Studies on Root Behaviour, Biomass and Morphological Characters of <I>Indigofera gerardiana</I> Wall. In Western Himalayas

Abstract

Indigofera gerardiana Wall, attains an average height of 1.37 m with 3.66 m² average crown area. This shrub provides effective soil cover. Stem contributes maximum (53.8%) to the total biomass followed by root (35.6%) and leaves (10.4%). Roots of a single plant can bind soil upto 1.34 m² with the strong tap and lateral roots. The taper rate varies from 0.19 to 0.25 in tap root and 0.08 to 0.15 in lateral roots which itself is an indication of strong root system.