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<p>Climate-resilient approaches as fruit-based agroforestry is need of the day in global agricultural landscapes facing immense pressure from climate change and soil degradation. Therefore, this study evaluated the sustainability and productivity of pea (<i>Pisum sativum</i> L.) and kidney bean (<i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i> L.) intercropping under apple-based agroforestry systems in wet temperate region of North-western Himalaya. The study consisted of two distinct topographic settings (i.e., valley (T<sub>1</sub>) and mountainous (T<sub>2</sub>) ecosystems) and three canopy positions (C<sub>1</sub>: under canopy, C<sub>2</sub>: periphery, and C<sub>3</sub>: open). The results recorded highest Soil Quality Index, organic carbon levels, and nutrient availability were found under C<sub>1</sub>, interpreting the tree canopy significantly improved soil health. In contrast, crop productivity was mainly determined by the amount of light available. Crop yields exhibited a clear gradient, with C<sub>3</sub> &gt; C<sub>2</sub> &gt; C<sub>1</sub>; pea crops performed notably better in T<sub>2</sub> (8.28&#xa0;t&#xa0;ha<sup>−1</sup>) while kidney bean yields were superior in T<sub>1</sub> (1.92&#xa0;t&#xa0;ha<sup>−1</sup>). Pearson correlation and Principal Component Analysis corroborated a robust positive correlation between relative illumination and yield, suggesting that light availability is principal limiting factor, despite the nutrient-rich conditions under tree canopy. Further, the density of soil microbial populations was greater in valley ecosystem, diminishing with distance from tree base. The results demonstrated that apple-based agroforestry offer a viable method for enhancing both soil fertility and ecological balance. However, the maximization of intercrop efficacy necessitates strategic spatial management; specifically, the utilization of canopy edges and inter-row zones is crucial for balancing the competing demands of nutrient, water uptake and light-dependent productivity.</p>

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Productivity and sustainability of legume intercrops in apple-based agroforestry systems of the north-western Himalayas

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月18日

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  • Alisha Keprate,
  • D. R. Bhardwaj,
  • Prashant Sharma,
  • Subhash Sharma,
  • Rushal Dogra

摘要

Climate-resilient approaches as fruit-based agroforestry is need of the day in global agricultural landscapes facing immense pressure from climate change and soil degradation. Therefore, this study evaluated the sustainability and productivity of pea (Pisum sativum L.) and kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropping under apple-based agroforestry systems in wet temperate region of North-western Himalaya. The study consisted of two distinct topographic settings (i.e., valley (T1) and mountainous (T2) ecosystems) and three canopy positions (C1: under canopy, C2: periphery, and C3: open). The results recorded highest Soil Quality Index, organic carbon levels, and nutrient availability were found under C1, interpreting the tree canopy significantly improved soil health. In contrast, crop productivity was mainly determined by the amount of light available. Crop yields exhibited a clear gradient, with C3 > C2 > C1; pea crops performed notably better in T2 (8.28 t ha−1) while kidney bean yields were superior in T1 (1.92 t ha−1). Pearson correlation and Principal Component Analysis corroborated a robust positive correlation between relative illumination and yield, suggesting that light availability is principal limiting factor, despite the nutrient-rich conditions under tree canopy. Further, the density of soil microbial populations was greater in valley ecosystem, diminishing with distance from tree base. The results demonstrated that apple-based agroforestry offer a viable method for enhancing both soil fertility and ecological balance. However, the maximization of intercrop efficacy necessitates strategic spatial management; specifically, the utilization of canopy edges and inter-row zones is crucial for balancing the competing demands of nutrient, water uptake and light-dependent productivity.