Performance of wheat as intercrop under poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.) plantations in Punjab (India)

In an agrisilvicultural system having poplar (Populus deltoides, clone G-3) as a tree component and wheat crop as an intercrop, wheat yield was studied under five age classes of poplar and compared to wheat yield under pure cropping. A substantial reduction in wheat yield (23.3%) under three-year-old poplar plantation was observed. Maximum MAI (GBH, 20 cm) was recorded in a three-year-old poplar planting. Pruning after the third year permitted some recovery in yield. The reduction in wheat yield was significantly correlated with MAI (GBH) of poplar and occurred even under one-and-two-year-old poplar plantings.     

Nutrition and growth of wheat–sorghum rotation in soils amended with leaf litter of trees before planting of wheat

Nutrient release from plant residues can be manipulated as per crop demand through several approaches. A pot study was conducted to study the influence of incorporation of leaf litter of poplar (Populus deltoides), eucalypt (Eucalyptus hybrid) and dek (Melia azedarach) inoculated with cellulolytic fungus culture (Aspergillus awamori) on the nutrition and biomass of wheat (Triticum aestivum, cv. PBW 343) in loamy sand and sandy loam soils. The residual effect of leaf litter after wheat harvest was studied on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, cv. Punjab Sudax Chari 1). The treatments consisted of a control (no leaf litter) and three uninoculated as well as inoculated leaf litter levels of tree species–0.15%, 0.30% and 0.45% (w/w, dry weight basis). A uniform dose of N, P and K @ 50, 11 and 10 mg kg⁻¹ soil, respectively from inorganic fertilizers was applied to all the treated pots. Straw and grain yield, and nutrient content of wheat increased with increasing level of uninoculated or inoculated leaf litter in both the soils. The inoculated leaf litter augmented the yield and nutrient content of crop significantly (P < 0.05) as compared to the corresponding uninoculated treatments. Poplar and dek leaf litter produced higher wheat yield, plant nutrient content and available nutrients in soil after wheat harvest than eucalypt leaf litter. Dry matter yield of sorghum raised on residual fertility increased significantly with increasing levels of leaf litter application. The comparative responses in yield and nutrient content of crops were higher in loamy sand than in the sandy loam soil. The study shows the beneficial influence of use of cellulolytic microorganisms on enhancement in decomposition and nutrient release from litterfall of tree species.     

Performance of wheat varieties under poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.) plantations in Punjab (India)

Three varieties of wheat, viz., PBW-222, HD-2329 and PBW-34, were studied for grain yield potential under six-year-old poplar plantations. The order of yield reduction found was: PBW-34 (57.1%)>PBW-222 (19.4%)>HD-2329 (15.3%). The reduction in wheat yield was found to be significant under poplar plantations as compared to crops grown in open condition. Research needs to maintain the increased wheat production by evolving suitable ideotypes for an agrisilviculture system have been suggested.     

Wheat cultivation in association with Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd ex. Del. field bund plantation — a case study

The paper presents the results of a case study conducted to find out the influence of single row bund plantation of Acacia nilotica var. juquemontii on the growth and yield of associated wheat crop under irrigated conditions in Haryana, India. The indications are that the tree line does affect all crop parameters like height growth, shoot numbers, ear length, grain number and grain yield in the vicinity of trees upto 4 m distance from the tree line and establishes that as the distance from the tree line increases the growth and yield of wheat crop also improves. The effect on wheat crop was found more pronounced in the plots laid out towards the middle of the tree line as compared to plots towards the outer border.     

民勤绿洲防护林带作用下作物生长分析

本试验对比研究了小麦和玉米在枣树和杨树 2种农田防护林带作用下的生长状况和产量。结果表明 :枣树林带下的作物生长状况明显优于杨树林带。枣树林带下小麦的干物质积累速度高于杨树林带 51 4% ,致使生物产量相对杨树林带高 38 4%。不同种植方式小麦、玉米的粮食产量增加 4 2 %～ 13 0 %。增产的原因之一是枣树林带下作物不同生育期农田土壤含水率均高于杨树林带。可见枣树林带的胁地作用弱于杨树林带。推广枣树防护林 ,实现枣粮间作 ,是提高民勤绿洲农业产量的重要措施     

Yield components and phenology of durum wheat in a Mediterranean alley-cropping system

It is often claimed that agroforestry could increase the total productivity per land unit compared to monocropping systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a sub-humid Mediterranean climate, the behavior of the yield components, phenology, LAI and NDVI of durum wheat in an alley-cropping system. Our hypothesis was that the microclimate changes in agroforestry could change the devlelopment and yield of cereals. Two different experiments were carried out: in 2015 under 16-year old poplars in East–West lines and in 2016 under 21-year-old ash trees in North–South lines. In each experiment, 12 genotypes of durum wheat were sown. The grain yield was not significantly different in agroforestry and full sun conditions in 2015; however, both systems in this experiment had a particularly low yield (≈ 10% of the historical average yield of the plot). In 2016, the grain yield was significantly lower in agroforestry in comparison with full sun conditions. In both experiments, the most impacted yield component by agroforestry was the number of grains per spike. Similarly, in both experiments, the number of grains per spike was the only yield component impacted by the position within the alley inside agroforestry. Surprisingly, in 2016 the grain yield was higher in the West than in the center position of the alley. In both experiments, agroforestry delayed the maturity of the crop. The use of standard growing degree days was not sufficient to explain the difference in phenology between agroforestry and full sun conditions.     

杨粮间作系统农作物产量研究

为寻找协调农作物与林木间作模式 ,通过 6a研究说明 ,在杨粮间作系统中 ,农作物产量与间作年限的关系呈抛物线形状 ,达到最高产量的年限与林木的行距有关。在一定范围内 ,行距越大 ,产量达到最高的年限就越推后。研究还说明 ,合理的间作年限和合理的间作行距 ,可以有效地提高作物的产量 ,如行距 18m时 ,作物总产量在间作的第 3～ 6年间 ,比对照提高8 0 % ;而行距 30m时 ,间作的第 3～ 9年间 ,小麦产量平均每年比对照提高 2 2 6 %。作物产量在间作行间分布的共同特征是中间高、两端低 ,这反映了林木除对农作物有保护作用外 ,“胁地”现象是普遍存在的。所以 ,当“胁地”作用明显时 ,对林木进行间伐 ,可以提高作物产量。建议杨粮间作在杨树成林时 (10～ 15a) ,树木行距保持在 4 0～ 6 0m     

Reclaiming sodic soils for wheat production by Prosopis juliflora (Swartz) DC afforestation in India

A green house pot trial was conducted to assess the impact of Prosopis afforestation on the productivity and fertility of degraded sodic soils in Haryana, India. Wheat (Triticum aestivum, L; cultivar HD 2329) plants were grown from seed on top soils collected from a chronosequence of 0, 5, 7, and 30-year-old Prosopis juliflora plantations established on highly sodic soils and a non-sodic reference soil collected from a local farm. The afforestation improved physical and chemical properties of surface soils by decreasing pH, electrical conductivity and exchangeable Na levels, and increasing infiltration capacity, organic C, total N, available P, and exchangeable Ca, Mg, and, K levels. The amelioration effect of the trees on top soil increased with duration of tree occupancy. Soil nutrient status under the 30-year-old plantation was higher than that of the non-sodic farm soil. The reduced soil sodicity and improved fertility contributed to higher germination, survival, growth, and grain yield of wheat plants grown on the Prosopis chronosequence soils, even surpassing the yield attained on the farm soil in the case of 30-year-old plantation soil. Sodium accumulation in the crop declined while N, P, K, Ca, and Mg uptake increased with soil plantation age reflecting the changing nutrient status of the rooting zone due to afforestation. Results confirmed that successful tree plantation may restore the productivity and fertility of highly degraded sodic soils.     

Light distribution,photosynthetic rate and yield in a Paulownia-wheat intercropping system in China

Measurements of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), leaf photosynthesis, canopy leaf area index (LAI) and crop yield were carried from flowering to maturity to study the effects of tree shading on crop yield in a Paulownia-wheat intercropping system in China. We found that the tree shading reduced the amount of incoming PAR within the intercropping system by 22%, 44% and 56% during flowering, grain-filling and maturing, respectively. The amount of PAR intercepted by the wheat crop inside the intercropping system was 34%, 55% and 68% less than the crop outside the intercropping system during flowering, grain-filling and maturing. Estimates of PAR-saturated leaf photosynthetic rate were not affected by tree shading, and the differences between the wheat yield inside the intercropping system and outside the intercropping system can be explained by the difference in the amount of PAR intercepted. Total grain numbers and grain dry weight per 1000 grains were linearly correlated with the amount of PAR intercepted during 7 days prior to anthesis and during anthesis and grain-filling, respectively. As compared with the wheat crop outside the intercropping system, grain numbers and grain dry weight were reduced by 36% and 25%, respectively. As a result wheat yield inside the intercropping system was 51% lower than that outside the intercropping system. Our results suggest a much higher reduction in crop yield and much smaller economic gain of the Paulownia-wheat intercropping system than previous studies on the similar Paulownia-wheat intercropping systems in China.     

湖南常德不同杨树品种造林生长调查

调查近2～4年常德引种的16个杨树品种造林生长和抗逆性情况，以及不同立地条件、培管措施等因素对杨树品种生长的影响，从中筛选出适应当地发展的杨树品种，并对杨树造林提出建议。     

Agroforestry for soil and water conservation in the western Himalayan Valley Region of India 2. Crop and tree production

A ten-year-study (1983 to 1992) conducted on nine 15 × 90 m runoff plots at 4% slope compared production efficiency of Leucaena leucocephala and Eucalyptus hybrid based agroforestry as well as monocropping landuse systems in the warm, subhumid climate of the western Himalayan region of India. Treatments for the first sequence were: monocropping systems of leucaena, eucalyptus, Chrysopogon fulvus grass and maize – wheat rotation, and alley cropping systems of grass and crops at 4.5 and 10.5 m alley widths with paired contour tree rows of leucaena and eucalyptus. In the second sequence, alley width increased to 22.5 m in 1989, grass was replaced by turmeric Curcuma longa and paired contour rows of leucaena hedges were introduced in monocropping systems of grain crops and turmeric. Integration of leucaena and eucalyptus trees with crops caused severe reduction of crop yields ranging from 21 to 92% for wheat grain, 59 to 69% for maize grain, 60 to 67% for dry grass and about 50% for turmeric rhizome depending upon the age of trees and alley width. The grain yield of crops stabilized at about 50% reduction with 22.5 m alley width. Total crop biomass (grain + straw) also revealed a similar trend; however, its magnitude of reduction was less severe than for grain. Production of biomass was much lower near the tree rows than in mid alleys. Managing leucaena as contour hedgerows eliminated crop yield reduction in alleys. Performance of grass and turmeric in alleys was not found to be satisfactory. Biomass produced from trees adequately compensated the crop yield reduction. Land equivalent ratios of agroforestry landuses were comparable or even better than monocropping systems indicating suitability of these systems for the western Himalayan valley region. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Structure and Function of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus deltoides</Emphasis> Agroforestry Systems in Eastern India: 1. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dry matter dynamics</Emphasis>

Agroforestry systems based on poplar (Populus deltoides) are becoming popular in eastern and northern parts of India. Therefore studies on the structure and function of the systems are important. The investigations included allometric equations for above- and belowground tree components, crop and plantation floor biomass and litter fall estimation at Pusa, Bihar, India. Biomass, floor litter mass, litter fall and net primary productivity (NPP) of plantations increased with an increase in age of trees whereas, crop biomass for any specific crop interplanted with poplar decreased with the age of the plantation. The total plantation biomass increased from 12.08 to 90.59 Mg ha⁻¹ and NPP varied from 5.69 to 27.9 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. The biomass accumulation ratio ranged from 2.1 to 3.2. Total annual litter fall was in between 1.95 and 10.00 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, of which 92–94% was contributed by leaf litter. Compartmental models were developed for dry matter distribution in agroforestry systems involving young (3-year-old) and mature (9-year-old) poplar trees interplanted with various crops, the crops being grown in two rotations maize (Zea mays) – wheat (Triticum aestivum) – turmeric (Curcuma domestica) and pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) – turmeric. This study substantiates the potential of Populus deltoides G₃ under agroforestry combinations.     

Seasonal variation in root growth capacity during cultivation of container grown Pinus sylvestris seedlings

Root growth capacity (RGC) in Scots pine seedlings was studied from the time of sowing and during the following two growing seasons. The method used for measuring RGC is also described. In the first growing season root growth was intense during the period mid‐July to mid‐September with an earlier peak for early sowing dates. After a period of low growth activity during winter, RGC rose sharply in early spring. During periods of intensive shoot elongation in May and June root growth was depressed. After shoot elongation was completed, RGC rose again before declining during the autumn. During winter and the second growing season, higher RGC levels were obtained for seedlings sown in June compared to the ones sown in April. This result is discussed with regard to differences in cultivation regimes.     

Soil organic carbon and aggregation under poplar based agroforestry system in relation to tree age and soil type

The poplar based agroforestry system improves aggregation of soil through huge amounts of organic matter in the form of leaf biomass. The extent of improvement may be affected by the age of the poplar trees and the soil type. The surface and subsurface soil samples from agroforestry and adjoining non-agroforestry sites with different years of poplar plantation (1, 3 and 6 years) and varying soil textures (loamy sand and sandy clay) were analyzed for soil organic carbon, its sequestration and aggregate size distribution. The average soil organic carbon increased from 0.36 in sole crop to 0.66% in agroforestry soils. The increase was higher in loamy sand than sandy clay. The soil organic carbon increased with increase in tree age. The soils under agroforestry had 2.9–4.8 Mg ha⁻¹ higher soil organic carbon than in sole crop. The poplar trees could sequester higher soil organic carbon in 0–30 cm profile during the first year of their plantation (6.07 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) than the subsequent years (1.95–2.63 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹). The sandy clay could sequester higher carbon (2.85 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) than in loamy sand (2.32 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹). The mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates increased by 3.2, 7.3 and 13.3 times in soils with 1, 3 and 6 years plantation, respectively from that in sole crop. The increase in MWD with agroforestry was higher in loamy sand than sandy clay soil. The water stable aggregates (WSA >0.25 mm) increased by 14.4, 32.6 and 56.9 times in soils with 1, 3 and 6 years plantation, respectively, from that in sole crop. The WSA >0.25 mm were 6.02 times higher in loamy sand and 2.2 times in sandy clay than in sole crop soils.     

Performance of Drought Tolerant Maize Varieties under Water Harvesting Technologies in the Coastal Region of Kenya

The average annual rainfall in coastal Kenya is 450–700?mm per annum in most places while the total annual evapotranspiration is 1200–1800?mm. In arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), farmers grow maize varieties for medium to high rainfall zones without considering the need for water harvesting to enhance crop yield. To address the moisture constraint, a study was conducted to evaluate the performance of drought tolerant maize varieties under different water harvesting technologies (Zai pits, tied ridges and conventional). The treatments were laid out in a split - plot design with water harvesting methods as the main plots and maize varieties as the sub-plots. The response of four maize varieties (DK8031, DUMA 43, KDV1 and PH4) to three water harvesting technologies was evaluated. Variety Duma 43 produced the highest grain yield (P < 0.05) compared to the other varieties whereas yields for Zai pits and tied ridges were higher (P < 0.05) than for conventional treatment. Economic analysis revealed a higher gross margin for tied ridges than for Zai pits. Conventional planting showed a negative gross margin under the ASAL conditions. The variety DUMA 43 was selected for yield and cob size components whereas PH4 was selected for grain recovery when pounded and high stover biomass.     

民勤绿洲枣树、杨树防护林经济效益对比分析

对民勤绿洲枣树林带、杨树林带及其防护下的作物进行经济效益对比分析 ,结果表明 :枣树林带防护下小麦的产量比杨树下的高 7.9% ,玉米的产量比杨树下的高 4 .2 % ;枣树林带胁地范围比杨树林带小 3～ 6m ;枣树林带的年均净收入是 6 584 .2 3元 / (hm2 林网 ) ,投入产出比是 9.2 8,分别是杨树林带的 16 .7倍和 3.78倍。枣树林带相对杨树林带经济效益明显。近林带 30m的范围内作物的产量曲线呈“S”型 ,可分为强烈减产带、平稳过渡带和产量恢复带。适宜在民勤地区大力推广经济型枣树防护林     

Effect of Poplar (Populus deltoides) shelterbelt on the growth and yield of wheat in Punjab, India

A study was conducted around Chandigarh (Punjab), India to assess the effect of Populus deltoides shelterbelt on wheat. Crop density, root and shoot length, biomass and grain yield of wheat at crop maturity were significantly lower, up to 12 ± 1 m in the fields sheltered by P. deltoides than in unsheltered plots. The reduction of biomass and grain yield of wheat were comparatively more than that of other parameters. The observed reduction in the growth and yield of wheat could be attributed to phytotoxic interference of the phenolics from the tree with the crop. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of perennial mulches on moisture conservation and soil-building properties through agroforestry

The effect of perennial mulches on moisture status, soil characteristics and on crop yields (maize-wheat rotation) was evaluated from 1986 through 1989 in a silty loam acidic soil (pH 5.6, PWP 11.4 & FC 25.6%) at the Research Farm of the Central Soil & Water Conservation Research & Training Institute, Dahra Dun. Mulch materials, comprised of leaves of Leucaena leucocephala, Eucalyptus hybrid, Shorea robusta, Broussonatia paprifera or Puerarua hirsuta (chopped) @ 4 t/ha were applied just after sowing of wheat and the residual effect of applied mulch was seen in kharif maize each year.The distribution of profile moisture revealed that at the time of sowing of wheat the soil water content did not differ with depth (0–90 cm). With the advancement of time, the magnitude of moisture distribution changed. At various crop growth stages the highest amount of water was found in the plots mulched with S. robusta followed by E. hybrid. All the mulch materials, except B. paprifera, lowered the soil pH, the maximum effect was noted with E. hybrid (pH reduced from 5.6 to 5.0). After three years, N and K content of soil were found to be greatest with the application of L. leucocephala whereas the highest P content was observed in B. paprifera mulched plots.The highest wheat grain yield (2.46 t/ha) was recorded with L. leucocephala and minimum under control (2.11 t/ha) which represents a gain of 11.7 per cent. Maximum maize grain yield (0.73 t/ha) was found in S. robusta mulched plots followed by L. leucocephala (0.63 t/ha) and the minimum in the control (0.51 t/ha).     

枣棉粮高效立体间作模式及配套技术措施

通过对豫北黄河故道地区枣粮间作的调研分析,对枣树的矮化密植栽培技术研究,结合小麦晚播早收和棉花地膜覆盖栽培技术,总结了枣树与小麦和棉花的间作模式,这种模式能使枣树与小麦、棉花优势互补,协调生长,实现枣粮双盈。并总结提出了枣粮间作的配套技术措施,包括枣树早丰产管理技术、棉花地膜覆盖栽培关键技术、小麦配套栽培管理技术及综合土肥水管理技术,对实现枣粮双盈有实际指导意义。     

沙地杨树速生丰产林适宜苗龄与经济效益分析

杨树在我国分布很广,是人工林主栽品种之一。近年来由于天然林禁伐,木材短缺的问题,营造杨树速生丰产林倍受重视。通过沙地上不同苗龄型造林试验,提出了利用杨树大苗造林,可有效地提高杨树速生丰产林的经济效益,3根2干苗为营造杨树速生丰产林的适宜苗龄。