Performance of multipurpose trees and field crops under different management practices in an agroforestry system

Abstract

Studies were conducted to evaluate crop yield and tree growth as affected by tree species and pruning managements in an agroforestry system. Three multipurpose tree species (Albizia lebbek, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Melia azedarach) and five management practices involving three pruning managements (Root pruned, Shoot pruned and Root + shoot pruned), one unpruned treatment (control) and open field (no tree but crop only) were used. Results indicated that biomass yield (t ha-1) of wheat was significantly superior in M. azedarach plot over other two species. But grain and straw yields (t ha -1) of rice were significantly higher in E. camaldulensis plot compared to other two species. A. lebbek plot produced lower yield for both crops. Crop yield (grain and straw) of wheat was significantly superior in root plus shoot pruned plot than those in other pruning managements. Open field showed better yield performance than chat of root and shoot pruned. Comparative study of three tree species showed that E. camaldidensis attained significantly the highest height and breast diameter grow-th while A. lebbek showed the highest fuel wood and green leaves. The overall results imply that M. azedarach can be compatible with wheat and E. camaldidensis with rice under irrigated conditions if both roots and shoots are pruned periodically and green biomass is incorporated into soils.