Effect of Lopping Intensities on Growth and Biomass Production of <I>Bauhinia purpurea</I> L. in North-West Himalaya Low Hill Region

Abstract

The forage potential from Bauhinia purpurea tree bas been fully appreciated in the hill region. Tree lopping for green fodder is resorted without information on scientific lopping management practice i.e. intensity and periodicity of lopping, which is required for optimum sustainable production without damaging the trees. Studies on Bauhinia purpurea planted on field boundary at DehraDun were conducted to compare the effect of two lopping intensities (i.e. 50 to 75 percent) with no lopping on growth of trees and production of fodder on sustained basis. The studies clearly indicated that 50 to 75 percent lopping of Bauhinia purpurea L. trees once in a year do not adversely affect the tree growth. The relationship between leaf yield with growth parameters were also developed.