000 02451nam a2200229Ia 4500
008 220216s9999 xx 000 0 und d
100 _aGupta C
245 0 _aRubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations in Orissa: some ecological considerations with reference to soil properties
520 _aRubber(Hevea brasiliensis) is comparatively a new crop of commercial importance in the state of Orissa. A total area of approximately 400 ha only has been brought under rubber plantation in the state. The future rubber plantations in the state will be mostly raised in denuded forests and barren lands, thus helping in the state will be mostly raised in denuded forests and barren lands, thus helping in the recuperation of the depredated ecology, besides bringing in socio-economic development.The study was undertaken to quantify the influence of rubber plantation on soil properties. It is observed that the rubber plantations, adopting proper agro-management practices helped in enrichment of organic matter and thus improving the physical properties such as bulk density and moisture retention. An iincrease in organic matter content in the surface layer was recorded. The moisture retained at the field capacity (-0.033 MPa) is 23;and at permanent wilting point (-1.5 MPa) 13;higher in soils under rubber plantation compared to unplanted condition. The available water storage capacity was higher in rubber soils than the unplanted. In general the organic carbon and available phosphorus status in the surface soil and sub soils was found to be low. However, with regard to available phosphorus the rubber plantation soils were found to be higher in 0-30 cm soil depth as compared to unplanted field. The available potassium content in both the soil layers were in the medium range and varied from 107.6 to 172 kg/ha. Similarly, the available magnesium content was in the higher range and varied from 43.6 to 127.2 kg/ha and the soil pH 5.2 to 5.5. In terms of positive influence on soil properties rubber plantation can be considered a desirable crop for recuperation of depredated ecology in this region.
650 _aEcology
650 _aField capacity
650 _aMoisture retention
650 _aOrganic matter
650 _aPermanent-wilting point
650 _aSoil properties
700 _aEdathil T T
700 _aGeorge Elsie S
700 _aNageswara Rao K
700 _aPunnoose K I
856 _uReprint)
942 _cJS
999 _c67404
_d67404