Effect of spacing on growth and biomass production in bael (Aegle marmelos Correa.) under hot arid conditions

Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa.) is a suitable tree for growing different parts of the country for fruits as well as for its medicinal uses. All plant parts are used in ayurvedic formulations. Bael saplings were planted at a distance of 1 m x 1 m, 1.5 m x 1.5 m and 2 m x 2 m under drip irrigation system to assess the plant and root growth and biomass yield. The finding of the study revealed that close planting at 1 x 1 m was suitable for better growth and high biomass production (leaves/shoot/roots) under arid conditions. However, for root growth and development the planting of saplings at 2 x 2 m spacing gave better results.