PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE, BEANS AND GINGER AS INTERCROPS IN PAULOWNIA PLANTATIONS IN CHINA

Yield, morphology and specific leaf weight of summer crops maize, bean s and ginger were studied in relation to tree proximity and PAR transm issivity in a 7-year old plantation of Paulownia elongata grown at a s pacing of 15 m x 5 m in Eastern China. The yield of beans and maize wa s significantly reduced, compared to controls, at all positions relati ve to the trees. This yield depression was particularly marked at posi tions closest to the trees. Beans grown at 2 m from the trees had redu ced height and specific leaf weight. These crops would yield more at w ider tree row spacings. Ginger gave high yields when intercropped and is an ideal shade crop for these systems. Further research is required on optimisation using a bioeconomic approach. Further agronomic, phys iological and biochemical work is required on ginger and other economi c members of its family as these appear to have compatibility with den se agroforestry plantings.