Growth, Biomass and Rooting Behaviour of Selected Fast Growing Tree Species in Irrigated Agroecosystem

S. K. Chauhan; Rajni Sharma; H.S. Saralch; Varun Attri

doi:10.36808/if/2025/v151i12/170973

Growth, Biomass and Rooting Behaviour of Selected Fast Growing Tree Species in Irrigated Agroecosystem

Authors

S. K. Chauhan Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141 004
Rajni Sharma Department of Botany, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004
H.S. Saralch Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141 004
Varun Attri Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Ballowal Saunkhri, Balachaur, SBS Nagar-144521

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2025/v151i12/170973

Keywords:

Short rotation species, Growth dynamics, Biomass, Rooting behaviour, Canopy, Agroecosystem

Abstract

Understanding the growth dynamics and root architecture of fast growing tree species is essential for optimizing agroforestry systems, particularly in irrigated environments. This study evaluated the above and below ground growth characteristics, biomass accumulation, and rooting patterns of fifteen short rotation tree species over a period of 2.5 and 3.5 years under uniform site conditions in Punjab, India. The highest above ground biomass was observed in Gmelina arborea (clonal), Populus deltoides and Eucalyptus tereticornis (clonal), indicating superior productivity potential. Rooting behaviour varied widely among species, with vegetatively propagated trees exhibiting dominant horizontal root spread and indigenous species such as Acacia nilotica and Ailanthus excelsa displaying deeper vertical roots but lower biomass accumulation. The shoot to root biomass ratio and canopy to root spread ratios differed significantly among species, with implications for water and nutrient competition in agroforestry systems. This study emphasizes the importance of species specific root and shoots traits in selecting suitable trees for integrated land use planning, with potential applications in carbon sequestration, soil health improvement, and sustainable agroecosystem management.

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