ISSN:
1572-9680
Keywords:
Leucaena leucocephala
;
N2 fixation
;
peninsular India
;
soil fertility improvement
;
Tectona grandis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract Effects of intercropping Leucaena on early teak growth and soil properties in a simulated taungua system were evaluated in a humid tropical region of central Kerala in peninsular India. The experimental variables included five combinations of teak and Leucaena (100:0, 67:33, 50:50, 33:67, and 0:100). Intercropping Leucaena promoted height and diameter growth of teak. Teak growth increased with increasing relative proportion of Leucaena in the mixture. Forty-four months after planting, teak in the 33% teak-67% Leucaena mixture were 45% taller and 71% larger in diameter at breast height than those in pure stands. Implicit in this growth stimulation of teak by intercropped Leucaena is its nitrogen fixing ability and potential as a soil improver. Soil analysis of the experimental plots provided corroborative evidence in this respect. Total nitrogen increased with increasing relative proportion of Leucaena in the mixture. Available P content of the soil increased as the proportion of Leucaena increased to 50% but declined thereafter.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1006199910985
