Impact of Multipurpose Trees on Productivity of Barley in Arid Ecosystem

Abstract

In the arid region of Haryana, the effect of Prosopis cineraria, Tecomella undulata, Acacia albida and Azadirachta indica on the productivity of Hordeum vulgare (barley) was assessed. The yield and yield attributing parameters of barley increased under these tree species compared to those from areas devoid of trees. P. cineraria enhanced the grain yield by 86.0%, T. undulata by 48.8%, A. albida by 57.9% and A. indica by 16.8% over the control. Biological yield was also higher under the trees than that in the open area. The soils under different tree canopies were rich in organic carbon content, moisture availability and nutrient status (N, P and K). These trees improved the productivity of barley due to enhanced moisture and nutrients.