Author(s): KM Shinde, PN Gajbhiye, BM Kamble, AS Jadhav and AR Dhenge

Abstract: Bamboo, recognized for its ecological significance and diverse applications, plays a crucial role in influencing ecosystems globally. Bamboo can act as a backbone of ecosystem as it provides the microhabitats for myriad of species (Janzen, 1976). As we delve deeper into ecosystem of bamboo it goes beyond its terrestrial importance and could help in dealing with climate change, preserving biodiversity, and producing renewable energy. Bamboo is proven to be excellent source of renewable energy. It can be used for the production of ethanol which is used in flex-fuel engines as a biofuel. The study, conducted at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station in Kolhapur, Sub-montane Zone of Maharashtra during 2022-23, aimed to assess the comparative impact of six bamboo species on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties after 12 years of plantation in entisols with the slope ranging from 5 to 6.5%. Physical properties like bulk density and maximum water holding capacity remained unaffected in both soil depths. Soil pH, EC, and CaCO₃ showed no significant changes. However, nutrient content varied, with Dendrocalamus strictus exhibiting the highest N (345 and 234 kg ha^-1), P (15.7 and 11.4 kg ha^-1), and K (150 and 140 kg ha-1) in surface and subsurface soil layers, respectively. Soil organic carbon remained consistent, with a slight increase in Dendrocalamus strictus. Available nutrient content and organic carbon decreased with soil depth. Enzyme assays indicated significant variations, with Dendrocalamus strictus showing the highest dehydrogenase activity (2.71 and 2.17 μg TPF g^-1 soil hr^-1) and phosphatase activity (acid phosphate: 88.16 and 65.80 μg PNP g-1 soil hr-1; alkaline phosphate: 63.18 and 48.97 μg PNP g-1 soil hr^-1) in surface and subsurface layers, respectively. It was showed that the Dendrocalamus strictus emerged as a significant contributor to enhanced nutrient levels and enzyme activities in Sub-montane zone of Maharashtra.

Pages: 1193-1200 | Views: 62 | Downloads: 2

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