Ideal intercrops in areca-nut plantations
By Our Agriculture Correspondent
Areca-nut offers plenty of scope for raising intercrops such as cocoa, pepper and banana.
PEPPER, BANANA and cocoa are among the promising intercrops in areca nut plantations, according to scientists Ravi Bhat and S. Sujatha of the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) Regional Station at Vittal, Karnataka.
From a high density, multi-species cropping trial involving areca nut, pepper, cocoa and banana as component crops, the CPCRI scientists found that recycling of organic matter from the system could reduce 50 per cent each of nitrogen and potash requirement of the system.
Similarly, a six-year study to quantify the feasibility of economising the fertilizer use in the cropping model involving the same crops revealed that the fertilizer requirement could be brought down to 66 per cent of the recommended dose.
The success of the cropping system depends largely on the proper choice of varieties for low-light intensities, planting geometry, fertilizer management and irrigation management.
Fertilizer recommendations for cropping systems have been so far generally based on the fertilizer schedule of the sole crops to avoid any competition for nutrients.
Irrigation facility
Generally, mixed or multiple cropping systems do not increase the water demand. The transpiration losses may increase in the mixed cropping system while the evaporation and run-off losses are likely to be reduced because of crop cover and presence of residues with increased soil moisture storage and water-use efficiency.
As a rule, the irrigation should be given based on the moisture depletion in case of base crop. The drip irrigation requirement is found to be the same for both component of crops in areca nut and cocoa mixed cropping system, according to the scientists.
The studies showed no serious pest and disease problems due to the intercropping in areca nut plantations. However, infestation of root knot and burrowing nematodes and the phytophthora disease pose problems in high density, multi-species cropping system in areca nut gardens. Banana and pepper are the most affected crops.
Various models
Based on different studies at various agro-climatic regions of areca nut growing belts, scientists have come out with several models, which are biologically suitable and economically feasible. In Maidan parts of Karnataka, areca nut, pepper and cocoa and areca nut banana and acid lime are the best combinations.
In Coastal Karnataka and Kerala, areca nut, pepper, cocoa and banana is the best bet. For north Bengal region, areca nut, pepper and banana or acid lime would be a good option, according to them.
In Wynad district of Kerala and Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, farmers can take up the cultivation of cardamom or a combination of pepper, cocoa and banana in areca nut plantations. In Assam and other places of north-eastern India, areca nut can be successfully intercropped with pepper, banana, citrus and ginger or turmeric.
Plant nature
The compact nature of areca nut crown, raised well above the ground (10 to 15 m) allows more sunlight to penetrate to ground and maintain high humidity, which, in turn favours excellent growth of shade-loving crops.
The choice of component crops mainly depended on their ability to grow under the shade of areca nut palm and to withstand heavy dripping during monsoon.
A large number of annuals, biennials and perennial crops have been tried at CPCRI's Regional Station at Vittal, and suitable types identified, according to scientists.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Sci Tech
