Assessing the Impact of Different Poplar Clones on Soil Properties, Nutrient Cycling, and Litter Decomposition in a Sixyear-old Agroforestry Plantation
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Poplar trees are increasingly significant due to rising wood demand and declining land productivity.A study at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), evaluated the impact of seven six-year-old poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.)clones (PAU-1, PAU-2, PAU-3, PAU-4, S-1, S-2, and G-48) on soil physicochemical properties, litterfall, nutrient cycling, litter decomposition, and nutrient release.Clones were planted in a randomized block pattern with three replications at a spacing of 4×2 meters.Soil samples were collected from seven poplar clones and open field sites at depths of 0 to 15 cm and 15 to 30 cm respectively.The G-48 clone showed the most notable pH reduction (0.197 units), followed by PAU-1 (0.180 units), while S-2 showed the least change (0.045 units).Electrical conductivity (EC) was lower under all plantations compared to open areas.Available macronutrients (N, P 2 O 5 , K 2 O) improved for all plantations, with G-48 and PAU-1 showing the most significant enhancement.Clones G-48, PAU-1, and PAU-2 notably decreased bulk density and increased wet aggregate stability, with G-48 showing the highest stability.G-48 also had the highest litterfall (3.79 Mg ha -1 ), followed by PAU-1 (2.98 Mg ha -1 ) and S-2 (1.42 Mg ha -1 ).The nutrient return order was N > K > P for all clones, with G-48 showing the greatest return.Leaf litter decomposition was fastest in G-48, PAU-1, and S-1, with half-lives of 47-58 days.G-48 exhibited unique nutrient release patterns, including initial immobilization of N and P for 150 days, followed by mineralization, while K showed continuous mineralization.The study highlights the diverse effects of Poplar plantations, particularly G-48, on soil properties and ecosystem dynamics, emphasizing their potential for enhancing soil quality and sustainable land management.
Source: PLANT ARCHIVES
Language: English
Subfield: Forestry
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4408447463