Abstract:
Tree root pruning is a potential tool for managing below-ground competition when
trees and crops are grown together in agroforestry systems. This study investigates its
effects on growth and root distribution of Alnus acuminata (HB & K), Casuarina
equisetifolia (L), Grevillea robusta (A. Cunn. ex R. Br), Maesopsis eminii (Engl.),
and Markhamia lutea (Benth.) K. Schum. and on yield of adjacent crops in sub-humid
Uganda. The trees were 3 years old at the commencement of the study, and most
species were competing strongly with crops. Tree roots were pruned 41 months after
planting by cutting and back-filling a trench to a depth of 0.3 m, at a distance of 0.3 m
from the trees, on one side of the tree row.