U. K. Varshney , Raj Kumar

Abstract

Germination and seedling development of two tropical leguminous tree species viz., Albizia lebbek (Linn.) Benth and Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. Were assessed in chloride as well as sulphate dominated salt solutions of 4,8,12 and 16 dSm^-1 conductivity levels after breaking the seed coat dormancy with hot water. Both types of salinity adversely affected the seed germination of the two species. Chloride salinity, however, was more detrimental as the percent germination and speed of germination (Maguire Index) declined to greater extent than by sulphate salinity. Seedling growth and vigour index of both the species were also more adversely influenced by chloride salinity.A. lebbek in spite of being more sensitive to both types of salinity showed better seedling length and vigour index than L. leucocephala due to bigger seed size and more food storage in seeds.

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U. K. Varshney , R. K. Garg

Abstract

Litter production was estimated in Albizia lebbek (Linn.) benth. Plantation stand under the prevailing area, tropical to sub-tropical climatic conditions. The annual litter production was found to be 799.1 gm^-2 (799J kg ha^-1 or 7.9 t ha^-1 ). Contribution ofleaves to the total annual litter production was maximum (569.8 gm^-2 or 71.3%). This was followed by reproductive structures (171.8 gm^-2 or 21.5%) and twigs (57.5 g m^-2 or 7.2%). Two peaks were observed in the monthly production of stand litter, highest one in winter during February and the other in summer during May. Major contribution to the litter during winter was by maximum leaf flush while during summer it was by the reproductive structure. and chiefly by pods.

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