Performance of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and soil characteristics under different agroforestry tree species in Uttarakhand, India

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the growth, yield, quality attributes and soil characteristics under different agroforestry tree species at Agroforestry Research Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar during April 2015 to January 2016. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized block design (RBD) with twelve treatments and three replications. Results indicated that growth parameters were increased under different agroforestry tree species as compared to control, yield of turmeric reduced under different agroforestry tree species as compared to control. However, the quality attributes of turmeric increased under different agroforestry tree species as compared to control. The maximum growth of turmeric was recorded under T4 treatment whereas yield was highest under T1 (control) followed by T11 (Dalbergia sissoo) and T12 (Anthocephalus cadamba). The maximum plant height and LAI were recorded under T4 (Terminalia bellirica) treatment. Soil organic carbon and NPK content were also higher in T4 (Terminalia bellirica) treatment. It is also observed that the yield of turmeric highest under control treatment but it was not significant as compared to other treatments and quality attributes of turmeric and soil characteristics was greatly influenced by different agroforestry tree species.