Growth and survival of African winterthorn (Faidherbia albida) in rainfed Alfisols

A study was conducted during 1990-95 to observe the growth and survival of African winterthorn [Faidherbia albida (Del.) A.Chev] in rainfed Alfisols. The F. albida trees were classified based on height, dbh and canopy spread observed in the fifth year after planting. Over a period of 9 years after p lanting, only 75.6% of the trees have survived. Twenty two per cent of the trees started shedding their leaves from the beginning of 6th year of plant ing during July-August coinciding with the cropping period. In the 9th year after planting (August 1995), 45% of the population had shed their leaves and an equal number had only sparse foliage on them. The net growth in heig ht of trees was more (4.5-5.0 m) in dbh groups up to 7 cm with a correspond ing growth rate of 1.0 m / year over a period of 5 years. The mean dbh of t rees was 13.2 cm over all the groups with an overall growth rate of 2.4 cm/ annum. The mean canopy spread of trees was 5.9 m over all the groups at 9 y ears after planting with an overall annual growth rate of 0.65 m. The study has clearly indicated a vigorous growing trend of the trees in terms of he ight, dbh and canopy spread in Alfisols of semi-arid areas as inferred from the classification of a parameter through any of the other two parameters.