Field trials prove a deep-rooted tree indigenous to Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra grows well in the Thar desert.
TRIALS conducted in Pali,
Rajasthan, indicate, that the ramkathi
babul (Acacia nilolica, variety
cupressiformis), indigenous to
Andhra Pradesh arid Maharashtra, is
an appropriate agroforestry species
in and areas, according to a report in
Indian Farming. (Vol 4 1 No. 11)
The tree rp-sprouts when cut provides nutritious fodder and tough
timber. As it has few branches and a
small crown, the tree permits light
to penetrate to the ground, making
it possible for other crops below to
grow. Ramkathi babul also fixes soil
nitrogen arid its dead leaves enhance
soil fertility. Farmers in Pali district
plant as many as 40 trees in a
hectare of field crops.
It is a deep-rooted tree and does
not affect shatlow-rooted crops.
However, agronomist Neelam Kumar
Chopra at the Regional Research
Station, Pali, discovered that in the
early years of its growth the crops
grown below ramkathi babul affect
it's growth. Sorghum, she found, had
a larger negative effect on tree
growth than mungbeans and cluster-beans. Once the. tree is three vears
old, tall growing cereals can be
planted with it as they cease to affect
the tree's development.
The seeds of this tough tree
have to be treated with sulphuric
acid or soaked in water to soften the
hard seed coal and to hasten germination. Tree pods are sometimes fed
to goats arid sheep andthe seeds,
with softened seed-coats, are collected from their droppings. Even
when irrigated with saline water, 98
per cent of these hardy seedlings survive.
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