Growth Behavior of Poplar and Fruit Crops in Silvi-Horticulture System under Arid-lrrigated Conditions of Punjab

摘要

In the present scenario of increasing population and shrinking land resources, the integrated production systems have emerged as a key factor for sustainable production in India to meet the multiple requirements. In Punjab, due to paddy-wheat rotation, the natural resources has been exhausted to a great extent; underground water level is depleting, the fertility status of soil is reducing and biotic as well as abiotic stress is increasing. Therefore, the emphasis on diversification has focused to bring more area under perennial components i.e.. fruit crops and forest trees. Horticulture is one of the best options for the farmers of Punjab owing to its economic profitability, nutritional security, employment generation, etc. However, due to long juvenile phase of fruit trees, the farmers have to grow suitable intercrops for income generation during initial phase. Tree (fruit)-Tree (timber) combination may be the another option for diversification in agriculture. Poplar cultivation may be accentuated due to its ease of propagation and planting, easy establishment, fast growth, straight cylindrical bole,