Performance of Shisham (<I>Dalbergia sissoo</I>) in Salt Affected Soils

Abstract

Performance of shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) was studied in salt affected soils of Vrijbhumi Forest Division (U.P.) to evaluate its tolerance limit to varying salinity and sodicity conditions. Shisham of site quality class III to IV was found to occur in normal loamy soils (Fluventic and Aquic ustochrepts), whereas poor growth of quality class V was found in moderately saline soils (Loamy Typic Camborthids and Aeric Halaquepts) having values of ECe below 18.5 dS m^-1 and pH below 8 8 in the root zone and quality class VI in sodic soils (Loamy Natric Paleorthids) having values of ESP above 30 and pH above 9.0. Higher concentration of neutral salts in top 12 or 17 cm soil did not adversely affect the growth of plants.