Rooting behaviour of clones of casuarinas for agroforestry needs

Among currently used fast growing species in different countries, the Casuarinas have emerged as the most suitable for Agroforestry, plantation forestry and industrial plantations. In Agroforestry systems, farmers may prefer tree species that have deep and less dense roots and do not compete strongly with agricultural crops for water and nutrients. An understanding of the rooting pattern of tree species used in Agroforestry systems is essential for the development and management of systems involving them. This study aims at examining the potential of this species for Agroforestry and other needs viz., Soil conservation, afforestation in coastal areas and block plantations. The prime objective is to make available a fast growing species to farmers to enhance their income in subsistence agriculture. Hence, rooting pattern is an important criteria in selecting a clone for particular area under a specific situation and this study will be helpful in improving management systems for optimizing the production of Agroforestry systems in the region.