Allelopathic interactions in agroforestry systems

Agroforestry systems, growing of multipurpose tree species (MPTS) with arable crops has the potential to increase the total biomass production per unit area. It is an ideal technology to meet the food, fuel, fruit and fodder requirements for the future generations. MPTS not only fulfil the above requirements but are also capable of improving soil fertility, controlling erosion and ensures sustainability of the system in which they exist. In recent years, lot of interest has been generated regarding the allelopatic effects of MPTS in various agroforestry systems. The tree which is the dominant component in the agroforestry system affects the associated crops plants through the leaf fall, exudates and by chemicals which are released at various stages of decomposition of leaf litter. Large number of allelopathy experiments conducted on Eucalyptus, the main species in social forestry programmes and industrial plantations in India, conclusively established its allelopathic effects. In addition to Eucalyptus, the allelopathic proclivities of some commonly grown MPTS have also been discussed in this chapter.