Litter Production Pattern of <I>Eucalyptus tereticornis</I> Plantation in Protected and Unprotected Areas of Upper Gangetic Plain

Abstract

Litter production patter in Eucalyptus tereticornis plantation of age 15 years has studied in protected and unprotected plots in upper Gangetic plain for a period of one year. A total of 7287.40 kg ha^-1 oflitter was produced of which leaflitter contributed 5268.50 kg ha^-1, twig litter 1396.10 kg ha^-1 and bark litter 622.80 kg ha^-1 in protected plot. However, in unprotected plots a total of 5478.20 kg ha^-1 of litter was produced of which leaf litter contributed 4326.00 kg ha^-1 , twig litter 740.20 kg ha^-1 and bark litter 412.00 kg ha^-1. It is also observed that total litter production was maximum during the month of July and minimum in the month of December in both protected and unprotected plots. The present study reveals that Eucalyptus tereticornis produces 33% more litter in protected plots as compared to unprotected one.