Contribution of Grass Component (Ground Storey) in Afforested Areas in Arid Regions

Production of grass in areas afforested with Prosopis cineraria, Albizzla lebbak, Tecomella undulata and Acacia senegal in arid conditions of Jodhpur for five years (1972-76) was evaluated. Total forage production under the species averaged to 1.494, 1.352, 1.413 and 0.634 t/ha respectlvely, when population of respective tree species was 566.6, 283.3, 383.3 and 1516.6 per hectare. Contribution of perennial species was highest (74.77%) under Prosopis cineraria and least under Tecomella undulata (53.72%) and Acacia senegal(52.5%). Forage production was influenced by total precipitation and also its pattern of distribution; maximum being during 1973 and least being during 1974 and 1972. Perennial species contributed highest during the years when precipitation was low and/or ill distributed, indicating drought hardy nature of perennial grass species.