Enhancement of Biomass Through Multipurpose Tree Species for Sustainable Agriculture in Eastern Dry Land Tract of Karnataka

摘要

In this study three important species, Acacia auriculiformis, Casurina equisitifolia and Gravalia robmta were integrated with finger millet, the later is an important dry tad crop of this zone. The biomass assessment over four years showed significantincrease of all the wood species. The yield levels of sole crop of ragi did not show any significant reduction in yield. There was more than three times increase in biomass of all the three species. There is possibility of decrease in the yield of grains to an extent of 30 to 40% due to competition for water and nutrients by tree species for their increased growth. Thus an integrated approach of agro-forestry system not only provides additional revenue but also gives better soil conditions and enhancesthe growth rate of multipurpose tree species.