Suitability of Soils for <I>Eucalyptus</I> Hybrid (Mysore Gum Syn <I>E. Tereticornis</I>) in Haryana and Punjab

Abstract

The paper describes the results of an investigation undertaken in November, 1967 and June, 1968, in connection with the All-India Eucalyptus Study Tour and Symposium, in the States of Haryana and Punjab respectively to study the soil conditions supporting good as well as poor growth of Eucalyptus hybrid (Mysore gum) plantations where water was applied in the initial stages. The plantations ranged from one to six years of age (1962-1967) as listed in Table 1. This species fails to grow on the saline alkali soils which have p^H>10 and soluble salt content >0.7% and possess compact indurated sub-soil due to impervious pan, mostly kankar pan. Such sites should not be planted with this species unless soil conditions are reclaimed to the desired level and/or suitable planting method and soil working technique including perforation of impervious pan are adopted to overcome the adverse factors. Prolonged water-logging is also highly detrimental. The growth is arrested on the soils which are non-saline but have p^H>9 and also on the scils which have p^H<8.5 but with a salt content exceeding 1.0%. The species tolerates moderately calcareous soils and is able to grow satisfactorily on the soils having p^H < 9 and a soluble, salt content up to 0.3%. but still better growth is attained on a soil having p^H < 8.5 and soluble salt content <0.2%. The growth is also quite good on a light-textured alluvial soil which has adequate moisture supply as a result of high water table in the vicinity of a river. Provision of water in the initial stages of establishment is beneficial for the growth of this species under the local conditions. Systematic experiments are however required to be conducted to determine the most suitable watering or irrigation regime, soil-working and planting techniques and fertilizer application.