Influence of Bund Planted Teak (Tectona grandis) on Soil Biological properties in Agroforestry System

Author: Kalakappa, Honnali S.N., Doddabasawa, Chittapur B.M., Ananda N. and Satihal D.G.

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Abstract

An investigation was carried out to assess the directional and spatial influence of bund planted teak trees on chickpea grown in association during 2020-21 in Northern Dry Zone (Zone III) of Karnataka, India. The results revealed significant positive improvement in soil biological properties in teak-based bund planting as compared to control (without trees). Significantly higher population of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and dehydrogenase activity at crop stage of 50 per cent flowering (75.63 × 106 cfu g-1 soil, 45.23 × 103 cfu g-1 soil, 33.82 × 102 cfu g-1 soil and 28.10 µg TPF g-1 soil for 24 hours, respectively) were recorded on western direction (M2) followed by northern direction, and significantly lower population of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and dehydrogenase activity at crop stage of 50 per cent flowering (71.93 × 106 cfu g-1 soil, 39.70 × 103 cfu g-1 soil, 30.83 × 102 cfu g-1 soil, and 25.21 µg TPF g-1 soil for 24 hours, respectively) were recorded on southern direction (M4) and were comparable with the eastern direction. Bund planting improved soil biological properties when compared with control. Further, positive influence of trees up to an extant of 17 m was noticed. Hence, it is suggested to have bund planting of teak at intervals of 20 m distance in the field.

Keywords

Bund planting, distance, direction, shade, light intensity and soil temperature

Conclusion

Present investigation observed improved soil biological properties by the trees on the farm land as compared to control (without trees). Study indicated that the extent of influence on soil biological properties depends on the planting direction, extent of density, type of species, age of the tree, phonological characteristics of tree species and most importantly tree canopy architecture. However, more improved soil biological properties were noticed near the tree line and found to be in decreasing order with increase in distance from the tree line. And yield reduction below these high shading trees is a challenge a requires a serious consideration. A careful selection of these trees can thus be helpful in devising the agroforestry system and modifying and managing the existing agroforestry system. Hence, it is suggested to have bund planting at intervals of 20 m in the field for better improvement of soil physico-chemical properties.

References

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How to cite this article

Kalakappa, Honnali S.N., Doddabasawa, Chittapur B.M., Ananda N. and Satihal D.G. (2022). Influence of Bund Planted Teak (Tectona grandis) on Soil Biological properties in Agroforestry System. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4): 1131-1136.