Effect of Limestone Mine Spoil and forest Soil-based Potting Media on Growth Performance of Different Tree Species under Nursery Conditions

Studies were conducted in polythene bags of size 12" × 20" (25 × 50 cm approx) to evaluate the effect of different combinations of lime mine spoil and forest soil (1 : 0, 5 : 1, 2 : 1,1 : 1, 1 : 5 and 1 : 2 v/v) on performance of five tree species viz; Bauhinia variegata, Robinia pseudoacacia, Eucalyptus hybrid, Grewia optiva and Toona ciliata. The experiment was carried out in polythene bags using randomized complete block design with three replications during 2001. The results show that combination of lime mine spoil-forest soil in the ratio of 1 : 5 and 1 : 2 (v/v) was found to be most effective with regard to survival, growth and biomass production parameters in all the five species. Eucalyptus hybrid gave maximum height, collar diameter, shoot dry weight, ischolar_main dry weight and total biomass whereas, survival was observed highest in Grewia optiva. Eucalyptus hybrid was followed by Bauhinia variegata, Grewia optiva, Robinia pseudoacacia and Toona ciliata in terms of growth parameters.