2008-'09 - Kerala Forest Research Institute

Annual Report 2008-09
Observations on performance of the different type of planting stock were recorded.
The activities of the project were coordinated with Institute of Forest Genetics and
Tree Breeding, Coimbatore and Institute of Wood Science and Technology,
Bangalore.
Studies on growth performance of the rattan species under plantations
The objectives of the study were to monitor the growth of different species of rattans
in the plantations and to study the flowering and fruiting pattern of different species.
Plantations raised by the Forest Department during 1998 were selected. Plots were
established at Pattikkad, Kottiyoor, Kannavam and Thodupuzha Ranges. Only C.
thwaitesii had been planted in all these plots. Observations on growth characteristics
like height, diameter, number of suckers, sucker height, number of new leaves, survival,
etc. were recorded at six-month interval.
At each site, the plots were divided into different groups based on the dendrograms
drawn with various growth parameters. Thus at Thodupuzha there were 19 groups,
at Kottiyur 26 groups, at Kannavam 13 groups and at Kuthiran 23 groups. Soil
samples were collected (0-10 and 10-20 cm depths) from each group and these samples
were analyzed for pH, organic carbon and extractable phosphorus.
Growth enhancement of Dalbergia latifolia through soil management techniques
Growth enhancement in response to
fertiliser input
This study was conducted with a view of increasing the
growth of Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. through various
soil management practices using different types of
planting materials. The study also aimed at finding
out the association and variability of isolate of
rhizobium along with the clonal propagation of the
species. Growth response to various treatments such as
lime, vermi-compost, cowdung, chemical fertilizer,
rhizobium and combinations of organic manures with
chemical fertilizer was studied by conducting pot trial
at Field Research Centre of KFRI at Velupadam and
field trial at Subcentre of KFRI in Nilambur. Changes
in soil properties due to the application of various
treatments were also studied. Results indicated that
organic manures such as cowdung (1kg/plant) or
compost (1kg/plant) either alone or in combination
with chemical fertilizer (½ kg cowdung or ½ kg compost
+ 15g potash + 50g amophos) were effective in realizing
a substantial increase in the growth of D. latifolia
besides improvement in soil quality. All the three types
Kerala Forest Research Institute
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