Nursery Raising, growth, Fertilization, Cover Crops and Water Use of Eucalyptus on Foothill Aluvium Near Chandigarh – A Review

Large scale plantation of Eucalyptus was undertaken by enthusiastic farmers without an adequate research support. The paper reviews the results of studies conducted on Eucalyptus since early sixties at the Central Soil and Water Conservation Research Centre, Chandigarh. These studies concluded that 1. The polythene bags were better than baskets or pots and white polybags were superior to black for raising nursery. Larger the size of the bag, better was the growth. 2. Eucalyptus growth was better on medium as compared to light or heavy soil and on two layered as compared to uniform soil. Planting in querholes filled with farmyard manure was superior to usual pit planting. 3. Ammonium sulphate was the best fertilizer source. The basal application higher than 12.5 gram N per plant was found harmful. 5. Eucalyptus consumed about 29% more water from the soil profile than field crops but it saved an equal amount by minimizing runoff. 5. Raising of Eucalyptus and Bhabar grass together was far more economical than rainfed field crops.