Study of Mortality of Eucalyptus Plantations in the Mahi Ravines, Central Gujarat

Abstract

Experimental plantations of Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Dehn., (Bangalore) and Eucalyptus hybrid (Syn. Eucalyptus
tereticornis Sm., Bangalore) were raised in 1963 on the sandy
alluvium of ravine lands along the Mahi river at the farm
of Soil Conservation Research, Demonstration and Training
Centre, Vasad (Gujar&t). The plantations indicated stunted
growth in 1965, and some trees started dying after growing
to a height of 5-6 meters. Symptoms of chlorosis developed
in the leaves of affected trees. Factors like rainfall, soil
moisture, soil analysis and leaf analysis have been discussed
in the context of the above performance of the plantations.
The soil was also examined for the presence of any pathogens
on the roots of the dying trees and in the associated root
zone. The plantation has suffered due to soil moisture deficiency
and lime induced chlorosis of the leaves.