Biomass Production and Plant Nutrient Distribution in Different Aged Plantations of <I>Casuarina equisetifolia</I> in Puri, Orissa

Abstract

The paper presents the biomass production its distribution among different biomass components and tbe distribution of nutrients in an age series of Casuarina equisetifolia plantations in Puri, Orissa. The total biomass ranges from about 19 tonnes (5 years) to 130 tonnes (15 years) per ha with 76% to 83% being contributed by the above ground biomass. An attempt has been made to explain the higher biomass production by first rotation crop for comparable ages. The distribution of nutrients in these ecosystems have also been discussed. As a result of harvesting, the main biomass components (bole, bark and branches), which are usually harvested, results in the removal of 59% (N), 50% (P), 63% (K), 65% (Ca), 66% (Mg) of the total amount of nutrients accumulated in the above ground biomass at the rotation age (15 yrs). Study on nutrient cycling is suggested to maintain the fertility of the soil of this ocality.