Benefit: Cost analysis and effect of trees of Acacia nilotica growing in wheat fields
Muhammad Hafeez and Wahid Rasheed
ABSTRACT
A study was carried out in village Bheaky, District
Sialkot. Forty five trees of Acacia nilotica were
selected to determine their effect on wheat crop. All
the trees varied in diameter and height and were on the
southern side of the wheat field. The trees were divided
into seven diameter classes i.e. D1 = 20 - 24.9 cm, D2 =
25 - 29.9 cm, D3 = 30 - 34.9 cm, D4 = 35 - 39.9 cm, D5 =
40 - 44.9 cm, D6 = 45 - 49.9 cm, D7 = 50 - 55.9 cm.
Effect of Acacia nilotica on crop height was observed
upto a distance of 11.0 m. but was statistically
non-significant. Similarly the tree size did not have
any significant effect on crop height. Above-ground
biomass was significantly affected by the distance from
the trees. Acacia nilotica reduced wheat biomass yield
by 51.69% and grain yield by 55.10% at 1 meter distance
as compared to control. The reduction in biomass and
grain yield was noted upto 11 meters from the tree
trunks. As far as economics is concerned, total loss of
grain yield and wheat bhoosa yield was Rs. 359/ha during
crop growing period of six months. Where as income from
trees was Rs. 1071/- hence net profit was Rs. 712/- per
hectare.
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