Root architecture and soil properties of promising Eucalyptus clones for farm forestry
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Date
2022-06-07
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Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, OUAT, Bhubaneswar
Abstract
An investigation entitled “Root architecture and soil properties of promising Eucalyptus clones for farm forestry” was conducted at R & D Field of JK Paper Mill, Rayagada as well as in College of Forestry, OUAT, Bhubaneswar during 2021-22. The experiment was consisting of 15 clones of eucalyptus and laid out in RBD with three replications. The clones were planted at a spacing of 3.0m x1.5m in 2013 and their root architecture and effect on soil properties were studied after eight years of establishment. The plantation area comes under North-Eastern Ghat agroclimatic zone of Odisha. The laboratory works were carried out at College of Forestry, OUAT, Bhubaneswar. After eight years of establishment, it was found that clone JKSC-ECD recorded highest collar girth (0.77m) and IFGTB-4 recorded the lowest collar girth (0.51m). Clone JKSC-ECD produced longest primary root (2.51m) and IFGTB-4 generated the shortest primary root (1.30m). With regard to number of lateral roots, JKSC-ECD registered highest (60.33) and CPM-288 the lowest number (44). With regard to rhizosphere area JKSC-ECD occupied maximum root spread area (6.91m2) whereas CTA-7.2 covered least area (3.04m2). As far the fresh weight is concerned, JKSC-ECD produced highest (140.73 t/ha) and IFGTB-4 was the lowest (22.79 t/ha). Moisture content % was highest in CTA-8GS274 (55.84%) and lowest in CPM-2070 (30.75%). The maximum dry weight was recorded in JKSC-ECD (83.34 t/ha) while lowest was found in IFGTB-4 (15.08 t/ha). JKSC-ECD registered the highest carbon storage (41.67 t/ha) and IFGTB-4 secured the lowest (7.54 t/ha). Highest bark % was recorded in clone CPM-2313 (10.83%) and lowest in JKPM-316 (5.54%). Regarding soil chemical characteristics, highest pH was found under JKSC-ECD (5.63) and lowest in IFGTB-4 (4.60). Organic carbon was maximum under JKSC-ECD (0.67%) and lowest under IFGTB-4 (0.38%). In case of available N, highest was recorded under JKSC-ECD (435.12 kg/ha) and lowest under IFGTB-4 (285.40 kg/ha). Available P was found maximum under JKSC-ECD (46 kg/ha) and minimum under IFGTB-4 (25.01 kg/ha). With regard to available potassium, highest was recorded under JKSC-ECD (251.97 kg/ha) and lowest in IFGTB-4 (140.14 kg/ha). IFGTB-4 recorded the highest population of fungi (5.01 × 104), the lowest population of fungi was recorded in JKSC-ECD (1.23 × 104). JKSC-ECD registered the highest population of bacteria (10.86 × 106), the lowest population of bacteria was witnessed in IFGTB-4 (3.31 ×106). JKSC-ECD resulted the highest population of actinomycetes (8.78 × 105) while IFGTB-4 recorded the lowest population of actinomycetes (4.4 × 105). From overall productivity point of view, JKSC-ECD clone of Eucalyptus camaldulensis may be considered as the best among the clones tested.