Effect of spacing on the growth of sandalwood (Santalum album L.) trees under farm conditions in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

This study compared the performance of Santalum album L. planted at five spacing treatments (2.4 X 2.4 m, 3.0 X 3.0 m, 3.6 X 3.6 m, 4.6 X 4.6 m, and 5.5 X 5.5 m) under farm condition in Tamil Nadu, India and assessed the impact of these planting densities on growth and volume of wood production. In order to determine their response, the biometric attributes of sandal such as height (m), diameter at breast height (m) and volume (m 3 ) of trees were measured. To assess the periodical growth variation, biometrics were studied at the level of three age classes (0-5 years, 5-10 years and 10-15 years) and biometrics were compared among the age classes. The results revealed that the spacing treatments of 3.0 X 3.0 m and 3.6 X 3.6 m were found better for planting of Santalum album with more growth biometrics and maximum volume of wood followed by 4.6 X 4.6 m, 5.5 X 5.5 m and 2.4 X 2.4 m spacing. Based on the study results, 3.0 X 3.0 m and 3.6 X 3.6 m spacing can be recommended as suitable spacing for cultivating sandal on farmlands.