Pepper-Garlic Intercropping System Improves Soil Biology and Nutrient Status in Plastic Tunnel
A
two year (2009-2011) experiment was conducted to investigate effect of
pepper-garlic intercropping system on soil biology and nutrient profile
in plastic tunnel to overcome continuous monocropping obstacles. During
first year’s trial, garlic cloves of four cultivars (G026, G025, and
G087 for the harvest of bulbs) were intercropped between two rows of
pepper seedlings (cv. Golden Pepper) on each bed. Similarly, garlic bulb
(cv G064 for the harvest of green seedlings) was sandwiched between two
rows of pepper seedlings. During 2nd year, the pepper crop was
transplanted on the same beds already having garlic in the field of
previous crop, following the same geometry. Sole pepper was grown as
control. Both crops received uniform fertilization and irrigation as per
requirements of pepper. Results
revealed that concentration of soil bacteria and actinomycetes was
higher respectively after one month of garlic intercropping during both
the years of study as compared to the sole pepper; however,
fungal population exhibited a diminishing trend. Soil protective enzyme
activity (invertase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase) also showed
dynamic changes after the intercropping of garlic. The principal soil
nutrients (NPK) attained higher levels in pepper-garlic co-growth
treatments as compared to the sole pepper The
intercropping with green garlic (cv. G064) resulted highest nutrient
levels suggesting that the effect might be cultivar specific. It was
concluded that the intercropping of pepper with garlic enhances the soil
fertility by changing nutrient levels, enzymatic activity and the soil
microbial population. Overall, the pepper-garlic intercropping
model provides a cost effective and eco-friendly organic farming system
for vegetable growers.
Publisher:
International Journal of Agriculture and Biology
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