Distribution of Organic Matter in <I>Cryptomeria japonica</I> Plantations

Abstract

With IncreasIng awarenes of a variety of produrts obtained from the forests, change in utillisation limits, changing utilisation treads, the forest management continues to become more intensive. As such comprehensive studies on forest productivity have become necessary with a view to Increase tbe productivity from our limited forest area and to select proper sites for commercial forestry, so that plantations could be concentrated in areas of maximum productivity. The importances of Cryplomeria japonica a fast growing specte., In this context was long recognised aad large scale plantation of this species was undertaken in the year 1911-20 and subsequently In a systematic manner since 1922 The present study was conducted In 59, 51, 34, 20 and 18 year. old plantations at site. located at 1830 m to 2134 m msl In Himalayan region or West Bengal. The total biomass production ranged from 96 (18 years) to 400 t/ha at 51 years with 62 to 82 per cent being contributed by wood The biomass production Is affected by the altitudinal location or the site. With Increasing elevation the biomass production has decreased. As such maximum biomass was produced in 51 years (925 kg/tree) at Takdah situated at 1830 m msl and minimum In the same age (364 kg/tree) at Ghum Simana located at 2134 m msl. These findings are of Immense practical value In the field of forest management practices.