Trees on farms in Bangladesh: 5. Growth of top- and root-pruned trees in wetland rice fields and yields of understory crops |
| |
Authors: | Drake Hocking Khairul Islam |
| |
Institution: | (1) Thrushes, Ridge Common Lane, Steep, UK, GU32 1AL;(2) Swiss Development Cooperation, G.P.O. Box 928, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| |
Abstract: | Growth of trees and seasonal yields of understory crops were measured over a 5-year period for 4 crops grown under 17 tree
species at 8 × 8 m spacing in wetland rice fields. All tree species grew well in rice fields, at rates comparable to their
growth in forest plantations. Top and root pruning reduced average tree girths by up to 19% and average tree volumes by up
to 41%, depending on intensity of pruning. The crops monitored were Oryza sativa, Triticum aestivum, Corchorus olotorius,
and Lens culinaris. Crop yields under the trees averaged 93% of the corresponding yields outside the tree canopy. The most
important factor affecting the yields of undercrops was tree size (height and/or girth). Differences among tree species and
the interaction with species of undercrops were not significant after controlling for tree size. Pruning of roots and branches
significantly improved crop yields under trees by amounts proportional to the intensity of root or top pruning.
This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
| |
Keywords: | canopy pruning cereals pulses root pruning tree-crop competition wheat |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|