TRIALS conducted in Pali,Rajasthan, indicate, that the ramkathibabul (Acacia nilolica, varietycupressiformis), indigenous toAndhra Pradesh arid Maharashtra, isan appropriate agroforestry speciesin and areas, according to a report inIndian Farming. (Vol 4 1 No. 11)
The tree rp-sprouts when cut provides nutritious fodder and toughtimber. As it has few branches and asmall crown, the tree permits lightto penetrate to the ground, makingit possible for other crops below togrow. Ramkathi babul also fixes soilnitrogen arid its dead leaves enhancesoil fertility. Farmers in Pali districtplant as many as 40 trees in ahectare of field crops.
It is a deep-rooted tree and doesnot affect shatlow-rooted crops.However, agronomist Neelam KumarChopra at the Regional ResearchStation, Pali, discovered that in theearly years of its growth the cropsgrown below ramkathi babul affectit's growth. Sorghum, she found, hada larger negative effect on treegrowth than mungbeans and cluster-beans. Once the. tree is three vearsold, tall growing cereals can beplanted with it as they cease to affectthe tree's development.
The seeds of this tough treehave to be treated with sulphuricacid or soaked in water to soften thehard seed coal and to hasten germination. Tree pods are sometimes fedto goats arid sheep andthe seeds,with softened seed-coats, are collected from their droppings. Evenwhen irrigated with saline water, 98per cent of these hardy seedlings survive.