Development of volumetric equation for Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit)
Research Type
Departmental Research
Experiment Background
Growing commercial tree plantations play a vital role in increasing tree cover, environmental amelioration, carbon sequestration, and climate change mitigation. In south Gujarat, forest department have already taken initiation of raising plantations of different commercial tree species through social forestry scheme, and also emphasizing growing tree crops in farm lands through Agroforestry sub-mission. Farmers of this region also have already cultivated tree crops in agroforestry systems as well as block plantations using industrial tree species. Subabul is one among them. Moreover, paper mill also providing good quality seedlings of Subabul for large scale plantation in this region. Subabul, Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit), is one of best suited species for alley cropping. Green foliage provide good fodder materials and wood is used for paper and pulp making. Hence, farmers are growing subabul in block plantation. On other hand, yield determination of standing tree species was made by estimating volume and biomass. For quick assessment, it is important to determine the volumetric equation for specific regions. Further, volume table can be prepared using such allometric equations using diameter alone as well as combination of diameter and height. This data can be used to determine the carbon content of standing trees. Hence, it is proposed to estimate the suitable volumetric equation as well prepare volume table for calculation of volume of standing Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) trees. Data generated would be helpful for farmers, timber merchants, forester and other stake holders for determination of stem volume and biomass of standing trees.
Hypothesis:
1. Can estimate volume, biomass and carbon content of trees of different diameter classes of Subabul using biometric observation?
2. Can determine volumetric equation using growth parameters in Subabul?
3. Can prepare local volume table for easy assessment of volume based on height and diameter of Subabul tree?
Experiment Group
Forestry
Unit Type
(02)EDUCATION UNIT
Unit
(61)COLLEGE OF FORESTRY (NAU, NAVSARI)
Department
(2360)SILVICULTURE AND AGROFORESTRY, COF, NAU, NAVSARI
BudgetHead
(352/12036/00)352/01/REG/04203
Objective
To develop volumetric equation for Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) using DBH and height in South Gujarat condition
To prepare local volume table for Subabul
Season
Not season specific
Location Unit Type
(02)EDUCATION UNIT
Location Unit
(61)COLLEGE OF FORESTRY (NAU, NAVSARI)
Location Department
(2360)SILVICULTURE AND AGROFORESTRY, COF, NAU, NAVSARI
Plot No
NA
PI Name
(NAU-EMP-2013-000932)RAJESH PANDURANGA GUNAGA
PI Email
rpgunaga@nau.in
PI Mobile
9408851342
Year of Approval
2025
Commencement Year
2025
Completion Year
2028
Design of Experiment
Random method of tree selection in different diameter classes
For this trial, about 1000 trees will be selected randomly from different locations in Navsari and adjoining areas of south Gujarat regions. Trees with DBH 10 cm to 60 cm will be used for measurement of biometric data. Various biometrical parameters as shown in observation column will be recorded. Further, volume of trees is calculated using following formulas/ procedures-
Calculation of form quotient (FQ) = Mid-diameter/ DBH
Calculation of volume (V, m3) = S x FQ x H, where H= Tree height, S= Basal area (πD2/4) and FQ = form quotient
Biomass (kg/tree) (Volume x Basic density of wood)
Carbon content (kg/tree) = [Biomass (kg) x Carbon content (%)]
Carbon will be estimated by wet digestion followed by titration using Walkley-Black method
Table : Different diameter classes for trees are given below for the volumetric equation
D1
10-15 cm
D6
35-40 cm
D2
15-20 cm
D7
40-45 cm
D3
20-25 cm
D8
45-50 cm
D4
25-30 cm
D9
50-55 cm
D5
30-35 cm
D10
55-60 cm
Crop Spacing (cm x cm)
NA
Gross Plot (m x m)
NA
Net Plot (m x m)
NA
Total Experiment Area (m2)
NA
Plot History Last Three Year
Not applicable
Initial Soil Sample Analysis Report
Not applicable
Initial Soil Sample Analysis Report Attachment
Attachment Not Available!
Layout Plan
NA
Layout Plan Attachment
Attachment Not Available!
Treatment
Table : Different diameter classes for trees are given below for the volumetric equation