Fodder and fuel-wood production through agroforestry in semi-arid Central India

A study was conducted at Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) during 1999–2002 to evaluate the production potential of tree-crop systems under rainfed situations. Four tree species, viz. Azadirachta indica, Albizia lebbeck, Dalbergia sissoo and Acacia nilotica were evaluated in sole stands and intercropped with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in 6 × 12 m spacing. The intercrop had a positive effect on the growth of Azadirachta indica and Albizia lebbeck but not on Acacia nilotica and D. sissoo, Acacia nilotica and D. sissoo produced maximum growth, Azadirachta indica produced minimum growth and Albizia lebbeck intermediate growth. None of the tree species reduced the crop yield in agroforestry in the first 3 years of tree growth. In the fourth year (2001–02), 25 to 36% reduction in grain yield and 37 to 45% reduction in stalk yield across the four tree species was recorded. The highest reduction was observed nearer to the tree row and the negative effect decreased with distance from the tree. Forage and crude-protein yields were higher from D. sissoo and the fuel-wood yield was higher from Acacia nilotica. Benefit: cost ratio and the net present worth was the highest with Acacia nilotica system, followed by that of D. sissoo. Hence both these tree species can be grown in combination with crops in the semi-arid central India to produce fodder and fuelwood.