Biomass and Nutrient Distribution in an Age Sequence of <I>Populus deltoides</I> Ecosystems in Haryana

Abstract

Estimates of dry matter production and nutrient distribution among various biomass components in 3, 5, 7 and 9 years old plantations is presented. Regression equations for each biomass components and the aboveground biomass were worked out separately. Among the predictor variable tried, DBH alone was found to give reasonably precise values of biomass and can safely be used for prediction purposes. The total standing biomass of these stands increases with increasing age from 14.2 t/ha (3 years) to 114.5 t/ha (9 years). The component wise nutrient distribution is discussed. A substantial amount of nutrients would be drained off as a result of whole tree harvesting. However, if only utilizable (bole, bark and branch) is removed the drain would be 57, 74, 81,71 and 70 percent of N, P, K, Ca and Mg respectively, of the total aboveground biomass. Debarking and leaving foliage at the site is suggested to reduce the drain to some extent.