Harsha T Hegde
Evaluation of tree species for growth, wood properties and leaf nutrient content - Vellanikkara Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry 2008
The present study was conducted in the College of Forestry, Kera1a Agricultural University, Vellanikkara to evaluate the growth performance, biomass production, wood properties and leaf nutrient content of the selected tree species grown in the arboretum during the period 2006 to 2008. The species selected for the study includes Adenanthera pavonina, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Bridelia retusa, Ceiba pentandra, Hydnocarpus wightiana, Hymenodictyon excelsum, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Pterocarpus santalinus, Samadera indica and Tectona grandis. Data related to growth measurements from 1992 to 2006 have been collected from the college department.
The results revealed that the species like Tectona grandis, Ceiba pentandra and Artocarpus heterophyllus were fast growing in terms of height and girth while Samadera indica as slow growing. Peltophorum pterocarpum produced highest number of branches. The spread was the maximum for Artocarpus heterophyllus followed by Adenanthera pavonina. During the end of the study in 2008, maximum volume increment was recorded by Ceiba pentandra while the lowest was for Samadera indica.
The total biomass production was found to be the maximum for Ceiba pentandra in terms of fresh and Adenanthera pavonina in terms of dry weight while the lowest total biomass was produced by Pterocarpus santalinus in terms of both fresh and dry weights. Trunk accounted for maximum biomass production followed by branches. The contribution of trunk was followed by branches in all the tree species except Ceiba pentandra where the dry weight of leaves was more than that of branches. Adenanthera pavonina, Tectona grandis and Pterocarpus santalinus produced more heartwood percentage compared to other species. Sapwood percentage recorded was the maximum for Samadera indica. Pterocarpus santalinus, Hydnocarpus wightiana and Ceiba pentandra were having high calorific values and hence could be used for fuel wood purpose also. Specific gravity was found to be the maximum for Samadera indica and minimum for Pterocarpus santalinus. Leaf tissue nitrogen content was significantly highest in Adenanthera pavonina followed by Pterocarpus santalinus. The phosphorus content was found to be the maximum in Artocarpus heterophyllus while minimum in Ceiba pentandra. Leaves of Tectona grandis recorded the maximum content of potassium while the lowest was for Artocarpus heterophyllus.
The present series of investigations indicate the scope of selecting fast growing tree species with high biomass production, better wood qualities and high foliage nutrient content for distribution to farmers for social/agroforestry and even for general afforestation programmes.
634.9 / HAR/EV
Evaluation of tree species for growth, wood properties and leaf nutrient content - Vellanikkara Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry 2008
The present study was conducted in the College of Forestry, Kera1a Agricultural University, Vellanikkara to evaluate the growth performance, biomass production, wood properties and leaf nutrient content of the selected tree species grown in the arboretum during the period 2006 to 2008. The species selected for the study includes Adenanthera pavonina, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Bridelia retusa, Ceiba pentandra, Hydnocarpus wightiana, Hymenodictyon excelsum, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Pterocarpus santalinus, Samadera indica and Tectona grandis. Data related to growth measurements from 1992 to 2006 have been collected from the college department.
The results revealed that the species like Tectona grandis, Ceiba pentandra and Artocarpus heterophyllus were fast growing in terms of height and girth while Samadera indica as slow growing. Peltophorum pterocarpum produced highest number of branches. The spread was the maximum for Artocarpus heterophyllus followed by Adenanthera pavonina. During the end of the study in 2008, maximum volume increment was recorded by Ceiba pentandra while the lowest was for Samadera indica.
The total biomass production was found to be the maximum for Ceiba pentandra in terms of fresh and Adenanthera pavonina in terms of dry weight while the lowest total biomass was produced by Pterocarpus santalinus in terms of both fresh and dry weights. Trunk accounted for maximum biomass production followed by branches. The contribution of trunk was followed by branches in all the tree species except Ceiba pentandra where the dry weight of leaves was more than that of branches. Adenanthera pavonina, Tectona grandis and Pterocarpus santalinus produced more heartwood percentage compared to other species. Sapwood percentage recorded was the maximum for Samadera indica. Pterocarpus santalinus, Hydnocarpus wightiana and Ceiba pentandra were having high calorific values and hence could be used for fuel wood purpose also. Specific gravity was found to be the maximum for Samadera indica and minimum for Pterocarpus santalinus. Leaf tissue nitrogen content was significantly highest in Adenanthera pavonina followed by Pterocarpus santalinus. The phosphorus content was found to be the maximum in Artocarpus heterophyllus while minimum in Ceiba pentandra. Leaves of Tectona grandis recorded the maximum content of potassium while the lowest was for Artocarpus heterophyllus.
The present series of investigations indicate the scope of selecting fast growing tree species with high biomass production, better wood qualities and high foliage nutrient content for distribution to farmers for social/agroforestry and even for general afforestation programmes.
634.9 / HAR/EV