RESPONSE OF EUCALYPTUS CAMALDULENSIS PLANTATION TO EXPERIMENTAL DROUGHT

Abstract

Background: Both climate change and the lack of water are serious hazards for plant health and production in both forestry and agroforestry. Because Eucalyptus camaldulensis can resist many climate conditions, it is cultivated in many parts of the world. But not much research has been done on how Eucalyptus responds to drought stress with controlled conditions in Pakistan. Introduction: Since drought intensity is increasing, it is necessary to check a plant’s drought tolerance for sustainable farming. An experimental drought was carried out with Eucalyptus camaldulensis at Kolo Tarar in Hafizabad during 2015-16. The data indicates that growing drought-resistant genotypes is useful in plantations in dry or rainfed regions. What I have found is useful for making better decisions about afforestation when faced with climate changes. Objective: The purpose of the study is to examine how the plant and soil moisture change in Eucalyptus camaldulensis when drought and irrigation treatments are applied. Materials and Methods: In 2015 and 2016, the study was carried out in Kolo Tarar, Hafizabad, using 40 Eucalyptus camaldulensis trees that were separated into two groups. Twenty trees received normal rainfall (the control group) and twenty were kept under plastic to withhold water (drought treatment). The plastic sheets were placed 2 feet off the ground to stop rainwater from touching the trees, to protect them. The researcher took regular measurements of height, trunk diameter and health Results: Results from the data revealed that Eucalyptus camaldulensis is able to handle drought conditions well. Although drought-treated trees grew less, they did not face major stress while they survived. It means the species is capable of surviving dry conditions. As a result, this tree can successfully be planted in both desert and rainy climate regions. Conclusion: The research found that Eucalyptus camaldulensis is well adapted to dryness. Despite having smaller leaves, the trees experienced little stress as they went through the drought. It lets us know that the species can tolerate times without water. For this reason, this tree can be grown in areas with harsh deserts or lots of rain.