Performance of Tree Species on Waterlogged Sites of Canal Command Area: A Case Study of Bargi Dam, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh)

Abstract

Bio-drainage is removal of excess soil water through bio-energy of fast-growing tree species having higher transpiration rate. Seven tree species viz. Albizia lebbek, Albizia procera, Acacia nilotica, Dalbergia sissoo, Eucalyptus tereticornis, FRI-4 and FRI-5 clones of Eucalyptus hybrid, Terminalia arjuna and Pongamia pinnata were evaluated for their performance through growth characteristics and biomass studies by planting on waterlogged sites on the bank of Left Bank Canal (LBC) of Bargi command area, Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh state (India). Eucalyptus hybrid, followed by Pongamia pinnata exhibited maximum height and biomass accumulation and its allocation to leaves and branches after four years of plantation,attributing the most desirable species for reclaiming waterlogged sites along canal command areas with similar edaphic and climatic conditions.