Biomass Production and Mineral Cycling in Plantation Ecosystems of <I>Eucalyptus</I> Hybrid in Haryana 2. Distribution and Cycling of Nutrients

Abstract

Mineral cycling in four different aged Eucalyptus hybrid plantations bas been discussed. The componentwise distribution of nutrients at different ages and the nutrients removed as a result of whole tree harvesting has been presented. A total of 4565. 5242, 10236 and 9992 kg/ha of Jitter was produced annually at ages 4, 6, 8 and 10 years respectively. Out of the total litter, leaf litter contributed between 73 to 82 per cent, thus maximum nutrients are returned to the soil through leaf litter. Maximum return was observed for Nitrogen fonowed by Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium and Phosphorus.