SHARMA, JAI PALMAHAJAN, AMAN2021-10-292021-10-292021-10https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810177520ABSTRACT The present research entitled “Effect of spacing on growth and wood parameters of willow clones”. The three clones (J-799, J-194 and Kashmiri) were planted in plantation densities of 1 × 1 m (10000 plants/ha), 1 × 2 m (5000 plants/ha) and 1 × 3 m (3333 plants/ha) in randomized complete block design in the year 2017 in the Khaltoo experimental field of the department of Tree Improvement and Genetic Resources. Three-year-old growth and coppice growth of one year was recorded. The plant height (5.86 m) recorded in three-yearold plantation significantly higher in closest spacing (1 × 1 m) and lowest (3.93 m) in widest spacing (1 × 3 m). The plants planted in widest spacing recorded maximum (6.82 cm) basal diameter. Volume index per hectare basis was maximum (173.61 m3 ha-1) in spacing of 1 × 1 m. Maximum total green biomass per hectare (730.90 q/ha) was recorded in 1 × 1 m and (730.21 q/ha) in J-194 clone. Wood physical properties, fibre length (0.72 mm) and moisture content (84.14 %) were observed maximum in Kashmiri clone. Lignin content (21.69 %) was recorded maximum in 1 × 3 m. The maximum height (3.88 m) in one year old coppice recorded in 1 × 1 m and maximum coppice diameter (2.86 cm) was recorded in 1 × 3 m. Volume index of coppice per hectare (13.37 m3/ha) was recorded maximum in 1 × 1 m and minimum (7.71 m3/ha) in 1 × 3 m. Therefore, the spacing of 1 × 1 m was found more suitable for maximising growth for raising the willow crops in short rotation forestry.EnglishThesis