Impact of Tree-Crop Distance on Pine (Pinus patula) Growth in Intercropping under the Plantations Establishments Livelihood Scheme (PELIS)

Background and Objective: In the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS) there is no recommended spacing between the crops and trees (microsite distances). Therefore, the study determined the influence of microsite distances on the growth of Pinus patula. Materials and Methods: In PELIS, the treatments constituted of P. patula and crops (cabbages) at tree crop microsite distance (20, 50, 100 and 150 cm). Plots of 10×10 m were replicated 3 times at two sites. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and significantly different means by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Growth of P. patula in terms of root collar diameter (RCD) and height was measured for 6 months. Results: The best growth in DBH and height occurred at a tree crop microsite distance of 100 cm followed by 50 cm which was significantly higher than the control (p<0.05). Similarly, the best growth trends in terms of average height occurred at a tree crop microsite distance of 100 cm followed by 50 cm which was significantly higher than the control (p<0.05) at both sites. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that in PELIS tree crop microsite distance is an important factor that affects the growth of trees and therefore it is recommended tree-cropping microsite distances of 100 and 50 cm for Pinus patula establishment.