Management of Casuarina equisetifolia in Wide-row intercropping Systems for Enhancing Productivity

Abstract

The growth performance and biomass production in Casuarina equisetifolia in wide-row intercropping systems was evaluated under different management scenarios in Coimbatore, TamilNadu. Root and canopy management practices appear to be effective in countering yield reductions in intercropped turmeric. The mean yield of intercropped turmeric in managed casuarinas tree rows was Significantly higher than unmanaged trees (control) and varied with distance from tree row. Removal of upto 50 per cent of canopy cover and installation of root barriers on either side of the tree row has positive effects on yield of turmeric crop. There was no significant difference in overall growth performance of Casuarina equisetifolia in different treatments except in the fourth year when the trees were felled for biomass studies. The trees recorded a mean height of 7.54 m and a mean dbh of 7.80 cm when harvested in the fourth year. The total biomass production in the fourth year varied from 11.62 - 15.59 kg/tree. Management practices did not have significant effects on overall biomass production. The biomass apportionment to stem was 50% higher in managed trees as compared to control trees. The above ground biomass (agb) varied from 9.31-12.02 kg/tree while the below ground biomass (bgb) varied from 1.83 - 3.77 kg/tree. Proper care and management of Casuarina equisetifolia in wide-row intercropping systems appears to promote overall enhanced productivity of the system under rainfed farming situations in Tamil Nadu.