Author(s): RANJAN KUMAR KAR; S. N. PATRA; DILIP K. DORA AND S. C. SAHOO

Abstract: An investigation was carried out to study the root distribution pattern and nodulation of a one year old established plantation consisting of five important nitrogen fixing tree species (Acacia mangium, Albizia lebbek, Leucaena diversifolia, Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium) at Khurda (Orissa) under the Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) Project. Five plants of each tree species were taken as a unit for investigation following Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five replications. Among all the tree species studied, Gliricidia sepium seedlings excelled in root growth and nodule development indicating its suitability for wasteland management programme. However, Leucaena leucocephala proved its merit for agroforestry system because of its relatively more vertical root penetration and least horizontal root spread. Taking both the root architecture and nodulation pattern into account the tree species studied in respect of their suitability for crop based farming system could be placed in the following order : Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium, Albizia lebbek, Leucaena diversifolia and Acacia mangium.

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