Effect of multi-purpose tree species on chemical properties of an acid Alfisol in Meghalaya

Abstract

A field investigation was initiated in 1987 at Barapani on an extremely P-deficient acid Alfisol to evaluate the multi-purpose tree species suitable for agro-forestry systems. Out of the 15 tree species studied, albizia [Periserianthesfalcataria(L.) Nielsen. syn Albizia molucama Miq.] indian alder (Alnus nepalensis D. Don), tree bean (Parkia roxburghiiG. Don) and champak(Michelia oblonga Wall. ex Hook. f. & Thoms.) were found promising for growth performance and timber volume. Different tree species intercropped with soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.}-linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) sequence increased the exchangeable Ca<sup<++</sup>, Mg<sup<++</sup> and K<sup<+</sup> and the Bray's P₂-phosphorus. The top soil under tree bean, champak and japanese cidar [Croptomeria japonica (L.f.) D. Don] was found enriched with Ca<sup<++</sup> (640-800 kg/ha) compared with the initial Ca content 480 kg/ha). Mg<sup<++</sup> content increased after 3 years of plantation under himalayan wild cherry (Prunus cerasoides D. Don). albizia and indian alder by 168--192 kg/ha compared with 120 kg/ha before plantation, and Bray's P₂-Pby 10-15 kg/hacompared with initial 2.4 kg/ha. However, the B content declined from 0.9 mg/kg to 0.55-0.88 mg/kg under champak. Himalayan cypress (Cupressus torulosa D. Don), japanese cidar and himalayan wild cherry. The tree species increased the exchangeable Ca<sup<++</sup>, K<sup<+</sup>. Mg <sup<++</sup>and P contents in the subsurface, due to the litter input by tree roots.