The Effects of Woody Hosts on <I>Santalum album</I> L. Tree Growth Under Agroforestry In Semi-Arid North Gujarat, India

Bilas Singh; G. Singh; T. S. Rathore

doi:10.36808/if/2018/v144i4/119104

The Effects of Woody Hosts on Santalum album L. Tree Growth Under Agroforestry In Semi-Arid North Gujarat, India

Authors

Bilas Singh Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur
G. Singh Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur
T. S. Rathore Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2018/v144i4/119104

Keywords:

Agroforestry, S. album, Heartwood Formation, Soil Nutrients, Woody Hosts.

Abstract

Suitable hosts play an important role in the survival, establishment and growth of Santalum album L. Growth and heartwood contents of S. album trees aged 6 years cultivated on farm land in association with Citrus aurantium, Punica granatum and Casuarina equisetifolia as host species, were studied to identify the most suitable host. Survival, height, collar diameter, crown size and clear bole of S. album trees were greater when grown with C. aurantium than the other two hosts. Heartwood formation in S. album was initiated in trees >9 cm diameter at breast height (DBH), irrespective of host species. Relatively greater value of DBH: height ratio of S. album in the case of P. granatum indicates suitability of this species as a long term host. Soil organic carbon and available NH₄ -N, NO₃-N and PO₄-P were highest under the canopy zone soil of C. equisetifolia and lowest under the soil of C. aurantium. C. aurantium was the best host at 6-7 years of age as indicated by an efficient utilization of soil resources enhancing the growth of S. album, whereas P. granatum may be suitable long term host. These host species may be replicated in other regions for greater benefits to farmers.

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