Morphology and Biomass Parameters of <I>Pinus roxburghii</I> Sargent Seedlings as Affected by Container Type and Growing Medium

Abstract

The effect of containers and growing media was observed on morphological and biomass parameters of Pinus roxburghii Sargent seedlings. Different container types and growing media significantly influenced growth and biomass parameters of the seedlings. Polybags seedlings recorded maximum values for most of the parameters and these were in descending order for seedlings raised in coffee cups, hiko trays, earthen containers and root trainer cups. Biomass parameters increased with increase in container size and were maximum for polybags. However, on hikotray volume basis, biomass parameters were highest in hikotray raised plants. Among growing media, Farm yard Manure (FYM) and pine bark raised seedlings recorded higher values of growth and biomass parameters than other growing media.