Biomass Expansion Factor and Root-to-Shoot Ratio of Some Tree Species of Punjab, India

The present study was conducted in Eucalyptus hybrid (safeda), Dalbergia sissoo (shisham/tahli), Acacia catechu (khair), Populus deltoides (poplar) plantations of different ages at different sites in Punjab. Biomass was calculated on the basis of complete tree harvesting method (stratified mean tree technique method). Biomass Expansion Factors (BEFs) and ischolar_main-to-shoot ratio (R) of 4 tree species were calculated. Sample trees of Eucalyptus hybrid were of 18, 28 and 30 years of age. BEFs for 3 age series were as 1.39 for 18 years, 1.23 for 28 years and 1.31 for 30 years. Similarly R values assessed were 0.19, 0.15 and 0.17 at 18, 28 and 30 years, respectively. Sample trees of Dalbergia sissoo had age series of 25, 27, 29 and 33 years. BEF assessed for 4 age series were 1.96, 1.64, 1.44 and 1.62 and R values assessed as 0.36, 0.41, 0.26 and 0.37 respectively. Similarly Acacia catechu trees had age series of 20, 22, 23, 24, 28, and 32 years. BEF calculated for Acacia catechu series were1.51, 1.66, 1.49, 1.50, 1.63 and 1.98, respectively and R values as 0.28, 0.22, 0.20, 0.23, 0.26 and 0.22, respectively. Populus deltoides was studied in the farmer's field. The age of plantation was 7 years, BEF and R value for P. deltoides were assessed as 1.47 and 0.12, respectively.