EFFECT OF ACACIA-NILOTICA ON MUSTARD CROP

Performance of mustard (Brassica campestris) crop cultivated under Acacia nilotica single tree, grown under irrigated and rainfed situations was studied for plant population and biomass production. Root behaviour of trees and mustard crop under tree canopy and open areas was also studied. Plant density and biomass production of mustard crop declined with increasing tree canopy depth towards tree trunk. There was a 64.58% reduction in biomass production under an irrigated field upto 4 m and cent percent up to 3 m in rainfed fields as compared to per unit mean yield data recorded at 21 m distance from the tree base in an open field. The plant density and biomass production data and root behaviour of both trees and crop showed a close relationship. The plant density and yield of crop tend to increase with the increase in depth of tree roots. Irrigating the mustard field enhances crop yield and plant density in the affected area as compared with the rainfed field.