Influence of tree diameter and trunk distance on growth and yield of field crops in agroecosystems of North-Western Himalaya

Abstract

In present study, trees of Toona ciliata of four different diameter classes viz., D (20-30 cm), D (30-40 cm), D 1 2 3 (40-50 cm) and D (>50 cm) were selected on bunds in farmer's field to study crop production of Triticum aestivum, Hordeum 4 vulgare, Pisum sativum and Coriandrum sativum in Darodeuriya area of Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh. Crop production was studied under trees of different diameter classes at five distances (2, 3, 4, 5 m from tree trunk and outside tree canopy). Yield of T. aestivum increased significantly with increase in distance from the tree trunk and highest production (2309 kg ha-1) was recorded outside tree canopy. Irrespective of distance from tree trunk, T. aestivum grown under 20-30 cm DBH class trees gave significantly higher economic yield (2130 kg ha-1) and biological yield (3807 kg ha-1). Economic yield of -1 P. sativum increased with the increase in distance from tree trunk being maximum (11620 kg ha ) outside tree canopy and minimum (8140 kg ha-1) was registered at 2 m distance from tree trunk. Number of plants and production of all the crops enhanced with successive increase in distance; hence, the study recommends the mature trees in agricultural field bunds at
least 4-5 m away from intercrop.