DOI: 10.54207/bsmps1000-1994-23q1sa ISSN: 0971-9431

Growth and Biomass of Populus deltoides G3 Marsh Grown at Three Plant Spacings in Arid India

O. Toky, R. Bisht, N. Kumar, R. Singh
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Height and diameter increments, above-ground biomass and net primary productivity of 5-year old Populus deltoides G3 trees raised with 2 x 2 m, 4 x 4 m and 6 x 6 m spacing at Hisar (29o 10’ N, 75o 46’ E, 215 m alt.) in arid climate of north-western India, were measured. Diameter ranged widely (P<0.05) from 16.8 cm in 2 x 2 m spacing to 26.5 cm in 6 x 6 m spacing, while height of the tree did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Height increment was comparatively higher during second year, while diameter increment was higher during second to fourth years. Standing biomass and net primary productivity were inversely related to increase in plant spacing. Thus, maximum biomass (153.2 t/ha) was recorded in 2 x 2 m spacing and minimum (28.6 t/ha) in 6 x 6 m spacing, with net primary productivity of 34.5 t/ha/yr and 9.9 t/ha/yr, respectively. The results are important from the points of view of biomass production in short rotation forestry, or/and volume increment for pulp production.

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