Performance of annona (Annona squamosa)-based hortipasture system in realtion to legumes intercropping and fertility levels under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was conducted during 2002-05 on sandy loam soil to study the effect of legumes (stylosanthus hamata (L.) Taub and S. scabra (L.) vog. intercropping and fertility levels (P2O5 and K2 O at 0-0, 20-15,40-30 and 60-45 ka/ha) on growth productivity, quality, nutrients uotake economics of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) +annona (Annona squamosa L.)-gased hortipasture system. Intercropping of S. Hamata with buffel grass under annona tress resulted in significantly higher total dry forage (5.95 tonnes/ha) and crude protein yield (503.4 kg/ha) than S. scabra. Dry forage yield (6.07 tonnes/ha) and fruit quality of annona was significantly increased worth application of 40 kg P2O5 +30 kg K2O/ha compared with the control treatment. However crud protein yield (545.3 kg/ha) and fruit yield (7.14kg/tree) was significantly increased up to 60 kg P2O5 + 45kg K2O/ha. Application of phosphorus and potash also had a positive effect on maintance of legumes population when compared to control treatment. This effect was 91-8 and 84-.3% in the treatment where phosphorus and potsah was applied @ 60+45 kg/ha as compared to control treatments (78.3 and 67.2%) during the second and third years, respectively. maximum net returns (25 483/ha and benifit:cost ratio (2.17) were obtained by intercropping of S. hamanta along with application of 60 kg P2O5/ha+45 kg K2O/ha in buffel grass under annona tres.