Effect of leaf litters application on the growth and biomass production of Azadirachta indica A. Juss seedling.

摘要

The response of Azadirachta indica A. Juss seedlings to applied leaf litters from three sources viz. Leucaena leucocephala (Lam), de Wit, Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poir and Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. at three levels each (20 gm, 40 gm and 60 gm kg-1 of soil) was assessed in a completely randomized design with three replications. Each treatment consisted of 25 seedlings. The data on height and collar diameter and biomass yield indicated that leaf litter had significant effect on these parameters. The maximum seedling height (85.6 cm) and collar diameter (1.28 cm) was recorded with leaf litter applied at 60 gm kg-1 of soil, which was statistically at par with 40 gm kg-1. Highest plant height (93.0 cm) was recorded with S. grandiflora leaf litter applied @ 40 gm kg-1 soil. However, maximum collar diameter was recorded with S. grandiflora leaf litter applied @ 60 gm kg-1 soil. Total biomass yield varied from 24.93 gm in control to 53.84 gm in the plants supplemented with 60 gm of L. leucocephala. This study infers that S. grandiflora leaf application @ 40 gm kg-1 of soil is the optimum level for the plant growth whereas 60 gm L. lecucocephala leaf application is suitable for augmenting biomass yield.