Tree Growth and Wheat Yield in Agri-horti-silvi System in the Arid Region of Rajasthan

Abstract

Conclusively, application of water as irrigation and fertilizer as the amendment for wheat yield promoted growth of planted horti and silvi species both than in the sole tree plants. C. mopane + C. mixa combination found more competitive because of greater growth of these species by utilizing both above ground and below ground soil resources extending competitive effects with the wheat crop and reduced (25%) wheat yield to a greater extent. But a combination of Prosopis cineraria and Ziziphus mauritiana showed to be best combination for the yield of agricultural crop, the reduction of which was relatively less (6%) in the combination. Thus combination may be replicated and proposed for greater benefits in terms of fodder, fruit and food production in the arid environment.