Physiological Basis for the Ecological Preference of <I>Eucalyptus globulus</I> Labill (Blue Gum) III : Nutritional Status, Growth Performance and Oil Production

Abstract

The nutrient status of different age groups ofEucalyptus globulus grown at various altitudes indicated their significance for the development of diameter growth and also for oil production. The status of total nitrogen and phosphorus had direct significant impact on diameter growth with the correlation coefficient of 0.43 and 0.48 respectively. Potassium played dual role for better production of oil and growth performance of E. globulus. Potassium had direct influence on oil production (r = 0.40 *) and also indirect effect to enhance growth performance by elevating the status of soluble nitrogen and nitrogen of the foliage.