Tree growth climate relationship in plantation teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) grown in Thrissur district, Kerala

Abstract

The present study ―Tree growth climate relationship in plantation teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) grown in Thrissur District, Kerala‖ was conducted to develop tree-ring chronologies from plantation teak (Tectona grandis ) at the site Vazhani in Thrissur forest division, Kerala, to understand the relationship between climate and tree growth. The work was carried out at the Department of Wood Science, College of forestry, KAU, Vellanikkara, Thrissur. The study samples were selected from the sample collection in the Department of Wood Science, College of Forestry. The collected samples are thinned and sanded with different grades of sand papers to expose the growth rings. Statistical parameters like SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) and EPS (Expressed Population Signal) showed a good dendroclimatic potential. Weather parameters such as rainfall, temperature and moisture index showed significant positive and negative correlation with Ring Width Index. Summer temperature, showed significant positive correlation and annual temperature showed negative correlation. South West monsoon rainfall showed significant positive correlation. Correlation between Ring Width Index and Moisture Index showed positive correlation during previous year North East monsoon.