Abstract

A study was undertaken to assess the contribution of bamboo to the vegetation structure, biomass productivity and nutrient cycling pattern in 15 to 20-yr old teak plantations of Kariem-muriem Forest Range, Kerala, India. Based on the distribution pattern of bamboo colonised in these plantations three site types were recognised and they are: Site type A (bamboo rich area), Site type B (moderately bamboo rich area) and Site type C (bamboo poor area). Density, basal area, number of culms per ha, biomass, litter and net primary production of bamboo were moe in Site type A than in Site types B and C. While the soils of Site types A and B were rich in potassium, those of Site type C were rich in calcium content. In addition to this, a negative correlation between above-ground biomass of bamboo and teak was recorded in Site type A. In the case of teak, the rate of accumulation and enrichment ratio of calcium were more than those of other elements. On the other hand, in bamboo, the enrichment ration and accumulation rate of potassium were higher than in teak. The values for the above parameters in bamboo were higher for potassium than for other elements. These results show that even from the nutrient conservation and cycling point of view bamboo is the suitable species for Site type A and teak for Site types C and B. It is recommended that inter-planting of bamboo in teak plantation, especially in areas like Site types B and C is not advisable. Instead, patch-planting may be more appropriate both to getbetter yield and to maintain the ecosystem stability. It is also concluded that management of key elements such as potassium of the ecosystem, after disturbance or conversion of natural forests into plantations, is crucial for the stability of the ecosystem