Effect of increasing distance fromAcacia nilotica trees on wheat yield

Planting trees in the cultivated fields of Pakistan is a controversial topic between foresters and agriculturists. Some farmers believe that trees significantly reduce their crop yields; therefore they avoid planting trees in their fields. On the other hand, many foresters claim trees are beneficial for crops. This study was conducted to determine the influence of boundary trees (Acacia nilotica) on the growth and yield of associated wheat crops under irrigated conditions in Punjab, Pakistan. Results indicate that close proximity to trees adversely affected tillers/m², weight/1000 grain and the grain yield of wheat planted up to a distance of 8.5 m from the trees. Plant height and grains/spike were least affected. In general, the growth and yield of wheat improved as distance from the tree increased. Tree size did not affect wheat height, tillers/m², grains/spike or weight/1000 grain. The grain yields were slightly lower near the largest trees (50–54.9 cm DBH trees).