Abstract
Biological activity in tree rhizosphere and association of VAM fungi with tree-roots could be used as selection criteria for agroforestry trees in arid ecosystems. Dehydrogenase activity and VAM fungi association in rhizosphere of six agroforestry trees (Azadirachta indica, Acacia tortilis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Prosopis cineraria and Tecomella undulata) were studied under irrigated and rainfed conditions in the arid zone of India. Higher dehydrogenase activity (9.5 to 16.8∼p kat g soil−1), root colonization (58.3 to 68.5%) and spore density (132.5 to 234.7 spores 100 g soil−1) were observed in tree rhizosphere as compared to that in non-rhizosphere (7.4, 37.7 and 44.4). Irrigation had increased dehydrogenase activity by 22.1% while it reduced root colonization and spore density by 14.2% and 16.2%, respectively. Trees of A. indica had registered maximum growth while E. camaldulensis the least. Findings suggest that selection of A. nilotica, A. indica, and T. undulata for plantations of agroforestry in arid region would reduce the risk and ensure sustainability of the agroforestry system.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
