Influence of different spacings of D. stocksii on Physico-chemical properties of soil and Growth performance in humid region of Kerala.

Abstract

In the present study the growth attributes of bamboo, Dendrocalamus stocksii were significantly affected by adopting varied spacings. As the spacing increased from closer to wider, all growth parameters (except the culm height and internodal length) were found to increase. The culm height was maximum (8.12 m) under the closest spacing (8x4 m) and 7.27 m in the widest spacing (8x8 m), with an increment of 0.85m. The maximum values for culm diameter (38.08 mm), number of culms per clump (58.00), crown width (8.48 m), and clump girth (4.06 m) was found in the wider spacing (8x8 m) while the minimum values were in closer spacing (8 x 4 m).  All the physicochemical properties of soil under bamboo showed a decreasing trend with an increase in spacings and soil depths except bulk density and soil pH which showed an increasing trend. The electrical conductivity (EC) and soil moisture content (SMC) was influenced by bamboo spacing was highest (0.285 and 17.59 %) under closer spacing and lowest under bamboo less open plot. Soil organic carbon percentage at top soil was highest (1.12 %) in closer spacing (8x4 m) and lowest was under bamboo less open plot. At top soil, 8x4 m bamboo spacing recorded the highest available NPK (324.12, 28.60, and 161.1 kg/ha respectively) and available S, Ca, and Mg (10.06, 278.40, and 124.52 mg/kg respectively) while lowest was in bamboo less open plot. Physico-chemical properties was found to be improved with maximum amount of nutrient reserves in closest spacing (8x4 m). This could be seen as a viable option for the reclamation of degraded lands while the widest spacing (8x8 m) can be recommend as a farming practice from agroforestry point of view for higher economic returns.