Influence of bund planted neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) on soil bio-chemical properties in semi-arid tropics Honnayya1, Chittapur B.M.2, Doddabasawa3* 1Department of Agronomy, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584 102, Karnataka 2Directorate of Extension, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584 102, Karnataka 3College of Agriculture, Bheemarayanagudi, Yadgir-585 287, Karnataka. *Corresponding author's E-mail: dkpatil2020@gmail.com
Online published on 27 May, 2021. Abstract A study was carried out during 2018–19, to know the influence of bund planted neem with pigeonpea on soil bio-chemical properties in semi-arid tropics of Karnataka, India. The results revealed significant positive improvement in soil bio-chemical properties in neem-based bund planting as compared to control (without trees). Significantly higher soil organic carbon content, available N, P and K (0.46%, 239, 18 and 225 kg ha1, respectively) were recorded on Western direction of North-South planting as compared to other direction, and significantly higher organic carbon, available N, P and K (0.54% 265, 19.4 and 242 kg ha1, respectively) were recorded near tree line which decreased with increase in distance from the tree line. Similarly, significantly higher organic carbon, available N, P and K (0.56% 273, 20.1 and 251 kg ha1, respectively) were recorded on Western direction near tree line. The analysis of microbial population and dehydrogenase activity revealed similar trend and significantly higher population of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes and dehydrogenase activity (85.3 ×106, 56.7 ×103, 36.5 ×102cfu g1 and 30.2 μg TPF g1, respectively) were recorded on Western direction near tree line and were decreased with increase in distance from the tree line. Bund planting improved soil bio-chemical properties when compared with control. Further, positive influence of trees up to an extant of 16 m was noticed. Hence, it is suggested to have bund planting of neem at intervals of 20 m distance in the field. Top Key words Bund planting, Dehydrogenase activity, Distance, Microbial population and organic carbon. Top |