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.     

Productivity and nutrient uptake of newly released wheat varieties at different sowing times under poplar plantation in north-western India

Standardisation of cultural practises is one of the primary objectives to make the system ecologically sustainable and economically viable. In this context, the present study was conducted to optimise the time of sowing in relation to newly released wheat varieties under 4–6 year old poplar block plantation. Six widely grown wheat varieties (PBW 502, PBW 343, WH 542, PDW 274, PBW 509 and PBW 373) were intercultivated during three consecutive crop growth seasons at three times of sowing (mid November, late November and mid December) under block plantation of poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.) clone G-48. The grain yield and nutrient uptake of wheat varieties was higher in open conditions than under the trees. The wheat variety PBW 502 out yielded the rest of wheat varieties over different sowing times. The highest grain yield was recorded when crop was sown during mid November over the 3 years. Thus adoption of PBW 502 under poplar plantation would substantially improve the overall productivity of the system without any additional input cost. All the varieties performed better when sown early compared to one-month delay. The various growth parameters like tiller height and number, spike length and 100 grain weight contributed significantly towards higher grain yield in early sown conditions (mid November) under poplar irrespective of its age of plantation. The nutrient uptake (N, P and K) by wheat straw and grain was higher in early sown crop with longer growth span than the late sown crop. The higher quantity of N, P and K was removed from soil by PBW 509, PBW 373 and PBW 343, respectively.     

Tree growth and nutrient status of soil in a poplar (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus deltoides</Emphasis> Bartr.)-based agroforestry system in Punjab,India

Poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.) based agroforestry systems are economically viable and more sustainable than many other crop rotations prevalent in northern India. Growth {girth at breast height (GBH) and height} and productivity (volume) of clone G-48 of poplar spaced at 5 x 4 m, soil organic carbon (OC), and concentration of available macronutrients (N, P and K) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) in surface soil (0-15 cm depth) were determined at an interval of six months starting from April 2002 till October 2003 in one and four year old (in January 2002) 16 poplar plantations on farmers' fields in Ludhiana, Punjab. The observations were taken from plantations having fodder {sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)/pearlmillet (Pennisetum americanum) in summer}-wheat (Triticum aestivum) (in winter) rotation throughout the poplar age and those having sugarcane (Sachharum officinarum) initially during two years and fodder-wheat rotation thereafter. The GBH, height and volume of younger plantations intercropped with fodder-wheat rotation were 15.6, 17.2 and 46.7%, respectively higher than that of plantations intercropped with sugarcane. Growth increment of poplar was markedly higher during April to October than October to April. Soil OC was significantly greater in older (6.83 g kg-1) than the younger (5.35 g kg-1) plantations. Available macronutrients in soil increased at successive sampling times. The average Zn concentration at final sampling was 17% lower compared to initial sampling, whereas the other micronutrients tended to increase during April 2002 to October 2003 and the increase was higher in four year old plantations than one year due to higher inputs of organic matter.     

Intercropping ginger and turmeric with poplar (Populus deltoides ‘G-3’ Marsh.)

Performance of two rhizomatous crops i.e. ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) was investigated under rainfed conditions in pure stands and as intercrops with 5-year-old poplars planted at three spacings viz., 5×5 m, 5×4 m and 5×3 m. The average illumination below the canopies was 53, 46 and 38% of incident radiation, respectively. Both crops performed better as intercrops than as pure stands. Survival was inversely correlated to light intensity. Plant height, tillers per plant and leaves per plant in ginger and leaf length and leaf breadth besides plant height in turmeric were significantly enhanced when intercropped. The rhizome length, rhizome breadth, yield per plant and yield per ha in ginger exceeded under poplars but showed a drastic reduction under the closest poplar spacing. In turmeric, the trend for the first two characters was the same, whereas yield per plant as well as yeild per ha were slightly greater in the open than under 5×3 m spacing. Dry matter content varied significantly with spacing. For quality parameters, only oil content in ginger and oleoresin in turmeric showed significant differences. The cultivation of turmeric proved more remunerative than ginger.Among the poplar spacings, 5×4 m for ginger and 5×5 m for turmeric were delineated as the best spacings.     

Effects of trees on the yield of irrigated wheat crop in semi-arid regions

A study was conducted in the semi-arid regions of Haryana, in Northern India, to see the effect of Azadirachta indica, Prosopis cineraria, Dalbergia sissoo and Acacia nilotica on the yield of irrigated wheat crop. Data on crop yield for each tree species at different distances (1, 3, 5 and 7 m) and four directions (east, west, north and south) from the tree bases and control (no trees) were collected. Results indicate that A. indica and P. cineraria did not show any significant difference in the wheat yield while the other two species (D. sissoo and A. nilotica) showed a reduction in wheat yield. A. nilotica had the most significant and prominent effect, and a reduction of nearly 40 to 60% wheat yield was observed. The effect of this tree species was observed even beyond the spread of the crown. D. sissoo reduced yield by 4 to 30% but the reduction was only up to a distance of 3 m. In general, the impact of trees on wheat yield was observed up to 3 m distance and there is little, if any, impact up to 5 m distance and almost no impact at 7 m distance. In all the tree species, the wheat yield was reduced to a maximum on the north side of the trees and had almost no effect in the southern direction. Crop maturity was observed to be delayed by three weeks under A. nilotica, by 9–10 days under D. sissoo, and only by 6–7 days under P. cineraria and A. indica.     

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     

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.     

Poplar (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus spp</Emphasis>) growth and crop yields in a silvoarable experiment at three lowland sites in England

In early 1992, a silvoarable experiment, comprising four poplar (Populus spp.) hybrids (at a spacing of 10 m x 6.4 m) and four arable treatments, was established at three contrasting lowland sites in England. By the end of 1998, seven years after planting, the height of the poplar hybrid Beaupré (11.9 m) was greater than those of the hybrids Gibecq, Robusta and Trichobel (8.9-9.8 m). The trees at the most exposed site had the shortest height (9.2 m) and the greatest diameter at breast height (173 mm). Tree growth was also affected by the arable treatments. The height (9.5 m) and diameter (143 mm) of the trees bordered on both sides by a continuous rotation of arable crops were 89% and 79%, respectively, of those bordered on both sides by a regularly cultivated fallow. This result could be explained by competition for water. Across the three sites, in the presence of the trees the yield per unit cropped area, relative to that in the control areas, was an average of 4% less in the first three years and an average of 10% less between years four and six. However the specific responses were dependent on the arable crop. The experiment also included an alternately-cropped arable treatment, where the crop was alternated with a one-year bare fallow. The benefits of a preceding fallow, rather than a cereal crop, for yield were greatest for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and least for field beans (Vicia faba L.),peas(Pisum sativum L.) and mustard (Brassica alba L.).     

Provenance and family variation in growth performance of Eucalyptus tereticornis (Sm.) in a provenance cum progeny trial in Midnapore, India

Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. is an important species for agroforestry and commercial plantations in India. Results of a combined provenance–progeny trial of E. tereticornis laid out in 2002 at Midnapore (West Bengal) located in eastern tropical region of India are reported and discussed. Twelve provenances representing 70 families from Australia and Papua New Guinea were evaluated up to the age of 3 years. As a local seed source open-pollinated seed collected from a land race, i.e., Mysore gum (commonly known as Eucalyptus hybrid) was used to serve as check material (control). Significant variation in plant height, clean stem height, girth at breast height (GBH) and field survival was observed due to provenances, as well as families within provenances. This offers an ample scope to a breeder for increasing the growth and productivity in E. tereticornis through selection of provenances and families having potential for higher productivity. Heritability (narrow sense) values were appreciable for growth traits. Within provenance individual tree heritability estimates for height, clean stem length, GBH and number of branches at age 3 years were 0.318, 0.215, 0.269 and 0.231, respectively (assuming a coefficient of relationship of 0.4 for open-pollinated families of E. tereticornis). Provenance of Walsh River, Queensland Australia performed best for plant height, clean stem height, GBH, number of branches and field survival. Apart from this, the provenance from Oro bay to Emo, Papua New Guinea and Burdekin river, Queensland also showed good performance. Provenance from Yurammie, SF from New South Wales performed poorest for growth and survival. Correlations on growth traits were high and statistically significant, indicating that substantial gains could be achieved through indirect selection for one trait based on the direct selection for another. Age–age genetic correlations between age 1 and 3 years for the growth traits were highly significant and positive. Geographic clinal variation pattern was observed as latitude was negatively correlated with height and GBH (P < 0.05); longitude with number of branches (negative, P < 0.05). Fair differences were observed between phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variability.     

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     

洞庭湖区杨树苗木溃疡病调查研究

通过对洞庭湖区56块杨树苗圃地的两次实地调查,发现洞庭湖区杨树苗木溃疡病发生普遍,室内培养检测为水泡型溃疡病。两次调查发现第二次调查危害较第一次调查轻,一年生苗圃地较二、三年生苗圃地轻。分析了洞庭湖区杨树苗木溃疡病的危害情况及其原因,并为育苗和造林用苗选择提供依据和防治建议。     

Effects of thinning and site productivity on culmination of stand growth: results from long-term monitoring experiments in Japanese cedar (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptomeria japonica</Emphasis> D. Don) forests in northeastern Japan

We analyzed data from 28 long-term experimental monitoring plots installed in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) plantations in northeastern Japan to examine how site productivity and thinning practices relate to culmination in stand growth. Site productivity and thinning practices in the plots were evaluated by site index (dominant tree height at 40-years old) and by cumulative thinning rate (cumulative thinning volume divided by cumulative gross production during the entire period of measurement). Culmination of stand growth was evaluated by culmination age of the mean annual increment (MAI) and its maximum value (Max MAI). Max MAI for the mean annual gross increment (MAIgross) and mean annual net increment (MAInet) increased with increasing site index, but did not change with cumulative thinning rate. Culmination age for MAIgross decreased with increasing site index, but did not change with cumulative thinning rate. Culmination age for MAInet decreased with increasing site index. Additionally, culmination age for MAInet increased with increasing cumulative thinning rate in sites with a high site index (>19.3 m) but not in those with a low site index (<19.3 m). These results indicate that thinning extends the culmination age without changing Max MAInet under high site productivity. Therefore, thinning increases total net yield in sites with high productivity based on a long-term perspective.     

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.     

Pasture production and composition under poplar in a hill environment in New Zealand

Traditionally, poplar (Populus spp.) have been planted to control erosion on New Zealand’s hill-slopes because of their capacity to dry out and bind together the soil. Two systems: (1) widely spaced, planted poplar for soil conservation, and (2) non-eroded open pasture were compared to determine the relative effect of the poplar–pasture system on the production, nutritive value and species composition of the pasture, and on the water balance. Measurements were made at three sites with mature poplar (>29 years and 37–40 stems ha⁻¹) and at a replicated experiment with young poplar (5 years, 50–100 stems ha⁻¹). Soil water relations did not suggest strong competition for water between poplar and pasture. Pasture accumulation under mature poplar was 40% less than in the open pasture, but under young poplar was similar to that in the open pasture. Chemical composition of pasture suggested that feed quality of pasture in the open was better than under the poplar canopy, except during spring, when most chemical components were similar. At the most, in vitro digestibility of pasture dry matter was 8.9% lower and metabolisable energy of pasture dry matter was 1.5 MJ kg lower under the poplar canopy than in the open pasture. Shade tolerant species were not dominant in the plant community under the poplar canopy with grasses such as browntop (Agrostis capillaris, L.) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne, L.) being a high proportion of the plant community. Differences in chemical composition were related to differences in the botanical composition between the open pasture and the poplar understorey. It was concluded that the greatest effect of poplar was on pasture production due to shading, and that management of this silvopastoral system needs to focus on control of the tree canopy to lessen the decrease in pasture production.     

Optimum pruning intensity for reducing crop suppression in a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gmelina</Emphasis>–maize smallholder agroforestry system in Claveria,Philippines

On-farm trials were conducted to assess the effects of four branch pruning levels on maize grain yield, tree growth and stem shape. The experimental plots consisted of Gmelina (Gmelina arborea R.Br.) trees planted at 1 × 10 m with maize intercropped in the 10 m-wide alleys between lines of trees. Pruning levels consisted of retaining a live crown ratio of 60–70% (T ₁), 40–50% (T ₂); 30–40% (T ₃) and of 20–30% (T ₄). At the end of the experiment, the total maize grain yield was highest under the high pruning intensity (T ₄) (18.06 t ha⁻¹) and lowest under T ₁ (14.48 t ha⁻¹). Maize grain yield under the pruning regime T ₂ and T ₃ were 16.08 and 17.21 t ha⁻¹, respectively. Mean annual increment (MAI) in tree diameter was greater (5.0 cm year⁻¹) under T ₁ than those at T ₄ (4.1 cm year⁻¹). Pruning regimes T ₂ and T ₃ resulted in a MAI of 4.7 and 4.5 cm year⁻¹, respectively. Financial analysis showed that maize-tree systems under T ₄ were more profitable than under T ₁ as long as the reduction of the average dbh at harvest were not greater than 1 cm. Pruning trees intensively also generated greater returns from labour than moderate pruning, as the greater maize grain yields under T ₄ compensated for the cost of pruning and the lower timber yield. In the context of resource-poor farmers, intensive branch pruning was a practice that prolonged the period of profitable intercropping and was compatible with commercial timber production.     

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     

An analysis of potential investment returns and their determinants of poplar plantations in state-owned forest enterprises of China

China’s state-owned forest enterprises have been important national timber production bases and their timber resources have been severely degraded during the past decades. About one-third of the state-owned forestland has been classified as commercial forestland, but no economic mechanisms have been laid out on governing timber plantations under market economy. This paper demonstrates the potential investment returns and analyzes factors that directly influence the returns of fast-growing poplar plantations in a state owned-forest enterprise, China Jilin Forest Industry Group (CJFIG), in northeastern China. We examined practically possible ranges of mean annual increment (MAI), general inflation rate, rate of forest fund, and interest rate in the study area. We then computed net present values (NPV), equivalent annual income (EAI) and internal rate of return (IRR) by using the minimum, medium, and maximum values of the each determinant above. Results showed NPV ranged from $1,024 to $6,925 ha^?1, EAI ranged from $120 to $623 ha^?1 year^?1, and IRR ranged from 13.2 to 29.3 %. We show that growing poplar plantations could be two times more profitable than managing the existing natural forests in CJFIG by referring to EAI values. Improving MAI is the most effective way to increase both NPV and IRR while changes in the one-time tax at timber harvesting or changes in inflation rate have the least effect on NPV and IRR among the determinants studied. Discount rate, which can be easily manipulated by obtaining subsidies and policy-based loans, also has substantial influence on NPV. The state owned forest enterprises in China have special advantages to obtain relatively high economic returns in developing fast-growing plantation forests under market economy.     

A comparison of planting and coppice regeneration of Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla clones in South Africa

Results from two coppice compared to replant trials are presented that originated from clone by site interaction (CSI) trials established on high? and low?productivity sites in subtropical coastal KwaZulu?Natal, South Africa. After the 84?month CSI trial measurements were completed the trees were harvested. Selected plots were allowed to coppice with the remainder replanted to the same four Eucalyptus grandis×Eucalyptus urophylla hybrid clones. Growth was higher at Kwambo Timbers (average mean annual increment [MAI] 34 wet white tonnes [wwt] ha?1 y?1), characterised by a higher mean annual precipitation, than at Palm Ridge (average MAI 11 wwt ha?1 y?1). In these trials coppicing of sufficient stumps per hectare (>1 000 stumps ha?1) resulted in similar volume production on the higher?productivity site and slightly improved (additional 3.4 wwt ha?1 y?1) yield on the lower?productivity site compared with the planted crop. The benefit of coppicing was mainly related to a reduction in the temporary unplanted period and reduced establishment cost. This study showed that coppicing can be a viable, cost?effective alternative to planting in commercial forestry if a number of criteria are met. However, it is recommended that the decision to coppice or to replant should be evaluated on a case?by?case basis.     

The influence of silane coupling agent and poplar particles on the wet-tability,surface roughness,and hardness of UF-bonded wheat straw （Triticum aestivum L.）/poplar wood particleboard

We used silane coupling agents to improve the bonding ability between wheat straw particles and UF resin, and investigated surface properties （wettability and surface roughness） and hardness of parti-cleboard made from UF-bonded wheat straw （Triticum aestivum L.） combined with poplar wood as affected by silane coupling agent content and straw/poplar wood particle ratios. We manufactured one-layered particleboard panels at four different ratios of straw to poplar wood par-ticles （0%, 15%, 30% and 45% wheat straw） and silane coupling agent content at three levels of 0, 5% and 10%. Roughness measurements, average roughness （Ra）, mean peak-to-valley height （Rz）, and root mean square roughness （Rq） were measured on unsanded samples by using a fine stylus tracing technique. We obtained contact angle measurements by using a goniometer connected to a digital camera and computer sys-tem. Boards containing greater amounts of poplar particles had superior hardness compared to control samples and had lower wettability. Panels made with higher amounts of silane had lower Rq values.     

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.