Effects of integrated nutrient management on performance of bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata L.) and soil fertility under the Grewia optiva Drummond. canopy in a mid-hill agroecosystem of north western Himalayas

Integration of medicinal plants is one of the viable options for crop diversification and economic upliftment under tree fodder-based agroforestry system for mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh, India. Keeping in mind this scenario, the present study was carried out to evaluate the production potential of bhringraj in response to the application of integrated nutrient sources under grewia (Grewia optiva Drummond.) based agroforestry system. A Randomized Complete Block Design experiment (factorial) was employed with C-1: Grewia based agroforestry system and C-2: sole bhringraj cropping system) treated with different integrated nutrient sources viz., T-1: 100% FYM (Farm Yard Manure), T-2: 100% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer), T-3: 100% Vermicompost, T-4: Jeevamrut @ 5%, T-5: 25% RDF + 75% FYM, T-6: 50% RDF + 50% FYM, T-7: 75% RDF + 25% FYM, T-8: 50% RDF + 50% Vermicompost, T-9: 75% RDF + 25% Vermicompost and T-10: Control (No Fertilizer). Marked enhancement in the growth and yield parameters with a maximum dry matter yield of bhringraj (17.23 q ha(-1)) was recorded in intercropping system with application of 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 50% vermicompost (treatment T-8). The maximum level of soil available nitrogen (504.25 kg ha(-1)), phosphorus (70.79 kg ha(-1)) and potassium (275.86 kg ha(-1)) was estimated under treatment T-8. However, maximum net returns (US$ 915.58) and Benefit Cost Ratio (1.45) were realised under grewia based intercropping system coupled with the application of 25% RDF + 75% FYM (T-5). The present study observed that bhringraj performs better in grewia-based agroforestry system (AFS) than under sole cropping system and the application of integrated nutrients have demonstrated efficacy in enhancing yield, economic returns and soil health, however, further investigations are required before large scale adoption.