Effects of biophysical interactions of the alley cropping system on yield and nutrition of forage crops in Saskatchewan

Abstract

Competition between trees and crops in alley cropping systems for soil moisture, light and nutrients, especially N can lead to decreased crop yield. However, there is tree-crop interactions in alley cropping the Canadian prairies are poorly understood. This study examined the effects of light and soil moisture conditions in the alleyways on yield and nutrition of forage crops. The experiment was conducted using a 9-yeald old Manitoba maple alley cropping site with oats inter-planted in the alleys at the experimental site of the Agroforestry Development Centre, Indian Head, SK. Apart from crude protein (CP) and total nitrogen (TN) in the oats plant, dry matter content (DM), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were not affected by distance from the tree row, orientation of oats plots and their interactions. Apparently, soil moisture (SMC) influenced yield and nutrition of oats in the northern orientation since DM, TN and CP were also higher in north facing plots. Producers may integrate trees on farm to diversify production cycles without comprising forage crop production and nutrition because no significant adverse effects were noted within 6m from the tree row.