Growth performance of multipurpose tree species in degraded land under agroforestry practices.
Rambir Singh, Pal R. S., Banerjee S.
Author Affiliation: Agroforestry Division, Tropical Forest Research Institute P.O.- RFRC, Mandla Road, Jabalpur, India.
Journal of Tropical Forestry 25 : 24-29
Abstract : Field trials were conducted on highly degraded sites on farmers' fields at Neemkheda field and Piparia hill in Jabalpur district of Madhya pradesh to observe the performance of multipurpose, tree species (MPTS) at 2 m × 3 m and 3 m × 3 m spacings under different agroforestry practices. The highest contents of nitrogen (250.88 kg/ha), phosphorus (6.45 kg/ha) and potassium (251.10 kg/ha) were found in the low lands of Neemkheda (3 m × 3 m spacing) as compared to others, but height (68.3 cm) and diameter (1.46 cm) of Tectona grandis at 3 m × 3 m spacing were found to be the minimum. At Pipariya hill site, the maximum height (279.4 cm) and diameter (4.01 cm) of T. grandis were observed in the low lands, but the nutrient status was the least. It may be attributed to the uptake of nutrients by the plants. Dalbergia sissoo performed very well in respect of height (248.2 cm) and diameter (4.35 cm), followed by Tectona grandis, Mangifera indica and Psidium guajava, respectively, but the performance of Albizia procera was not satisfactory at Neemkheda field site. The height and diameter of Dalbergia sissoo, Tectona grandis, Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava and Albizia procera were better at 2 m × 2 m spacing than at 3 m × 3 m spacing at Neemkheda. This may be due to provision of irrigation at regular intervals for the growth of vegetables in the area consisting of 2 m × 2 m spacing.