Influence of Prosopis cineraria L. on microclimate conditions under agroforestry system in arid region of India

Microclimate plays significant role in agroforestry systems. Present study was undertaken to understand the microclimate modification through light, canopy temperature and moisture under tree canopy of Prosopis cineraria (khejri) for understorey cactus pear in the arid ecosystems of western Rajasthan. Suberization treatment of cladode recorded maximum number of sprouting kids (1.66/cladode) and significantly higher number/cladode was recorded at 20% moisture loss. Tree distance influenced the sprouting behaviour of cladode, irrespective of moisture loss. The cladode with 30% moisture loss (T3) recorded maximum sprouting of cladode (55%) occurred at 2–3 m distance from tree bole. The average kids/pad of cactus pear was higher at the distance of 1–2 m from tree bole in all treated cladode, except T-3. The light interception by tree canopy followed the decreasing trend as one moved away from tree bole. There was significant difference of about 5–8°C of soil temperature within canopy and outside canopy. Based on present findings, it can be concluded that khejri trees may provide suitable ecological conditions to crops growing in its vicinity and enhance growth and productivity in arid areas.