Effect of lopping on the top feed production and growth of Prosopis cineraria

Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce is extensively lopped for fodder by farmers in the arid and semi arid areas of Rajasthan. Generally, complete lopping is practised. The effect of different lopping intensities on the growth and fodder yield of this species has been studied and the results are reported in the present paper. It was found that lopping does not significantly affect the height and dbh growth or the fodder production. It was determined that complete lopping was detrimental in nature for better diameter growth. It would be advisable to lop the trees moderately (approximately 2/3 of the crown length) preferably with a gap between successive lopping for better fodder yield on a sustained basis.