The influence of karité (Vitellaria paradoxa) and néré (Parkia biglobosa) trees on sorghum production in Burkina Faso

Reference Type Journal Article
Year of Publication
1992
Contributors Author: J. J. Kessler
Journal
Agroforestry Systems
Volume
17
Issue
2
Pagination
97-118
Date Published
02/1992
Language
English
Download citation
Collection Topic
Keywords
Abstract

Sorghum grain yields under the karité and the néré are reduced by an average of 50% and 70% respectively, in comparison with yields in the open field. Soil fertility, limiting primary production in the region, is at least as favorable under the tree canopies as in the open field. Reduced light intensity, to a minimum of 20% under the néré canopy, is probably largely responsible for low sorghum production under the tree canopies. Benefits from the tree products are more valuable than losses in cereal yields, explaining why trees are maintained on the agricultural fields.

Pruning of tree branches, selection of (shade-) crops and tree selection could reduce crop yield losses but cannot be expected to increase tree- and crop production.

URL
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00053116
DOI
10.1007/BF00053116
Journal Abbreviation
Agroforest Syst
ISSN
0167-4366; 1572-9680