Research Article | Published: 01 December 2009

Influence of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on growth of Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala L.) and soil quality in semi arid tropics

G. R. Korwar, G. Pratibha and V. Ravi

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 32 | Issue: 4 | Page No. 513-516 | 2009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2009-OC2G82 | Cite this article

Abstract

Studies were conducted at Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR), Hyderabad during 2002-2004 to evaluate the effect of conjunctive use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on the growth and performance of Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala), and soil properties. Plant height and diameter at breast height (DBH) of leucaena increased in all the treatments tested, the highest increment was observed with application of Vermicompost. Over a 30-months period, vermicompost recorded higher percent increment in plant height (35.7) and DBH (40.8) as compared to rest of the treatments. The soil nutrient concentration was higher in tree plots as compared with no tree plots. Tree plot recorded 137.7 and 5% higher organic carbon, N and K2O content respectively than no tree plot, and this is mainly through contribution of leaf litter. However, the P2O5 content of tree plots was only 39% of no tree plots, indicating depletion of P in these soils, which are inherently low in P. The findings of this study suggest necessity of P fertilizer application in high-density intensive short rotation agroforestry systems.

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How to cite

Korwar, G.R., Pratibha, G. and Ravi, V., 2009. Influence of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on growth of Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala L.) and soil quality in semi arid tropics. Indian Journal of Forestry, 32(4), pp.513-516. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2009-OC2G82

Publication History

Manuscript Published on 01 December 2009

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