Assessment of <i>Bambusa tulda</i> Plantation Performance in a Semi-Arid Landscape using Field and Geospatial Analysis in Central India

Pradeep Mishra

doi:10.36808/if/2026/v152i6/171210

Assessment of Bambusa tulda Plantation Performance in a Semi-Arid Landscape using Field and Geospatial Analysis in Central India

Authors

Pradeep Mishra Working Plan Officer, Betul Working Plan, Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, Betul, Madhya Pradesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2026/v152i6/171210

Keywords:

Bambusa tulda, Bamboo plantations, NDVI, Moisture gradient, Topographic slope, Vegetation dynamics.

Abstract

Bamboo plantations are increasingly used in ecological restoration and rural livelihood programmes. However, knowledge of species performance outside native ranges is limited. This study evaluates the establishment and growth of Bambusa tulda in a semi-arid region of Central India. Field data and geospatial analysis were used for assessment. In a 20-ha plantation at Pankua, Dewas Forest Division, Madhya Pradesh, 64 sampling plots were assessed for clump attributes, including culm height, diameter, spread, culm composition, and overall health. Under geospatial attributes, Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis showed a marked improvement, with mean NDVI increasing from 0.17 in 2018 to 0.38 in 2021, which reflects successful establishment. Field results documented spatial heterogeneity in bamboo growth. A moderate negative correlation (r = −0.52) existed between reservoir proximity and clump health. This suggests that clumps were healthier closer to water sources. Clump health showed strong positive correlations with culm height and culm diameter, indicating that healthier clumps produced taller and thicker culms. These findings indicate that Bambusa tulda can establish itself in semi-arid conditions. However, growth and sustainability are closely tied to moisture availability.

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