Tree Growth and Biomass Production in <I>Melia azedarach</I> on Farm Boundaries in a Semi-arid Region

Abstract

Representative eight-year old trees of Melia azedarach planted in single line (2 m apart) on farm boundary were felled for estimation of aerial biomass production. The trees were grouped into three diameter classes. Maximum number of trees were recorded in the diameter range of > 22 cm. The trees contributed a total biomass production of 21.1 t/ha of which 66, 24 & 10 per cent were contributed by minor timber, firewood and fodder, respectively. Considering the overall phytomass production, the additional productivity in a rainfed farm was estimated to be 2.64 t/ha/year on a rotation of eight years. Biomass prediction equations based on regression analysis with D², dbh and D²H were developed. The relationship of bole and total aerial biomass was found to be strong with all the predictor variables whereas relationship of foliage was strong with D² and D²H only.