Relationship of Jatropha curcas L. growth parameters with soil and microclimatic factors in varying short rotation-based agroforestry system

Issue Date

12-2012

Abstract

Jathropha curcas L. a plant-based fuel substitute source is one of the potential alternative energy sources which is catering to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and rehabilitation of marginal and degraded areas. Given its potentials in addressing environmental degradation, energy and economic crises, it is vital to assess the relationship of growth performance of J. curcas and site factors. This study assessed the effect of microclimate and soil properties on the growth performance of J. curcas in Short Rotation Forestry (SRF) based agroforestry system in marginal upland area. Height, chlorophyll count, litterfall, leaf area index, root length and shoot root ratio of J. curcas were affected by the production systems. For the edaphic properties the production systems had significant influence only on the final topsoil total nitrogen, and the subsoil soil pH and exchangeable potassium. Relative humidity was not influenced by the production systems. For the 2 m x 2 m spacing of J. curcas production system, all of the growth parameters were positively correlated by the microclimate and edaphic factors. In Acacia mangium + J. curcas production system, only litterfall had the least correlation with the site factors, particularly air temperature is litterfall. In Pongamia pinnata + J. curcas production system, plant height was positively correlated with soil temperature, wind velocity and subsoil total nitrogen and cation exchange capacity. The Eucalyptus deglupta + J. curcas SRF-based agroforestry system, the root length was positively correlated with air temperature and edaphic factors. Results indicated varying correlations of J. curcas with the site factors which are important considerations in developing future silvicultural prescription to optimize the growth and development of J. curcas grown with SRF species in marginal areas.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463x

Volume

37

Issue

3

Page

76-87

Document Type

Article

Frequency

tri-quarterly

Physical Description

tables

Language

English

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