V. L. Goel , H. M. Behl , B. Singh

Abstract

Performance of eight species of Prosopis was evaluated in species × site interaction trials in order to identify promising species for short rotation energy plantations on sodic soil sites (pH 9.3 to 10.6). Seven of these species (P affinis, P. chilensis, P. fIexuosa, P. glandulosa, P. lampa, P. pallida and P. siliquastrum) were exotic while one (P. juliflora) was a local dominant species. Differences in plant adaptability (survival 43 to 98.7%), height (height 283.7 to 525.7 cm) and diameter (2.08 to 4.67 cm) among different species were highly significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01). Accordingly, basal area (0.77 to 9.44 m² ha^-1) and biomass productivity (1.59 to 29.4 Mg ha^-1) varied greatly among different species. Fuel wood value index (4.14 to 85.42) and usable energy content (31.43 to 559.7 GJ ha^-1) differed greatly among different species. Both the Peruvian species, P. pallida and P. affinis, were identified as the potential species for short rotation (5 years) renewable energy forestry programs on degraded soil sites. Both the selected species were almost similar to local dominant species (P. juliflora) and therefore should be associated with P. juliflora for increasing diversity. Other species, from Chile and Mexico, were significantly inferior (P < 0.05, 0.01) in terms of growth, productivity and energy potential as compared to local dominant (P. juliflora) and Peruvian species. Therefore, P. affinis and P. pallida are recommended for energy resource development on harsh soil conditions as companion species with P. juliflora.

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Neeta Srivastava , H. M. Behl

Abstract

Seedlings of Terminalia arjuna grown in different potting media were identified for superior quality. Growth biomass, leaf area and nutrient uptake were studied. The treatments consisted of four potting media:sand (T₁), sandy loam soil (T₂ ), alkaline soil mixed with sand, 4: 1 (T₃) and soil as in T₃ with additional amendment of farm yard manure, 4: 1 : 1 (T₄). Seedlings grown in sand (T₁ ) showed a poor performance and improved in T₃ and T₄ producing seven to eight times greater biomass compared to T₁ and T₂ treatments. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in seedling height, diameter and leaf area in T₃ and T₄ media compared to other treatments.Differences in seedling biomass and leaf area between T₃ and T₄ treatments were not significant. Leaves of seedlings grown in FYM amended medium had highest chlorophyll and protein content. Similarly, seedlings in this treatment showed increased uptake of Nand Fe compared to other treatments, however, it was not found to be critical in early stages of seedling growth and therefore uptake of these nutrients may be considered as luxury consumption since difference in seedling biomass between T₃ and T₄ was not significant. T. arjuna seedlings showed a high nitrogen use efficiency even in nutrient poor soil media, thus exhibiting a higher plasticity. These seedlings appear to be tolerant to sodic soil conditions FYM amendment was not found critical in growth promotion 180 days seedlings growth as it enhanced growth and nutrient uptake only to limited extent which was statistically insignificant.

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Bajrang Singh , H. M. Behl

Abstract

Experimental plantations of 3 clones of Populus deltoides (G3, G48 and D121) were evaluated in high density short rotation (4 yrs.) energy plantation (HDSREP) and conventional agroforestry plantations (AFP) of lO-yrs rotation on marginal lands. Clone D121, which was found better in HDSREP did not perform well in AFP trial. Whereas, clone G3 and G48, produced almost compatible biomass at 4 yrs and 8 yrs in these 2 sets of plantations. Proportions of stem biomass decreased with age. Nutrient accumulation was relatively high in G3 and D121 clones. Clone G48 has accumulated lowest N content in biomass and therefore appears to be better in nitrogen use efficiency. There are ample scope of Poplar cultivation on marginal lands of Gangetic plains to ensure some additional benefits either in HDSREP or in AFP over the slow growing indigenous trees. However, it is recommended in secondary plantation programmes to support and sustain the fast growth of this species. At first instance, abandoned marginal lands must be ameliorated substantially through the primary land use systems preferably with indigenous leguminous species. Therefore, cultivation of Poplar may be carried out to utilize such lands more efficiently with the appropriate soil and water management practices. However, yields equivalent to Tarai region of U.P. can not be expected due to limitations of environmental conditions.

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V. L. Goel , P. D. Dogra , H. M. Behl

Abstract

Plus tree selections were made from a 5-yr-old productivity trial of Prosopisjuliflora established on alkaline soil site. Twenty one plus trees were selected on the basis of phenotypic superiority in growth, tree form and disease resistance Minimum selection standard in terms of superiority percentage was 20% for height and 35% for diameter. Single half-sib progeny test of selected plus trees along with control was laid in nursery. Six families outperformed the rest as well as control both in respect to their height and collar diameter. Out of the six, three outstanding single tree progenies examined in field trial along with a check lot showed adaptive growth different among and within progenies. All the selected families outperformed the base population as well as the check lot. The study revealed that considerable gains can be achieved in P.juliflora if elite genotypes are selected, multiplied and used in afforestation programmes.

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A. N. Chaturvedi , H. M. Behl

Abstract

Usar soils occupy about 7 million hectare of land in India. These lands have reached a stage of very low productivity due to overuse. Twelve tree species were planted during October 1981 at uniform spacing of 1.5 × 1.5 m in plots of 40 m × 40 m. The plots were analyzed for their biomass production from two to eight years. The analysis was based on destructive sampling of trees from the surround and forming regression equations. The form of the equation was Weight = a + b D²H. Biomass estimations were carried out in the inner plots of 20 m × 20 m leaving a surround of 10 m all-round. The growing stock shows changing pattern. The species that grew fast in early phase did not perform well in later years. The site amelioration was studied at the beginning of thc trial and after four years. The site has shown all-round improvement though the rates vary with the species. No biomass was removed from the site and leaves, branches, pods etc. falling on the ground was permitted to recycle nutrients.

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A. K. Sinha , P. A. Shirke , U. V. Pathre , H. M. Behl

Abstract

Spectral characteristics of phyllodes associated with leaf position were investigated for fiveyear old A. auriculiformis trees. The spectral patterns for phyllodes were similar to true leaves. Overall absorptance was 88% with 7% reflectance and 3% transmittance. Phyllode at first position from the top of the branch showed lowest absorptance (83%) due to high reflectance and transmittance. Phyllodes at other positions did not show significant differences in their spectral patterns. Also both surfaces showed similar spectral properties indicating absolutely unifacial nature of two faces of A. auriculiformis phyllode.

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A. N. Chaturvedi , Shubhra Bhatia , H. M. Behl

Abstract

Wood biomass in IndIa is harvested mainly, for use as firewood. Most shrubs growing in degraded lands are multibranched. Tbe biomass assesement can be carried out with reasonable accuracy by measurement of diameter of the most prominent branch 50 cm above-ground and total height as well as the number of branches. The case study pertains to Acacia farnesiana. Sample regression for total green biomass is W= 0.6078 + 0.8528 ND²H (r²=0.8528, d. f =26). W (Welght) in kg, N in numbers, D&H in decimetres.

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