Growth of Uttis (<i>Alnus nepalensis</i>) monitored in a trial plantation at Pakhribas, Dhankuta, Nepal

Abstract

A long-term growth monitoring experiment on Uttis (Alnus nepalensis) was conducted in the permanent sample plots of the Agricultural Research Station (ARS) Pakhribas, Dhankuta for 10 years (1992-2001). The average annual increment in diameter at breast height was 2.14 cm in the 8^th year, and was 0.13 cm in the 16^th year of planting. The trees grew 44 cm to 130 cm per year irrespective of the age. The highest growth rate correspondend with higher rainfall during summer (March-April). Estimated biomass of stem and branches increased by 2-2.5 times within the 10 year period. Thinning and felling of the trees needed to provide better growing environment. The data would be useful for growth modelling and proper management of Uttis plantation in Nepal. Key words: Nepalese alder vs Uttis, height, diameter, biomass, Pakhribas Banko Janakari Vol.16(1) 2006 pp41-45