Growth performance and biomass production of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescence) under the influence of N-fertigation

This study investigated the growth and biomass production of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescence) under the influence of N-fertigation in the temperate condition of Kashmir. The rhizomes of Phyllostachys pubescence before sprouting of new buds were extracted and immediately transplanted in the poly bags. The established seedlings were fertigated with the different nitrogen levels viz., 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21mg dissolved in 50ml of water along fixed levels of P, K, Ca and Mg seedling‑1 week‑1 up to 28 weeks.Different levels of nitrogen and age significantly increased growth, biomass and other quality parameters of Moso bamboo seedlings. The nitrogen addition rate of 18mg seedling‑1 week‑1 was found best treatment for raising quality seedlings of Phyllostachys pubescence. At this addition seedling height increased by 35.53%, root collar diameter by 55.14%, fresh biomass by 83.34% and dry biomass by 191.30% as compared to control. Similarly, shoot root ratio of 3.15 and seedling quality index 13.09 was recorded at 18mg seedling‑1 week‑1 at 28 weeks age. Hence, nitrogen addition rate of 18mg seedling‑1 week‑1 is the paramount for achieving maximum growth and biomass production of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescence) under the temperate condition of the Kashmir