Tree-crop interaction in Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. based agrisilviculture in semi-arid region of Central India

Abstract

Tree-crop interaction of different clones of Eucalyptus tereticornis (C-3, C-6, C-7 and C-10) and Triticum aestivum (wheat) was studied for two consecutive years (2006-07 and 2007-08) in a semi-arid region of Central India. All plant growth and productivity parameters were significantly reduced under the tree canopy when compared to control during both the seasons. The quantum of reduction was higher near to the tree line than the far distances. Wheat yield varied from 14.6-18.1 q ha^-1 in 3.4 years old E. tereticornis clones and 12.2-12.9 q ha^-1 in 4.4 years old E. tereticornis clones. When compared to sole crop, 53 and 63% reduction was observed in grain yield after 3.4 and 4.4 years of E. tereticornis, respectively. The reduction in wheat yield by different clones was in the order: C-10>C-3>C-7>C-6 at the age of 3.4 years while C-7>C-10> C-6>C-3 at the age of 4.4 years. The eco-physiological observations were also supported this results. The tree height, diameter at breast height, total biomass (aboveground) and volume of the clones were 12.8 m, 12.41 cm, 72.91 kg tree^-1 and 0.069 m³ tree^-1, respectively at the age of 3.4 years and 13.9 m, 13.88 cm, 96.71 kg tree^-1 and 0.094 m³ tree^-1, respectively at the age of 4.4 years. The mean annual increment was 3.48 m for height and 3.47 cm for DBH with the total volume of 47 m³ ha^-1. Considering the tree biomass, the performance of the clones was in the order: C-10>C-3>C-6>C-7 at the age of 4.4 years.