Adaptation and Performance of Six Eucalypt Species Irrigated with Qom Sewage

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate adaptation and performance of six eucalypt species and provenances under sewage irrigation in arid condition. For this reason, a trial was conducted in 2007 and continued to 2014 in a site located 5 km north east of Qom city in Iran, near sewage release station under statistical design of Randomized Complete Blocks with four replicates, six treatments and 5 × 5 m spacing. Sewage was used for irrigation at one week interval for four years, continued at rainfed condition. The treatments consisted of Six eucalypt species and provenances, including: Eucalyptus camaldulensis Qom, E. camaldulensis 41-ch, E. camaldulensis 41-zh, E. microtheca 62-Qom, E. microtheca 62-Ahwaz and E. rubida 166-sh. Growth and morphological parameters consisted of: total height, diameter at breast height, survival, height increment, diameter increment at breast height and height/diameter ratio. Tree inventory was made at two times per year: spring (after cold period) and autumn (after warm and dry season). Data were analyzed, using variance analysis and Duncan test methods. E. camaldulensis species achieved a high survival and growth values, whereas E. rubida species achieved the worst values. E. microtheca, particularly the 62-Qom provenance obtained a greatest survival value (100%).