Growth of Prosopis cineraria on Microcatchments in an Arid Region

Abstract

The influence of different in situ water harvesting structures (microcatchments) on establishment and growth of Prvsopis cineraria (klzejri) was studied on a flat sandy aridisol. Water harvesting structures included 45 x 45 x 45 cm pits (control), saucer pit having 2.5 m diameter, ring pit, trench cum mound. trench and mound and deep ploughing + pitting. Trees attained highest growth in ring pit followed by trench and mound and saucers after 57 months of planting. Biomass production from tree prunings was '6-9 times higher in ring pits, trench and mound and saucers as compared to the control. Plant survival improved from 30% in the control to 86-97% in these microcatchments. Soil moisture storage was 39-51 % higher in ring pit, trench and mound and saucers as compared to the control. Since the cost of planting in ring pits was 60% higher than in the control. adoption of trench and mound structures and saucers is recommended which cost respectively, 21% and 27% more than the control.