Question:
Alley cropping trees are generally
Alley cropping trees are generally
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Ideal Alley Tree: N-fixer + Deep roots + Fast-rotting leaves + Tolerant to heavy pruning. Remember Leucaena (Subabul) as the textbook example.
Updated On: Aug 7, 2026
- Having nitrogen‐fixing ability
- Having a shallow root system
- Having large canopy
- Having a slow decomposing rate of litter
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Alley cropping (Hedgerow intercropping) involves growing food crops in "alleys" formed by rows of trees or shrubs that are regularly pruned. The question asks for a desirable characteristic of the trees used in this system.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• Alley Cropping Requirements: Since trees and crops are in close proximity, the trees must help the crops rather than compete with them.
• Nitrogen-fixing Ability (A): Most ideal alley cropping species (like Leucaena leucocephala or Gliricidia sepium) are nitrogen-fixers. They add "free" fertilizer to the soil through their root nodules and nutrient-rich prunings. This is a highly desirable trait.
• Evaluating other options:
- Roots: We want deep root systems (not shallow, B) to minimize competition with shallow-rooted crops for water and nutrients.
- Canopy: We want narrow/open canopies (not large, C) to allow maximum sunlight to reach the crops in the alleys.
- Litter: We want a fast decomposing rate (not slow, D) so that nutrients from prunings are released quickly for the annual crops.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Nitrogen-fixing ability is a standard and sought-after trait for trees used in alley cropping.
Alley cropping (Hedgerow intercropping) involves growing food crops in "alleys" formed by rows of trees or shrubs that are regularly pruned. The question asks for a desirable characteristic of the trees used in this system.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• Alley Cropping Requirements: Since trees and crops are in close proximity, the trees must help the crops rather than compete with them.
• Nitrogen-fixing Ability (A): Most ideal alley cropping species (like Leucaena leucocephala or Gliricidia sepium) are nitrogen-fixers. They add "free" fertilizer to the soil through their root nodules and nutrient-rich prunings. This is a highly desirable trait.
• Evaluating other options:
- Roots: We want deep root systems (not shallow, B) to minimize competition with shallow-rooted crops for water and nutrients.
- Canopy: We want narrow/open canopies (not large, C) to allow maximum sunlight to reach the crops in the alleys.
- Litter: We want a fast decomposing rate (not slow, D) so that nutrients from prunings are released quickly for the annual crops.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Nitrogen-fixing ability is a standard and sought-after trait for trees used in alley cropping.
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