Plant growth, biomass production and soil water dynamics in a shifting dune of Indian desert

Abstract

A study was carried out to find suitable species and its combined surface vegetation with the aim of fast stabilization of dune and production of fuel and fodder from this highly stressed site. Seedlings of Acacia tortilis, Prosopis juliflora and Calligonum polygonoides species were planted on shifting dune and micro-windbreaks were erected to protect the seedlings from the drifting sand. Cassia angustifolia and Cenchrus ciliaris were sown as treatment (vegetation type) to develop undercanopy vegetation. Vegetation types had no significant ( P>0.05) effect on the growth of the species. However, growth of species differed significantly ( P<0.001) and P. juliflora was the best performer to cover soil in a best way. C. polygonoides produced the highest biomass in the form of fuelwood utilizing minimum amount of soil water. There was an increase in SOM and soil available NH 4-N due to plantation and vegetation type treatments. C. polygonoides with C. ciliaris was the best combination for fuel and fodder production, whereas combination with C. angustifolia was the best to control sand drift. Sowing of undershrubs and grass of local importance can also be done in advance to control the sand drift and burial of the planted seedlings. It will help in the improvement of soil conditions and control the sand drift when the seedlings attain greater height leaving bare the undercanopy soil.