TREE GROWTH AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION IN MELIA AZEDARACH ON FARM BOUNDARIES IN SEMIARID REGION

摘要

Representative eight-year old trees of Melia azedarch planted in single line on farm boundary were felled for estimation of aerial biomass production. The trees were grouped into three diameter classes. Maximum number of trees were recorded in the diameter range of >22 cm. The trees contributed a total biomass production of 21.1 t/ha of which 66, 24 and 10 per cent were contributed by minor timber, firewood and fodder, respectively. Considering the overall phytomass production, the additional productivity in a rainfed farm was estimated to be 2.64 t/ha/year on a rotation of eight years. Biomass prediction equations based on regression analysis with D2, dbh and D~2H were developed. The relationship of bole and total aerial biomass was found to be strong with all the predictor variables whereas relationship of foliage was strong with D~2 and D~2H only.