-mail: rakarayogi@gmail.com)
(Received : 15 January 2026; Accepted : 27 March 2026)

SUMMARY

For arid and semi-arid regions of India, Moringa oleifera Lam. is reflected as an important tree of medicinal value for commercial cultivation. It is also known as Shajana and drumstick and related to the Moringaceae family. Since ancient time, its green leaves, tender and fresh flowers, succulent and immature pods are used for vegetable purpose. Present day, demand of Moringa oleifera Lam. and its products is increasing, due to its diverse uses in nutritional and medicinal areas. It has potential to grow on different soils and environmental conditions. All parts of this tree i.e. pods, flowers, leaves, roots and seeds are utilized due to their richness in antioxidants and essential nutritional components such as vitamins, minerals, bio-chemicals etc. In India, green leaves of Moringa oleifera are utilized as green fodder because of its immense potential to produce green biomass under hot environmental conditions to make availability of green fodder round the year with minimal efforts. A lot of genetic diversity is available in Moringa and by using the available genetic variability and employing the conventional and molecular breeding techniques, the process of development of new varieties is continue.

Key words: Moringa, antioxidants, food, fodder, malnutrition, nutrients and medicinal plant

433-440

SEVA NAYAK DHEERAVATHU, USHA T. N., SRAVANTHI G, KETHAVATH MADHUDEEPIKA, THULASI BAI VADITHE, AVINASH S., SRINIVS A., JYOTHI, SAIDA NAIK VADITHE, D. VENKATESHWARLU, M. ANIL NAYAK AND MUKUL KUMAR
ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad-500 030 (Telangana) India
Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Iruvakki, Sagara (Tq), Shivamogga-577 412 (Karnataka), India
Department of Microbiology, Visakha Government Degree College for Women (A), Visakhapatnam-530 020 (Andhra Pradesh), India
ANGRAU-Agricultural Research Station, Jangameswarapuram, Palnadu-522 415 (Andhra Pradesh), India
CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore (Karnataka), India
ICAR–Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi-284 003 (U.P.), India
Department of Plant Physiology & Biochemistry, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bihar) India
*(e-mail: sevanayak2005@gmail.com)
(Received: 22 Februry 2026; Accepted: 26 March 2026)

SUMMARY

Cold stress tolerance in forage crops refers to the ability of grasses and legumes to survive and maintain productivity under low-temperature conditions, including chilling (0-15°C) and freezing (<0°C). This trait is critical in temperate and high-altitude regions where frost events are frequent. Cold-tolerant forage species exhibit adaptive mechanisms such as osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense, membrane stability, and cold acclimation, which reduce cellular damage and sustain growth. These adaptations ensure stable biomass production and continuous feed supply during colder seasons, thereby supporting livestock productivity and farm income. This review summarizes physiological mechanisms, breeding strategies, and biotechnological approaches to enhance cold tolerance and forage yield.

Key words: Alfalfa, cold tolerant, forage crops, freezing stress, physiology

441-447

R. S. DHILLON, S. K. DHANDA AND SATPAL
Krishi Vigayan Kender, Bhiwani, Directorate of Extension Education,
Department of G &PB (Forage Section)
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: rsdhillon67@gmail.com)
(Received : 9 March 2026; Accepted : 30 March 2026)

SUMMARY

The livestock sector constitutes the socio-economic backbone of the Indian agrarian landscape, supporting the livelihoods of over 70 million farm families. However, this critical sector faces an existential threat from a chronic forage deficit – currently estimated at 35.6% for green fodder and 10.95% for dry residues –now compounded by the escalating volatility of climate change. This review synthesizes the transformative potential of agroforestry as a multifaceted land-use strategy designed to bridge the forage demand-supply gap while bolstering the climate-adaptive capacity of livestock systems. By integrating woody perennials into crop and pasture lands, agroforestry functions as a “green shield,” providing essential ecosystem services: moderating microclimatic extremes, sequestering atmospheric carbon, and enhancing soil nutrient cycling. Empirical evidence from diverse agro-climatic zones, particularly the semi-arid regions of India, underscores that silvopastoral and hortipastoral models significantly expand carrying capacities and provide nutrient-dense fodder during critical lean periods. The strategic incorporation of multipurpose trees, including Prosopis cineraria, Ailanthus excelsa, Moringa oleifera, and Grewia optiva, offers a biological intervention to mitigate heat stress, thereby optimizing milk yields and weight gain in dairy animals. Despite its documented efficacy, widespread adoption is stalled by systemic hurdles, including restrictive regulatory frameworks, a scarcity of high-quality germplasm, and socio-economic constraints. This article concludes by advocating for a paradigm shift toward integrated tree-livestock landscapes, supported by robust policy interventions and decentralized nursery networks, to ensure long-term national fodder and nutritional security.

Key words: Climate resilient, agroforestry, fodder, livestock, climate change, mitigation

448-453

LAGANDEEP KAUR, RAHUL KAPOOR, HARPREET KAUR OBEROI, SIMRAN SINGH AND PRITI SHARMA
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004 (Punjab), India School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004 (Punjab), India
*(e-mail: harpreetoberoi@pau.edu)
(Received : 11 Februry 2026; Accepted : 30 March 2026)

SUMMARY

Oats (Avena sativa L.), being important rabi season and self-pollinating cereal crop, ranked sixth in the world cereal production after wheat, maize, rice, barley and sorghum belonging to the family graminae and hexaploid in nature used worldwide as multipurpose grain, pasture and forage crop. In every aspect, it has an excellent percentage of nutritional components, i.e. starch, rich in proteins and dietary fibres mainly â-glucan content, phytochemicals, trace minerals i.e. calcium and iron and vitamins which makes an oat being a superior choice for consumption by humans as well as animals. Moreover, it is highly succulent and palatable crop. The current issue faced by the oats is changing climatic behavior that is resulting into biotic and abiotic stresses. A wide range of desirable QTLs are degenerating due to the negative impact of climate. This review majorly highlight the biotic stresses and breeding strategies in order to inculcate the resilient traits of interest from wild relatives of oats into cultivated ones. Oats breeding lags behind the other major cereals because of its hexaploid nature and modern breeding technologies mainly Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS), Genome Wide Association Studies for stress tolerance (GWAS), Genome Editing Strategies such as CRISPR-Cas 9 have very vast scope in oats breeding and should be used to enhance the oats value and productivity like all other cereal crops.

Key words: Oats, biotic stresses, crop wild relative, molecular markers, CRISPR/Cas9

454-465

PUMMY KUMARI, DIBYENDU SETH, SATPAL, SACHIN YADAV, NEERAJ KHAROR, G. S. DAHIYA, D. S. PHOGAT AND DALWINDER PAL SINGH
ICAR-AICRP on Sorghum & Small Millets, Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: pummy.hau@gmail.com)
(Received: 7 March 2026; Accepted: 21 March 2026)

SUMMARY

The current article focuses on investigating the feasibility of producing silage from forage sorghum, emphasizing its potential as an affordable and superior substitute for conventional choices like corn. Sorghum’s adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions, especially its exceptional drought tolerance and low water requirement, makes it an ideal candidate crop for regions with water scarcity. Additionally, its cost effectiveness and ability to produce high biomass on marginal lands further strengthen its role as a sustainable option for silage production. This article provides an overview of the techniques involved in producing quality sorghum silage including advantages of sorghum silage over other sources. It reviews key cultivation practices and the importance of harvesting sorghum at the right stage of crop growth to maximize digestibility and nutritional quality. A step-by- step guide for the ensiling process has been discussed, elaborating best practices for chopping, compacting and fermenting the crop to ensure quality silage with minimal nutrient loss. This review highlights and compares sorghum silage to that obtained from alternatives, demonstrating its ability to support healthy livestock growth. Through the focused discussion, the article aims to equip agricultural professionals and farmers with practical insights and strategies to improve livestock nutrition, reducing production costs, promoting sustainable farming practices and enhancing farm profitability through efficient use of sorghum as silage.

Key words: Sorghum, Silage, Ensiling, Nutrients and Livestock health

466-477

G. DHARANI, S. HEMALATHA, V. CHANDIKA AND M. RAGHAVENDRA
Department of Agronomy, ANGRAU- S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati-517 502 (Andhra Pradesh), India Department of Soil Science, ANGRAU-S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati-517 502 (Andhra Pradesh), India
*(e-mail: dgaddalapati@gmail.com)
(Received: 29 January 2026; Accepted: 29 March 2026)

SUMMARY

Fodder cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is an important leguminous forage crop valued for its rapid growth, high biomass production and superior nutritive quality, particularly under dryland and semi-arid conditions. Among plant nutrients, phosphorus plays a critical role in enhancing growth, yield, and quality parameters through its involvement in energy transfer, root development, nodulation, and metabolic activities. A comprehensive review of research findings across different agro-ecological regions reveals that increasing phosphorus application significantly improves growth attributes such as plant height, number of branches and leaves, leaf area index, leaf-to-stem ratio and dry matter production. Optimum phosphorus levels ranging from 60 to 80 kg P₂O₅/ha consistently recorded superior green and dry fodder yields across seasons and soil types, with higher doses showing marginal or at-par responses. Phosphorus application also influenced phenological stages, often reducing days to flowering and maturity. Quality parameters including crude protein content, crude fibre content, and ash content were significantly enhanced with adequate phosphorus nutrition. Overall, the reviewed studies indicate that balanced phosphorus fertilization is essential for maximizing productivity and improving fodder quality of cowpea, thereby contributing to sustainable fodder production and soil fertility management.

Key words: Cowpea, fodder yield, crude protein, sustainable fodder production and soil fertility management

478-481

ANJU, RAVISH PANCHTA, SATYAWAN ARYA, NEERAJ KHAROR, DALVINDER PAL SINGH AND OMENDER SANGWAN
M.Sc. Student, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: rpanchta@gmail.com)
(Received: 12 December 2025; Accepted: 10 March 2026)

SUMMARY

The present investigation was conducted at the Forage Research Area, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the kharif season of 2024. Data was collected on 12 quantitative traits to perform PCV, GCV, heritability, genetic advance as per cent of mean, correlation and path analysis using 35 elite fodder maize genotypes. High value of PCV was observed for leaf weight/plant and moderate GCV were observed for leaf weight/plant, stem weight/plant, leaf: stem, number of leaves/plant, dry matter yield/ plot. High broad sense heritability was observed for leaf weight/plant, stem weight/plant, days to 50% flowering, leaf: stem, green fodder yield/plot, leaf breadth. High GAM was observed for leaf weight/plant, stem weight/plant, leaf: stem. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for leaf weight/plant, stem weight/plant, leaf: stem. Green fodder yield/plot was significant and positively associated with plant height, leaf weight/plant, stem weight/plant, leaf: stem, leaf length, leaf breadth, number of leaves/plant, dry matter yield/plot. Path coefficient analysis indicated the positive direct effect of plant height, leaf weight/plant, days to 50% flowering, leaf length, leaf breadth, internode length, number of leaves/plant, dry matter yield/plot on green fodder yield/plot.

Key words: Fodder maize, correlation, path analysis, green fodder yield and quantitative traits

482-486

MEGHANA SINGH RAJOTIA*, S. K. PAHUJA, DEV VART, ANUSHKA JAT AND SUNIL DEVI
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding
College of Agriculture, CCS HAU, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: meghanarajotia@hau.ac.in)
(Received: 25 February 2026; Accepted: 22 March 2026)

SUMMARY

The present investigation was undertaken to develop an efficient multi-trait selection index for identifying superior pearl millet genotypes combining high grain yield, enhanced seed vigour and improved flour shelf life through reduced rancidity progression. Sixty diverse pearl millet genotypes were evaluated under field conditions for grain yield, vigour index-II, comprehensive acid value difference (CAV diff) and comprehensive peroxide value difference (CPV diff). Rancidity- related traits were measured as the change between initial and stored values (1st to 10th day), reflecting deterioration during storage. Standardization of traits was performed using Z-score transformation and rancidity-related traits were direction-adjusted during index construction so that lower rancidity progression contributed positively towards overall index value. A weighted selection index was developed assigning greater weight to grain yield followed by vigour index-II, while equal weights were assigned to rancidity-related traits. Selection index values ranged from -1.42 to 2.02, indicating substantial variability among genotypes. HMS 57B recorded the highest index value followed by ICMB 92777 and HMS 47B. Spearman’s rank correlation between grain yield and selection index was high (rs = 0.80), indicating strong association while also revealing meaningful genotype re-ranking. Genotypes with lower CAV and CPV differences exhibited improved storage stability, confirming that reduced biochemical changes over time are reliable indicators of extended flour shelf life. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-trait selection in identifying pearl millet genotypes with balanced performance for productivity, seed quality and post-harvest storage stability.

Key words: Pearl millet, selection index, grain yield, seed vigour, rancidity, shelf life

487-491

AJAY, NEELAM AND SATPAL
Department of Agronomy,
Department of G&PB (Forage Section) CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: berkesia.neelam@gmail.com)
(Received : 21 February 2026; Accepted : 21 March 2026)

SUMMARY

The present investigation entitled ”Effect of foliar application of nano DAP on the performance of forage sorghum under summer season” was conducted at the Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2024. The soil of experimental field was sandy loam in texture, low in available N (126.5 kg/ha) and medium in P (13.5 kg/ha) & K (248.8 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with seventeen treatments i.e. T₁: Control (No RDF), T₂: RDF (75 kg N + 30 kg P₂O₅ 30 kg K‚ O/ha), T₃: 75% N and P + foliar spray of nano DAP at 30 DAS, T₄: 75% N and P + foliar spray of nano DAP at 45 DAS, T₅: 75% N and P + two foliar spray of nano DAP at 30 and 45 DAS, T₆: 50% N and P + foliar spray of nano DAP at 30 DAS, T₇: 50% N and P + foliar spray of nano DAP at 45 DAS, T₈: 50% N and P + two foliar spray of nano DAP at 30 and 45 DAS, T₉: 75% N and P + foliar spray of conventional DAP at 30 DAS, T₁₀: 75% N and P + foliar spray of conventional DAP at 45 DAS, T₁₁: 75% N and P + two foliar spray of conventional DAP at 30 and 45 DAS, T₁₂: 50% N and P + foliar spray of conventional DAP at 30 DAS, T₁₃: 50% N and P + foliar spray of conventional DAP at 45 DAS, T₁₄: 50% N and P + two foliar spray of conventional DAP at 30 and 45 DAS, T₁₅: RDF + foliar spray of water at 30 DAS, T₁₆: RDF + foliar spray of water at 45 DAS and T₁₇: RDF + two foliar spray of water at 30 and 45 DAS and replicated thrice. The crop was sown on 20th March, 2024 and harvested at 80 DAS. The variety of forage sorghum was CSV – 41. Among the different treatments, T₁₇ recorded significantly higher growth parameters i.e. plant height (204.32 cm), number of leaves/plant (13.0), dry matter accumulation/plant (131.47 g) and LAI (6.85). This treatment also recorded highest green fodder (431.2 q/ha) & dry fodder yield (112.0 q/ha) and was statistically at par with the treatments T₅, T₁₆, T₁₅ and T₂. The highest crude protein content (9.19%), N (1.47%), P (0.202%) and nutrient uptake of N (163.9 kg/ha), P (22.5 kg/ha) were estimated with 75% N & P combined with two foliar sprays of nano DAP @ 4 ml/ L at 30 and 45 DAS (T₅). The highest gross (Rs. 86240/ha) and net returns (Rs. 48080/ha) were computed with T17. The highest B:C obtained with T₂ (2.28) which was followed by T₁₅, T₁₆ (2.27), T₁₇ (2.26) and T₅ (2.04).

Key words: Sorghum, nano DAP, green fodder yield, dry fodder yield and B:C

492-496

SACHIN KUMAR, NAVEEN KUMAR, SATPAL, MUSKAN YADAV, POOJA AND POOJA
Department of Agronomy, Department of G&PB (Forage Section)
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: sachinrao2718@gmail.com)
(Received: 11 Februry; Accepted: 16 March 2026)

SUMMARY

A field experiment was conducted at Forage Section Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during kharif 2022 on single-cut forage sorghum grown as rainfed crop to assess the impact of nano urea on fodder productivity, nutritional content, economics along with soil health. The experiment consisting of eleven treatments i.e., T₁: Control (No RDN); T₂: 100% RDN by urea fertilizer (75kg); T₃: 100% RDN (100% through nano-urea in three sprays at 15, 30 and 45 DAS); T₄: 100% RDN (50% as basal by urea fertilizer + 50% through nano-urea in one spray at 30 DAS); T₅: 100% RDN (50% as basal by urea fertilizer + 50% through nano-urea in two sprays at 30 and 45 DAS); T₆: 75% RDN (Through nano-urea in three sprays at 15, 30 and 45 DAS); T₇: 75% RDN (50% as basal by urea fertilizer + 50% through nano-urea in one spray at 30 DAS); T₈: 75% RDN (50% as basal by urea fertilizer + 50% through nano-urea in two sprays at 30 and 45 DAS); T₉: 50% RDN (Through nano-urea in three sprays at 15, 30 and 45 DAS); T₁₀: 50% RDN (50% as basal by urea fertilizer + 50% through nano-urea in one spray at 30 DAS); T₁₁: 50% RDN (50% as basal by urea fertilizer + 50% through nano-urea in two sprays at 30 and 45 DAS) were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. The results of pre soil analysis revealed that the experimental field was low in organic carbon (0.45) and available nitrogen (142.8 kg/ha), medium for available phosphorus (12 kg/ ha) and higher in potassium content (254.6 kg/ha). Furthermore, the lowest HCN content of fodder sorghum was recorded with 50% RDN (Through nano-urea in three sprays at 15, 30 and 45 DAS), while the highest crude protein, N, P and K content in sorghum were observed with application of 100% RDN by urea fertilizer (75 kg). Available soil nutrients were found highest with application of 100% RDN by urea fertilizer having highest available nitrogen (145.60 kg/ha), phosphorus (12.88 kg/ ha) and potassium (253.60 kg/ha) content. The cost of cultivation was found lowest with control whereas, maximum gross returns (Rs. 81,292/ha), net returns (Rs. 41,167/ha) and B:C (2.03) were found with 100% RDN by urea fertilizer.

Key words: Sorghum, single-cut, fodder, nano urea, productivity, crude protein

497-504

GOKUL, G. S.* AND SHARU, S. R.
Department of Agronomy
Kerala Agricultural University, College of Agriculture Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), India
*(e-mail: gsgokulgs1@gmail.com)
(Received: 4 March 2026; Accepted: 30 March 2026)

SUMMARY

The present investigation entitled “Effect of Foliar Nutrient supplementation and Nutrient Levels on Growth and Yield of Multicut Fodder Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)” was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from January to July 2025 to study the influence of foliar nutrient supplementation and nutrient levels on growth and yield attributes of multicut fodder sorghum. The field experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with (3 x 3) + 1 treatment, replicated thrice. The treatment combinations included three levels of source of nutrients (S) (s₁ – DAP, s₂ – KNO₃, s₃ – 19:19:19) and three different nutrient levels (N) (n₁ – 50% RDN, n₂ – 75% RDN, n₃ – 100% RDN), compared against the control treatment (KAU POP 2024). The variety used for the study was CSH 24MF, released from GB Pant university of Agriculture and Technology. The results revealed that the treatment with DAP as foliar nutrient source along with 75% RDN proved its superiority by registering higher growth and yield attributes such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index, leaf: stem ratio, total green and dry fodder yield.

Key words: Multicut sorghum, foliar nutrient supplementation, recommended dose of nutrients and fodder yield

505-508

MAMTA, SARITA RANI, ANIL KUMAR, MANISHA, ANURAG AND RAM NIWAS
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kurukshetra-136118, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana), India Department of Agricultural Meteorology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004 (Haryana), India Department of Entomology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: sarita.hau6@gmail.com)
(Received : 1 March 2026; Accepted : 31 March 2026)

SUMMARY

The DSSAT (Decision Support Systems for Agrotechnology Transfer) crop growth model, specifically the CERES-Wheat model (v4.7.5), was used to simulate impacts of weather parameters on crop growth and yield. The study was conducted during Rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 on Wheat crop at research farm, Department of Agricultural Meteorology, CCSHAU, Hisar. The main objective of this study was to evaluate wheat phenological stages and yield. The model was calibrated by using 2017-18 data and tunned their genetic coefficient and further validated with consecutive year 2018-19 data. Field experiment were layed out under three sowing dates viz. 1st week of November (D1), 3rd week of November (D2) and 1st week of December (D3) of four varieties WH-1105 (V1), HD- 3086 (V2), HD-2967 (V3) and WH-1080 (V4) and tested on split plot design with three replications. The crop grain yield, biological yield, Harvest Index (HI), Leaf Area Index (LAI), days of anthesis and physiological maturity had been used for calibration and validation purpose. To evaluate CERES- Wheat model performance, different statistical metrics were used viz., Mean, Standerd Deviation (SD), Correlation (r), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Bias Error (MBE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Percent Error (PE) and Index of Agreement (D). RMSE for the days of anthesis, days of physiological maturity, LAI, grain yield, biological yield and HI shown 9.44, 5.57, 0.32, 709.89, 1328.09 and 0.05, respectively. Index of agreement (D) for the days of anthesis, days of physiological maturity, LAI, grain yield, biological yield and HI shows 0.998, 0.999, 0.996, 0.996, 0.998 and 0.996, respectively. The results obtained from the DSSAT model may be helpful to simulate the effect of climate change on wheat crop. The model has capability for optimum wheat crop management, phenology prediction and future yield estimation. The model may also be used to improve and evaluate the current practices of wheat growth management to enhance wheat production.

Key words: Wheat, DSSAT, validation, calibration, genetic coffiecent and straw yield

509-517

K. S. AHLAWAT, K. K. BHARDWAJ, HANSRAJ, ANITA KUMARI, DALIP KUMAR BISHNOI, CHHAVI SIROHI, ANIL KUMAR AND SATPAL
Department of Forestry, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Department of Soil Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Department of Agricultural Economics, Hisar-125 004, India
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Damla, Yamunanagar
Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding (Forage Section), Hisar-125 004, India
*(e-mail: ahlawat19799@gmail.com)
(Received: 7 March 2026; Accepted: 31 March 2026)

SUMMARY

A field experiment was conducted to assess the performance of Rabi crops under a willow (Salix alba) based agroforestry system. Clonal willow seedlings were planted in February 2018 at a spacing of 3×3 m. During Rabi 2020-21, wheat (HD-2967) and barley (BH-393) were grown as intercrops. Tree growth parameters recorded after crop harvest showed substantial increases, with height rising from 5.4 to 6.7 m, DBH from 6.9 to 9.9 cm and basal diameter from 10.1 to 12.9 cm. Wheat grown under willow exhibited significantly reduced plant height and physiological parameters (photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance) compared to open conditions. Consequently, wheat grain yield of wheat declined from 4.97 to 2.40 t ha-1 (51.71% reduction), while barley yield decreased from 4.18 to 2.41 t ha-1 under the willow based agroforestry system (AFS). Yield attributes such as number of effective tillers, spike length, grains per spike and test weight were significantly lower in AFS compared to the sole cropping system. The benefit-cost ratio was also reduced under willow based AFS compared with the open condition. The study indicates that reduced light availability under willow significantly constrains the growth, physiology and productivity of intercrops.

Key words: Salix alba, light interception, physiological parameters, wheat yield and barley yield

518-525

P. BHASKER, P. K. GUPTA, S. S. BORADE, C. TIWARI AND G. SURESH
Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation, Regional Research Station, Nashik-422003 (Maharashtra), India
National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation, Regional Research Station, Karnal-132 001 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: bhaskarhau@gmail.com)
(Received: 24 December 2025; Accepted: 12 March 2026)

SUMMARY

Finding a sustainable crop nutrient management system is vital to restoring sustainable soil health without compromising yield potential from existing fertilizer resources while excessive chemical fertilizers application hazards to soil environment. In the light of this background, the present study assess the advantages of using organic manures apply to the soil as a sustainable way to replace the chemical fertilizers quantity while maintaining growth and development of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). Two years field studies were conducted as part of all India coordinated research project on vegetable crop during kharif season on variety Kashi Kanchan. Nine treatments were used in the experiment replicated three times and arranged in randomised block design. The outcome of the two years experimental data impart that the application of poultry manure at 2.5 t/ha along with 50% recommended dose of NPK through chemical fertilizers proved superior in growth parameters plant highest plant height (69.43 cm) and branches (7.05/ plant). The yield contributing factors, number of pods per plant, green pod length, green pod girth and green pod yield (175.35 q/ ha) were recorded significantly higher in the same treatment, the results were found that growth and yield parameters exhibited at par with application of neem cake at 2.5 q/ha along with 50% recommended dose of NPK through chemical fertilizers. The highest gross returns, net returns and benefit cost ratio (2.0) were also recorded in poultry manure at 2.5 t/ha along with half recommended dose of NPK through chemical fertilizers. Based on two years results concluded that an integrated nutrient management program using alternative application of both organic and chemical fertilizers recommended for achieving higher economical returns of cowpea and environmentally safe.

Key words: Neem cake, organic fertilizer, poultry manure, soil fertility, vermicompost

526-530

K. S. AHLAWAT, S. K. DHANDA, K. K. BHARDWAJ, DILIP KUMAR BISHNOI, HANSRAJ, CHHAVI SIROHI, ANIL KUMAR AND SATPAL
Department of Forestry, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Department of Soil Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Department of Agricultural Economics, Hisar-125 004, India
Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Damla, Yamunanagar
Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding (Forage Section), Hisar-125 004, India
*(e-mail: ahlawat19799@gmail.com)
(Received: 9 March 2026; Accepted: 31 March 2026)

SUMMARY

Agroforestry systems offer a sustainable approach to enhancing land productivity by integrating trees with agricultural crops. A field experiment was conducted during 2019-2020 at the Forestry Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to evaluate the growth of eucalypts and guava and their effects on wheat performance under different agroforestry systems. Eucalypts seedlings (clone P-23) and guava plants (var. Hisar Safeda) were transplanted at 7 m × 4 m spacing in a randomized block design. Wheat variety HD-2967 was sown during the first fortnight of November 2019 under Agri-Horti and Agri-Silvi-Horti systems. Tree growth parameters were recorded at the time of wheat sowing and after harvest of the crop. Eucalypts attained an average height of 7.43 m, basal diameter of 11.34 cm and DBH of 10.96 cm at the time of wheat harvest. Guava showed slightly higher height under agri-horti system (1.10 m) compared to agri-silvi-horti system (1.05 m). Wheat plant height and yield attributes were comparatively higher in the sole crop than in agroforestry systems. Maximum grain yield (5.05 t/ha) was recorded under sole wheat, while among agroforestry systems the highest grain yield (4.81 t/ha) was recorded in the guava-based agri-horti system. The results indicated that wheat can be effectively cultivated under tree-based systems with moderate yield reductions, while providing additional economic and ecological benefits through tree components.

Key words: Agroforestry, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Psidium guajava, wheat and Agri-Horti system

531-537