Production potential of Withania somnifera under Pinus roxburgii based Agroforestry system

Abstract

The performance of Withania somnifera under Pinus roxburghii (Chir pine) plantation has been studied to assess the growth and yield for its commercial exploitation and conservation. It was grown on three topographical aspects viz Northern, North Western and Western at a spacing of 30 x 30 cm, followed by three tillage depths viz minimum (0 cm), Medium (up to 10 cm) and deep tillage (up to 15 cm). The growth parameters viz. plant height, number of branches per plant and leaf area index were statistically not affected by topographical aspects and tillage practices during harvesting stage in both understorey and open conditions except plant height. Although, the maximum yield was observed in Western aspect in open conditions as compared to understorey of Chirpine but the highest gross returns were observed for the crop cultivated on Western aspect under deep tillage in understorey conditions which indicates its possible viability under Agroforestry System, but on the basis of Net returns Withania somnifera, could not prove its economic viability as the cost of cultivation was higher than the gross returns. Hence if the cost of cultivation can be lessened by any means the system can be suggested which will help utilizing an unutilized part of land and increase total productivity from such lands.