Short communication: biomass production and soil amelioration in a high density terminalia arjuna plantation on soidc soils

摘要

Three plant densities of Terminalia arjuna (10 000, 20 000 and 30 000 plants ha~-1) established on a sodic wasteland, were evaluated for their biomass production potential, energy content and soil amelioration at Lucknow, India (80 °53' E; 26?45' N). Height, diameter and biomass production increased significantly (P<0.05) form lower to higher plant density. The yearly growth and biomass accumulation also increased significantly upto six years. The highest density plantation accumulated 516 GJ ha~-1 energy content at six years. The impact of the plant density on soil properties showed a significant reduction in soil bulk density, whereas the porosity and water holding capacity of the soil increased at the highest density. Soil pH, exchangeable sodium percentage and exchangeable Na~+ were reduced with the plant age and plant density whereas organic C, K~+, Ca~++ and Mg~++ cations increased with plant growth as well as plant density.