Effect of sodicity levels on below and above ground biomass of clonal plantation of Eucalyptus tereticornis

Abstract

The present study aimed at understanding the effect of soil sodicity on below and above growth pattern of Eucalyptus tereticornis clonal plantation with soil pH level up to 10.0 and high sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Study was carried out in one and two years old E. tereticornis field plantations in District Kurukshetra, Haryana. Tree volume decreased by 20% in pH range of 8.21-8.70 and 60% in pH levels greater than 8.71 as compared to normal soil. The first and second order lateral roots were found in the upper 0-30 cm soil depth and roots were spread horizontally in sodic soils whereas in normal soils, the roots were found to go up to a depth of 75 cm. Number of first order laterals was more in sodic soils as compared to normal soils.