Growth Assessment of Acacia catechu under Resource Constraints

The present study was undertaken to assess the growth performance of 5 year old Acacia catechu tree under resource constraints (nutrient and moisture) in mid-hill condition of Himachal Pradesh. The results revealed that tree responded positively to the application of nutrient and moisture. The application of fertilizer, irrigation and mulch in combination resulted in an increase of 123 and 162 per cent in CAI and biomass production, respetively over control. The per cent increase in foliar macronutrients content - N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S with the application of all resources was recorded to the tune of 26, 79, 12, 13, 17 and 15 per cent over control. However, available nutrients content exhibited a decreasing trend. The application of all resources in combination resulted in substantial build up of available macronutrients, particularly N, P and K. The correlation studies indicated that the sub-surface soil nutrient status is an important factor governing the growth performance and nutrient content of tree species.