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Effect of Tree Species and Their Management on Crop Productivity and Soil Fertility in an Agroforestry System

M Akkas Ali
On-Farm Research Division, BARI, Pabna.

S S Zaman
On-Farm Research Division, BARI, Pabna.

M F Haque
On-Farm Research Division, BARI, Pabna.

M R Karim
On-Farm Research Division, BARI, Pabna.

M A Momin
On-Farm Research Division, BARI, Pabna.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The studies were carried out at FSR site Kalikapur, Pabna, Bangladesh with tree species Acacia nilotice, Albizia Iebbek and Dalbergia sissoo in the farmers crop field under rainfed environment in the search of improved crop yield, soil fertility and environment. Three pruning treatments viz. unpruned, pruning 2 times and 3 times a year were employed to compare with the crop yield and soil quality of open field. Crop yields increased significantly with the pruning management. The pruning management 3 times a year increased average crop yield by 47 percent with Acacia, 50 percent with Albizia and Dalbergia. Moreover, pruning management enhanced the lateral growth of tree species and increased soil health. Highest gross margin and BCR obtained from pruning 3 times a year of studied species. Based on the results, an agroforestry model was developed to cover additional 3.1 percent of the total high and medium high land area with forest without affecting crop yield and checking soil degradation.

Keywords: Agroforestry, Crop, Soil fertility

Location: Farming Systems Research site, Kalikapur, Ishurdi, Pabna Bangladesh.

Start Date: 00-00-1995

End Date: 00-00-1998

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Non-commodity: Adoption of technology

Objectives:

i. To evaluate the growth and development of tree species as affected by tree species.

ii. To determine the special soil variability and crop productivity as affected by tree species and pruning management.

iii. To asses the comparative effect of tree species on the grow and yield of associated field crop.

Methodology:

Experiments were carried out at Farming Systems Research site, Kalikapur, Ishurdi, Pabna Bangladesh during Kharif-l season 1995 to Rabi, 1998 under rainfed situation. The land was medium high belonging to High Ganges River Flood plain. Soil texture was sandy loam, pH ranging from 7.93-8.26 in topsoil (0-15 cm depth) and 7.95-8.42 in sub soil (15- 30cm) having good drainage. An existing tree-crop combinations were prioritized based on general prevalence, economic importance and farmers' choice for the studies. The experiment was laid out in factorial RCBD with three replications. Existing tree species (10-12 years old) viz. Acada nilotice, Albizia lebbek and Dalbergia sissoo in the crop field were used. To manage the crop yield most efficiently, three pruning management's viz. unpruned, pruning 2 times a year (6 month interval) and pruning 3 times a year (4 months interval) were employed to reduce negative tree-crop interaction and to generate fuel wood and green leaf manures. These treatment, were evaluated to the open field (no tree but crop only) system. Wheat B.aus- radish cropping pattern was selected by the farmers for food security and cash income. Rice, radish and wheat were sown in early May, early September and late November and harvested manually in mid August, mid November and early April every year, respectively. Package of practices of the crops were kept as per the recommendation. Pruning management was done as per treatments at turn around period. The pruning biomass was separated into fuel wood and green manures during each pruning. Pruned green biomass was mulched uniformly on the soil surface and incorporated into the soils of 12 x 12 m area centering each tree. Crops yield were recorded through sampling from each square meter quadrate starting from the tree drunk up to six meter on east, west, north and south direction. These spatial data were converted to get the per hectare yield on field area basis. Soil samples were collected in such a way that 6 samples from top soil (0-15 cm depth) and 6 samples from the sub soil around each tree covering the canopy area. Tree growth was studied for which tree circumference at 8 months interval was measured. All crops and tree parameters were analyzed using split technique in RCB design.

Source of Information: Proceedings of a national workshop on Development of Agroforestry Research in Bangladesh held september 16-17 2001, OFRD, BARI, Gazipur, Bangladesh.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The overall results suggested that through agroforestry systems, it is possible to get sustainable crop production without much affecting the yield of field crops. Biomass production obtained in the form of fuel wood and green manures will be compensated the loss of grain production up to some extent. The soil fertility status has also been improved. In addition to that after maturity of trees the biomass and timber production will be another big income. Finally, through agroforestry modeling in the crop field the forest area will be increased and the degraded environment will be corrected to some extent.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings