A Model for Periodical Augmentation of Income of the Communities Involved in Shelterbelt Plantations

Abstract

Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. was introduced in the shelterbelt zone in traditional plantations of CasuQrina equisetijolia L. The plantations were raised in 3 ha through the coastal Vana Samrakshana Samithi at Chippada in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. Mixed plantations of the two species were tried in two independent blocks adopting 3 × 3 m and 2.5 × 2.5 m spacings separately. In addition, monospecific plantation of E. citriodora was tried independently in 2 × 2 m spacing. Striking difference could not be noticed in the yield of essential oil from E. citriodora obtained from the three kinds of spacings employed. However, mixed plantation with 2.5 × 2.S m spacing gave relatively better oil yield than the other two spacings. Average essential oil yield from the entire plantation area of 3 ha during each quarter from the third year onwards was 2.334 L priced at ' 300/- kg. The timber yield from C. equisetifolia on their attaining commercially exploitable size after five years was approxi mated to be 30 m³