Root distribution pattern studies to assess the foraging zone in Melia dubia Cav.

Melia dubia is one of the important tree species in agroforestry models across India owing to its multifarious utilities, compatibility with various agricultural, horticultural and forage crops. Inspite pan prevalence, research data pertaining spatial distribution root system scarce which primarily responsible for determination capacity absorb water nutrients preferentially over other allied Belowground competitions are major constraints successful intercropping woody/agroforestry ecosystems thus roots assumes paramount importance. The pattern selected trees a twelve-year-old Malabar neem (Melia Cav.) plantation grown at 4 m x spacing was studied using logarithmic spiral trench technique assess level competitive/complementary impacts system. Root intensity decreased steadily as diameter classes increased function soil depth well lateral distance. It observed that 65.07 % total on profile wall were fine (size class 2.5 to5.0 mm). Major share occupied near base 60.14% found be accumulated upper 20 cm layer soil. In terms distance, maximum number recorded 0.26 431.1 m-2, 65.85% concentrated within 80 distance from tree.