“Studies on growth potential, biomass production and nutrient status of Acacia catechu Willd. under low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh”
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Date
2016
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ABSTRACT
The present investigation entitled, “Studies on growth potential, biomass production and nutrient status of Acacia catechu Willd. under low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh” was carried out during the year 2013-2015 at 24 sites under 6 different forest types viz. Dry Shiwalik Sal forest, Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous forest, Dry Deciduous Scrub forest, Lower Shiwalik Chirpine forest and Dry Riverine forest including 1 Acacia catechu plantation. The various observations regarding different growth parameters, standing volume and aboveground biomass was taken from trees present in the sample plot. Total volume, biomass and carbon were maximum under Lower Shiwalik Chirpine forest. However, in case of Acacia catechu, maximum volume was observed under Lower Shiwalik Chirpine forest while maximum biomass and carbon was observed under Acacia catechu plantations. Crown width and crown area were maximum under Lower Shiwalik Chirpine forest. Total Established stocking % as well as Established stocking % w.r.t. Acacia catechu was maximum under Lower Shiwalik Chirpine forest. Statistically significant variations were observed for all the parameters under different forest types. The plant genetic spectrum comprised of rich diversity made up of 74 genera with 86 species belonging to 43 families. SDI for trees was maximum under Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest, while for shrubs and herbs it was maximum under Dry Riverine forest and Acacia catechu plantations respectively. All soil parameters (organic carbon, bulk density, electrical conductivity, available nitrogen, available potassium and available phosphorus) showed a decreasing trend with increasing depth except soil pH. Nutrient concentration was more in case of foliage than branches in all the forest types.
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Acacia catechu Willd, biomass production and nutrient status