EFFECT OF WHITE POPINAC (LEUCAENA-LATISILIQUA) ON FIELD CROPS AND NUTRIENT ADDITION IN SOIL UNDER AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM

A field experiment was conducted during 1983-93 at Kota in Rajasthan t o study the compatibility of different field clops with white popinac [Leucaena latisiliqua (L.) Gillis; syn L. leucecophala (Lam.) de Wit] planted 1m apart on 1 side of field bund in agro-forestry system. Grow ing of white popinac reduced the yield of all field crops near the vic inity of tree. On an average, sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] were more compatible with white popinac, giving the maximum sorghum grain-equivalent yield (3 152 kg/ ha) than other crops. The reduction in crop yield could be minimized b y proper pruning and lopping and can be compensated by standing biomas s of trees (fuel wood 238 kg and fodder 68 kg/tree). White popinac inc reased the soil fertility by adding 34.6 tonnes/ha organic matter (N, P and K 901, 52 and 416 kg/ha respectively) through litter during 10 y ears.