A. S. Gill

Abstract

Studies were initiated with four important tree species (Albizia lebbek, Azadirachta indica, Dalbergia sissoo and Acacia nilotica) by raising chickpea in their interspaces in the semi-arid sub-tropics at the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi under rain-fed conditions (1998-2005). On the basis of various growth characters as recorded among the trees, on an average best performance was found in Dalbergia sissoo closely followed by Acacia nilotica and Albizia lebbek and poorest growth was noticed in Azadirachta indica. Same trend in the production of chickpea from the inter paces of the trees was recorded. On an average., highest grain and straw yield was achieved from the interspaces of Dalbergia with a relative grain yield of 96.0% and relative straw yield of 91.5%. There was a marginal loss of grain yield to the extent of 4% on an average, which was compensated from the production of the trees.

Keywords

Albizia lebbek, Azadirachta indica, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Chickpea
Production, Yield, Rain-fed, Semi-arid, Sub-tropics, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

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A. S. Gill , S. K. Gupta

Abstract

No abstract

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A. S. Gill , Ajit

Abstract

In a field study the polar and circular growth attributes of 12 MPTs has been analysed for six years from 1989-1990 to 1994-1995 averaging over the three spacings. Attempts has been made for classification of MPTs into fast, medium and slow growing categories through cluster analysis approach using growth variables. Growth of fast growing MPTs has been compared in silviculture and agrisilviculture conditions. The results revealed that Madhuca latifolia and Syzygium cumini clubbed into one group (cluster) when clustering was done on the basis of tree height and this class may be termed as slow growing; Eucalyptus tereticornis, Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia cupressiformis and Acacia nilotica clubbed into the second group (cluster) that may be called the fast growing; while the rest of the six species clubbed into the third medium growing group. However, when the clustering was done with respect to collar diameter, Casuarina equisetifolia and Hardwickia binata also joined the slow growing cluster of Syzygium cumini and Madhuca latifolia, whereas only Eucalyptus tereticornis, Leucaena leucocephala and Albizia lebbek clubbed into the fast growing group. Thus, if both criteria of polar and circular growth are considered simultaneously for clustering, only Eucalyptus tereticornis and Leucaena leucocephala falls into fast growing cluster and only Madhuca latifolia and Syzygium cumini belongs to the slow growing class while all the remaining eight MPTs categorized into medium growing. At the age of six years. the MAl of height was maximum in Eucalyptus (2.14 m/year) followed by Leucaena (1.39 m/year), while Madhuca latifolia (0.44 m/year) and Syzygium cumini (0.65 m/year) ranked at the bottom. The same pattern was visible for collar diameter with maximum for Eucalyptus (3.32 cm/year) followed by Leucaena (2.73 cm/year) and minimum for Casuarina (0.69 cm/year) and Madhuca (0.72 cm/year). Within the fast growing cluster Eucalyptus outperformed Leucaena, and the average growth performance of Eucalyptus was better in agrisilviculture over silviculture.

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A. S. Gill , B. Lal

Abstract

Agroforesty is an inter disciplinary, multi-sector approach of land use. Its prime objective is over all optimization and to protect the environment and maintain the ecological integrity. Agroforestry is primarily the technology of using perennial vegetation in combination with seasonal or perennial field crop, fodder, or other crops of economic value in agriculture. In the developed agroforestry systems, there are three components i.e. the woody perennials, the agricultural crops and the animals. However, in all the agroforestry systems the presence of the tree component is must and it plays the dominant roles-the trees have two major roles-the productive role (fuel, fodder, food, fruit and fertilizer) and the service roles (soil and moisture conservation, wind break, shelter belts, shade, etc.). Trees have established themselves as insurance against natul'al disasters like environmental pollution, floods and droughts. Agroforestry also extends greater- diversity for wildlife and landscape improvement. Development activities of agroforestry leads to control of erosion either through barrier approach or by cover approach, maintenance of soil fertility by way of organic matter maintenance, nitrogen fixation, nutrient cycling and augmentation of nutrient uptake i.e. trees associated mycorrhizal system. However, in depth studies are needed over a range of environmental conditions for improving soil fertility and reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers. Incorporation of multipurpose tree species with crop can also enhance ground recharge. The paper deals in greater length, the role of agroforestry in control of natural disasters, protection of environment and enhancement of development activities.

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A. S. Gill , M. M. Roy

Abstract

Forest management as practiced during the last hundred years has proved to be a myth which is apparent from the extent of open and degraded forests in India. Joint Forest Management (JFM), through a collaborative effort with people, has the potential to save and conserve the remaining forests in India. Provision of sufficient fodder, pasture and firewood in areas adjoining forest is necessary in order to prevent depletion of forest beyond the sustainable limit. Promotion of improved silvopasture systems with the help of commuuity participation in JFM programmes is important for boosting animal husbandry in villages. Various such systems are being discussed for various agro-ecosystems in the country.

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A. S. Gill , B. Lal

Abstract

Land and water are the two most important bioresources which are crucial life supporting elements and hence their management and preservation is of atmost importance. The present paper is an attempt to highlight the recent developments in agroforestry systems for rainfed black soils. Natural vegetation in black soils are dominated by tropical dry deciduous and tropical thorny forests with fairly dense growth of grasses. Hence, these soils are most suited for rainfed agroforestry systems. However, the main concern under rainfed black soils are that the soil remains water logged due to poor sub-soils drainage. Therefore, drainage system should be installed for successful agriculture/agroforestry systems. The technique, to be followed for successful agroforestry in black soils primarily rest over site and soil conditions, species to be selected and its purpose. Management of rainfed black soils including excess water stagnation during the rainy season is the major prevention one has to adopt for successful agroforestry systems. Acacia based agroforestry system is the most dominating practice suitable for rainfed black soils. Teak, Mango, Shisham, Albizias, Neem are few important tree species for the region.

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A. S. Gill

Abstract

No abstract

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Seema Jaggi , A. S. Gill , Cini Varghese , V. K. Sharma , N. P. Singh

Abstract

Fodder trees in agro-forestry system are planted to overcome the effects of the seasonal shortages or to insure against risks of drought and also to deliver benefits such as shelter, soil conservation, timber and fuel wood. An attempt was made to investigate the performance of fodder trees in the presence and absence of crops. The data pertaining to growth parameters and biomass parameters of the four fodder trees from an agro-forestry experiment for six years (1999-2005) was analyzed. Contrast analysis has been performed to study the performance of the different tree species with and without crops. The combined analysis of the tree data over the years was also performed.

Keywords

Fodder Trees, Crops, Agro-forestry, Contrast Analysis, Combined Analysis

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