Soil Moisture Studies under Bamboo (Dendrocalamus Strictus) Plantation

Abstract

The paper deals with soil moisture studies made in a bamboo and a grass plot in the Demonstration Area of F.R.I., Dehra Dun. The results revealed that: 1. Soil moisture content generally remained at a higher level under bamboo than under grass, though it was not always the rule. 2. Total soil moisture depletion and accretion values were recorded greater under grass, but the soil moisture balance showed higher negative values under the bamboo cover. 3. Soil moisture depletion decreased with depth excepting 2-3 feet zone where it was less than 3-4 feet layer. Almost similar was the case with accretion values. 4. At no depth soil moisture content exceeded its water holding capacity.