Tree species for a short rotation plantation on black cotton soil?

[christophk]

Hello,
We are planning a short rotation plantation to be irrigated with domestic wastewater in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The soil in this area is black cotton soil (vertisol).
Now we are looking for suitable tree species that have coppicing abilities, a fast growth and are not susceptible to pests and diseases.
We first wanted to plant Eucalyptus but then we read about the gall wasp which seems to be a big problem.
Then we heard about Melia dubia, which is very fast-growing, but we are not sure whether it is suitable for the black cotton soil.
Does anyone have information on that question?
Or do you have other suggestions for fast-growing tree species which will grow fast and healthy in that area?
It is absolutely necessary that most of the trees survive and grow well.
Thanks in advance!

 

[kirti s]

Hello Sir
Melia dubia can be cultivated in all types of soils including black soils but with a low supply of water on a daily basis.
While planting the seedlings application of 2-3 kgs of vermicompost, 40 gms of Phosphobacteria, Azospirillum and Trichoderma Viride each in addition to 10-20 gms of Pseudomonas and 100 grams of VAM (vesicular arbuscular mycoriza) helps in promoting good growth.
After 3 years, 30-40 tons of biomass/acre can be harvested upto 10 years.
The price of wood per ton is Rs 2000-4000.
Even if planted in a single row along the field bunds, about 60 trees can be planted at six feet spacing which will fetch an income of about Rs.2 lakhs in the sixth year.
Under high density planting with 1,000 to 1,500 trees in an acre, a yield of 40 to 50 tonnes is possible from the second and third year of planting.

Gmelina Arborea is also one ot the trees which is a fast growing tree and has good timber value.
It can grow in all type of soils (fertile or poor, water logging to be avoided).
It can grow moderate to large height up to 30 m with girth of 1.2 to 4.
It will give good returns in 8-10 years.
Pit size needed for planting is 2 feet x 2 feet x 2 feet.
Spacing needed between each sapling is 10-12 feet. Good spacing is needed for better growth of girth and height. Support pole is needed while planting (first 6 months) since sapling may easily break by wind or animals. If irrigation possible, you can irrigate in 2-3 weeks interval.

other option is to grow bamboos