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Performance of Crops Grown in Association with Different Ages of Babla in the Existing Agroforestry Systems

M A Satter
On-Farm Research Division, BARI, Jessore-7400

M F Haque
On-Farm Research Division, BARI, Jessore-7400

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The experiment was conducted at Bijoynagar, Jessore in High Ganges River Floodplain soils under AEZ 11a. Existing Acaia nilotice (Babla) trees in the farmers field belonging to the age groups of 1-4, 5-8 and above 8 years were selected for the study. T.aus rice and cabbage were grown under these trees. Tree height, base diameter, DBH, canopy diameter and leaf litter fall from the trees varied significantly among different age groups. Rice and cabbage yields were found to reduce with increase of tree age. Yield of both the crops was more in the Southern and Eastern sides of the trees compared to that in the Northern and Western sides. Younger trees had effects on crops to a shorter distance and the older trees to a longer distance. Soil nutrient status was higher under the trees compared to that of the open field.

Keywords: Agroforestry, Crop, Babla

Location: Bijoynagar, Jessore.

Start Date: 00-04-1995

End Date: 00-05-1996

Program Area: Farming System

Non-commodity: Performance

Objectives:

To observe the performance of field crops grown in association with different ages of babla trees and soil fertility status beneath the trees.

Methodology:

The experiment was conducted at Bijoynagar, Jessore on High Ganges River Floodplain soils under AEZ 11a located in the Southwest region of Bangladesh. The study area is high land (flood-free) with sandy loam soils. The soils are calcareous in nature with pH ranging from 7.0 to 8.5. The area is located in the dry belt of the country (UNDP IFAO, 1988). The average annual rainfall is 1643 mm concentrated mostly during June- September. The average minimum and maximum temperature of the area is 11.86°C in December-January and 34.71 °C in April. The experiment was conducted during April 1995 to May 1996. Existing Babla trees in the farmers' field belonging to the age groups of (a) 1-4, (b) 5-8 and (c) > 8 years were selected for the study during early kharif season, 1995. Under each age group five trees were selected. The trees were located well inside the plot . Tree variables were measured twice during the first week of April 1995 and during the third week of February 1996. Leaf litters were collected fortnightly during mid May 1995 to mid May 1996 by placing sack-cloth under the tree covering the whole canopy. For the purpose three separate sample trees, one from each age group were selected. Two crops, Taus rice and cabbage were grown under sporadically grown babla trees in the farmers in an area of 24 x 24 m keeping the trees at the center of the plot. Rice variety Ratna was transplanted during the third week of June 1995. Fertilizers were applied at the rate of 80-60-40-20-5 kg NPKSZn per hectare. All of PKSZn and one-third of N were applied as basal. Remaining N was top dressed in two equal splits at 25 and 40 days after transplanting. Weeding, irrigation and other intercultural operation were done as and when necessary. Rice crop was harvested during the second week of September 1995. Crop cut was done in segments at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 (control) meter distances from tree base from the North, South, East and West sides of the trees. Data on grain and straw yields of rice were recorded and analyzed statistically. After harvest of T.aus rice, cabbage was planted during the fourth week of September 1995. Cabbage variety K. K. cross was planted at 50 x 50 cm spacing with 30-35 day-old seedlings. Fertilizers were applied at the rate of 150-80-40 kg NPK/ha in two splits. All of P and half of K and N were applied in first split at 10 - 15 days after planting and remaining K and N were applied at 30-35 DAP followed by mulching. The crop was harvested during November 1995. Crop cut was done in the same way as in T.aus rice. Data on yield of cabbage were recorded and analyzed statistically.

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:

From the results and discussion it is evident that babla trees can be grown sporadically in the crop fields without much reduction in crop yields. Though there was some reduction of crop yields at the vicinity of the tree base, benefits from the trees might be much higher than the crop loss. Farmers can get occasional supply of some fuel wood through pruning tree branches. This might help in reducing interception of solar radiation and improve crop yield to some extent. In addition to economic benefits the trees improve soil fertility to sustain productivity.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings