Growth and Biomass Production of Multipurpose Tree Species in Natural Grassland under Semi Arid Condition

Abstract

Introduction of multipurpose tree species (MPTs) in natural grasslands/established pastures have been recommended by several workers to increase productivity of degraded lands. These species provide nutritious fodder during lean period as well as fuel wood/timber for various domestic purposes. A field experiment was carried out from July, 1988 to June, 1998 at the Research Farm of National Research Centrefor Agroforestry, Jhansi (780 35'E longitude and 250 26'N latitude and 275 m altitude from mean sea level). The soilof experimental area was characterized as loamy sand (73.2% sand, 19.6% silt and 7.2% clay) having pH 7.21,Organic carbon 0.449% and total nitrogen 0.0358%. One year old seedlings of each of 12 MPTs wereplanted in randomised block design with two replications in a single row plot of 8 plants during July, 1988 ata spacingof 8m x 4m. The prominent natural grasses existed in the area were: Sehimanervosum, Heteropogoncontortus,Demostachyabipinnata, Dichanthiumannu/atum and Ap/udamutica. The legumes and forbs population wasvery poor. At the age of 10 years (June, 1998), 3 plants of each species were fell and data on growth and aboveground biomass were recorded and analysed for statistical significance.On the basis of 10 years growth and biomassproduction study, it is concluded that D. sissoo is themost suitable tree species for introduction in natural grassland in red gravelly soils followed by A. procera, L.leucocephala/, E. officinalis, D. cinerea and A. amara.