Selection and Propagation of Perennial Shrubby Hedges for the Protection of Coastal Dunes of Digha and its Adjoining Areas, West Bengal

Sandy soils of Digha coast of West Bengal, close to Odisha border, are prone to soil erosion due to tidal waves while some naturally growing hedge plants showed ability to bind sand dunes. Field study shows that species like, Acanthus ilicifolius L., Euphorbia tithymaloides L., Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br., Justicia adhatoda L., J. gendarussa L., Lantana camara L., Pluchea indica (L.) Less, Vitex negundo L., Volkameria inermis L., act as potential sand dune binding plants. The selection and propagation study made for two years reveal encouraging results for Acanthus ilicifolius, Ipomoea carnea, Ipomoea pes-caprae, Lantana camara, Pluchea indica, Vitex negundo and Volkameria inermis in protecting coastal sand dunes. Propagation and survival study suggest that both the species of Ipomoea, viz., I. carnea and I. pes-caprae show the highest survival percent above 93%, while Acanthus ilicifolius shows 60% result. Regarding soil binding property of the coastal hedge plants, it appears that plants like Justicia gendarussa, Lantana camara, Pluchea indica and Vitex negundo show better performances as soil binders. Volkameria inermis, Ipomoea carnea, Lantana camara and Euphorbia tithymaloides have made better performances in both mixed soil and sandy soil, while Acanthus ilicifolius and Ipomoea pes-caprae made better performances in sandy soils.