Mortality of <I>Dalbergia sissoo</I> Roxb. and Relationship to Edaphic Factors in Arid Zone of Haryana, India

Abstract

A. two years survey of Dalbergia sissoo plantations in arid zone of Haryana, India revealed nearly 29% mortality of D. sissoo trees, being maximum among roadside plantations. The medium girth class (50-100 cm) trees exhibited maximum mortality and most of declined trees were prone to water stress conditions. Nearly 25% declined trees had calcareous pan in their root zone. The analysis of soil physico-chemical properties beneath healthy and declined trees exposed significantly high pH and electrical conductivity in sites having declined sissoo trees. While N, P, K, Mg contents of soil were recorded significantly higher beneath healthy trees. Significant reduction in the amount of N, P, K and Fe accumulation in foliage of declined trees as compared to healthy trees was also observed.