Effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Mulch on Growth and Establishment of <I>Pinus roxburghii</I>

Abstract

A field experiment replicated four times in randomised block design on highly eroded slopy Sandy loam soil, was conducted to see the effects of two levels each of nitrogen (control and 60 kg N/ha) and phosphorus (control of 20 kg P₂O₅/ha) and mulch application (control, pine needles and local shrubs) on the mortality and growth of Pinus roxburghii transplantation. Observation recorded after 21 months revealed that application of mulches in general, and local shrubs in particular, resulted in higher height and lower mortality of plants. Effectiveness of nitrogen and phosphorus for boosting up the plant growth and retarding its mortality enhanced through their application with mulch.