New and improved method of bamboo cultivation in semi arid areas of Indian Thar desert

Abstract

Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus Roxb.) is widely utilized in construction, pulp and paper, furniture, food and medicine, fuel and handicrafts for a long time. Due to its wider application, a field experiment was carried out to check its cultivation requirements besides its success rate in semi arid area of Indian Thar desert. In the present work, Guggul (Commiphora wightii Arnott.) which is a resident plant of Thar desert has been proved as a potential intercrop in bamboo cultivation. Improved growth was observed in bamboo with plant height (8.92 to 20.74 feet), number of culms (19 to 38), culm diameter (2.2 to 4.3 cm) during intercropping of guggul. Among different methods of irrigation, highest growth was recorded in drip irrigated plants where 50% recommended N:P:K and organic manure were given in combination followed by N:P:K sole. This study indicates that Guggul may play a role in microclimate development in the bamboo cultivation. This is the first report on successful bamboo cultivation in semi arid area of desert using an intercrop.

Key words: Dendrocalamus, soil enzymes, fertilization, guggul, nitrogen.