Structure and Function of Populus deltoides Agroforestry Systems in Eastern India: 1. Dry matter dynamics

Abstract

Agroforestry systems based on poplar (Populus deltoides) are becoming popular in eastern and northern parts of India. Therefore studies on the structure and function of the systems are important. The investigations included allometric equations for above- and belowground tree components, crop and plantation floor biomass and litter fall estimation at Pusa, Bihar, India. Biomass, floor litter mass, litter fall and net primary productivity (NPP) of plantations increased with an increase in age of trees whereas, crop biomass for any specific crop interplanted with poplar decreased with the age of the plantation. The total plantation biomass increased from 12.08 to 90.59 Mg ha⁻¹ and NPP varied from 5.69 to 27.9 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. The biomass accumulation ratio ranged from 2.1 to 3.2. Total annual litter fall was in between 1.95 and 10.00 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, of which 92–94% was contributed by leaf litter. Compartmental models were developed for dry matter distribution in agroforestry systems involving young (3-year-old) and mature (9-year-old) poplar trees interplanted with various crops, the crops being grown in two rotations maize (Zea mays) – wheat (Triticum aestivum) – turmeric (Curcuma domestica) and pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) – turmeric. This study substantiates the potential of Populus deltoides G₃ under agroforestry combinations.