Groundwater Regime under Blue-gum at Osamund Nilgiris-initial Observations

Groundwater table fluctuations occurring under Eucalyptus globulus plantation has been measured to study the possibility of depletion of groundwater by Eucalyptus plantations. A series of piezometric holes were driven along a hill up with Eucalyptus globulus (Blue-gum) and a part covered with grassland and Shola at Osamund, Wenlockdowns reserved forest in the Nilgiris. The sub-soil water levels were monitored once daily. The depth of groundwater (December, 1979) varied between 15m in well in the low-laying area to 4.5m in well at the top of the slope whereas the corresponding figures (March, 1980) were 2.19m for well in low-lying areas and 6.2m for well at the top of the slope These groundwater table levels are much below the general ischolar_maining zone 2m of Eucalyptus except in the well in low-lying areas. This indicates that Eucalyptus gobulus does not tap groundwater table during December to March.