Author(s): Vipin Kumar, Dr. Meenu Sood, Vinaykumar Rachappanavar and Sonam Raj

Abstract: Linum usitatissimum, commonly known as Alsi, is a medicinal plant of significant value. The mid Himalayan region is renowned for its stone fruit cultivation, with peach standing as a key stone fruit variety in Himachal Pradesh. Recognizing the potential benefits, many farmers have ventured into integrating medicinal and aromatic plants within their peach orchards. This synergistic approach has gained popularity in various states across India, offering profitable avenues for cultivation. In this study, the utilization of farmyard manure (FYM) at two different rates (2 t/ha and 4 t/ha), vermicompost at two rates (2 t/ha and 4 t/ha), and jeevamrutha (500l/ha) has been explored to minimize resource competition and enhance the performance of Linum usitatissimum within the peach-based agroforestry system. Among the treatments, the combination of NPK fertilizers (120:60:30 kg/ha) in T₆ demonstrated remarkable results. This treatment exhibited the tallest plant height (54.15 cm) at the harvesting stage, the highest number of branches per plant (4.85), and the maximum fresh and dry aerial biomass per plant (11.98 g/plant and 8.22 g/plant, respectively), as well as the highest seed yield (10.16 q/ha). Furthermore, this optimal treatment, T₆, yielded the highest gross return of Rs. 1,01,600 for Linum usitatissimum. It also generated the maximum total net return of Rs. 1,25,026, and the most favorable benefit-cost ratio of 2.13, reflecting its economic viability. In summary, the integration of Linum usitatissimum with peach in an intercropping system, particularly under the T6 treatment, proved highly advantageous, surpassing other treatments in various key parameters.

Pages: 970-975 | Views: 118 | Downloads: 4

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