Chand, Gopi and Singh , R D (2008) GROWTH BEHAVIOUR OF SOME TREE SPECIES IN HIGH DENSITY PLANTATION IN MID HILLS OF WESTERN HIMALAYA. Indian Forester, 135 (3). pp. 361-372.

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Abstract

The study on growth and biomass production of some fast growing tree species for short rotation high density energy plantation was conducted in the agroclimatic conditions of Palampur in the Indian western Himalaya. The objectives of this study were to develop agrotechniques for raising fast growing fuel-wood species to reduce pressure on natural forests; and to educate rural community to raise such plantations for improving their socio-economic status. The observations on vertical and radial growth, fresh biomass and dry matter production were recorded up to 72 months after planting (MAP). The study involved three factors viz., plant species (10 No.), plant spacing (2 types) and doses of NPK fertilizers (4 doses). At 24 MAP, the effect of fertilizers was more evident in terms of vertical growth than radial growth. The plant height showed an increasing trend with increase in fertilizer doses. The highest plant height was recorded in Eucalyptus hybrid followed by Populus deltoides, while Salix tetrasperma showed the poorest vertical growth. In terms of stem diameter, Eucalyptus hybrid was the best species followed by Grevillea robusta and Trewia nudiflora. Application of N:P2O5:K2O::150:75:75 kg/ha provided thicker stem in comparison of the lower fertiliser doses. At 36 MAP, G. robusta produced significantly highest vertical growth followed by Jacaranda acutifolia and Eucalyptus hybrid, while Bauhinia variegata showed significantly highest radial growth followed by Eucalyptus and G. robusta. Except G. robusta, Toona ciliata and Morus alba, the lowest fertiliser dose (50:25:25 kg/ha) provided significantly highest vertical and radial growth rate, at 36 MAP. At 36 MAP, significantly highest fresh and dry biomass (oven dry) per plant was produced by Eucalyptus followed by G. robusta and Melia azedarach. The maximum dry weight (62%) was recorded in case of M. alba. At 72 MAP, the significantly highest fresh and dry weight per plant were recorded in Eucalyptus followed by G. robusta, T. ciliata and M. azedarach. Amongst the plants not treated with fertilizers, the highest fresh and dry weight were obtained from G. robusta planted at 1m x 1m spacing. The same species when planted closer at 1m x 0.71m spacing was comparable to Eucalyptus. Amongst all the test species, G. robusta had highest calorific value (25.76 kj/g in wood, 26.17 kj/g in bark). The parameters under this study reveal that Eucalyptus and G. robusta were unaffected by the adversities of the environment, while S. tetrasperma was most vulnerable species.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Plant sciences
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Dr. Aparna Maitra Pati
Date Deposited:	02 Jan 2012 07:39
Last Modified:	02 Jan 2012 07:39
URI:	http://ihbt.csircentral.net/id/eprint/723

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