Response of cutting height on biomass productivity and plant nutrient concentrations in four multipurpose tree species of North West Himalaya

Abstract

Response of cutting height viz., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 m was examined on biomass productivity and plant nutrient concentration of four multipurpose tree species viz., Morus alba, Celtis australis, Bauhinia variegata and Grewia optiva of North-West Himalaya. Morus alba accumulated maximum leaf+branch biomass followed by Grewia optiva, Celtis australis and Bauhinia variegata, respectively. The productivity of leaf, branch and their total improved with increase cutting height up to 2.0m under all species. The leaf N, K, Ca and Mg concentrations, irrespective of cutting heights demonstrated a significant variation among species. However, leaf P concentration showed negative trend to those observed for leaf N, K, Ca and Mg concentrations. With increasing cutting height irrespective of species, leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg concentrations improved markedly. The species x cutting height interaction evinced a significant effect on leaf nutrient concentration. The branch, N, P, K, Ca and Mg concentrations, irrespective of cutting heights showed significant variation among species. The nutrient concentrations evinced a positive trend with increase in cutting height. The species x cutting height interaction demonstrated significant effect on branch nutrient concentration.