Growth and yield performance of growing seedlings of Acacia auriculiformis (Acacia) under limitation of soil water

The present study reports growth and yield performance of Acacia auriculiformis (acacia) seedlings grown under two different soil water supply regimes. This study analyzes the effect of water limitation on growing seedlings of A. auriculiformis at the nursery stage. Seedlings were grown in black polythene tube containing a compost of nursery soil and cow dung in a proportion of 3 : 1. The experiment was conducted in the nursery of Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences (IFESCU), University of Chittagong. Growth and yield of the seedlings declined under limitation of soil water alongwith the reduction of shoot water content. Strong relationship between soil moisture content and shoot water content was detected. Under limitation of soil water, the total biomass production in acacia was affected due to the significant reduction in stem elongation and leaf expansion which eventually influenced root, stem and leaf biomass. Moreover, a considerable linear relationship between soil moisture content and root dry weight was detected. Theun-watered seedlings showed significant recovery in stem elongation and leaf expansion with simultaneous influence in total biomass, root biomass, within few days of re-watering.