Vachellia nilotica (L.) P.J.H. Hurther & Mabb. and Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. are two of the most important multipurpose agroforestry tree species of the Indian sub-continent, but their growth in saline soils is greatly reduced. Recently, organic amendments have showed the potential to increase plant growth in salt-affected soils; however, the influence of using these amendments for growing the above-mentioned tree species under saline conditions is not yet quantified. Therefore, an experiment was devised to analyze the interactive effects of organic amendments in saline soils on the growth of V. nilotica and D. sissoo. Under controlled conditions, a pot experiment was conducted in sandy loam saline soils (EC = 20.5 dSm⁻¹). Organic amendments from four diverse sources: farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), slurry (SL), and farmyard manure biochar (FYMB) were employed in this study. At the harvesting time, data regarding morphological, physiological, ionic, and biochemical parameters were obtained. The current study results indicated that both tree species reacted differently, but positively, to diverse applied amendments. The maximum increment in total above-ground biomass, total below-ground biomass, and shoot length for V. nilotica (163.8%, 116.3%, and 68.2%, respectively) was observed in FYM amended soils, while the maximum increment for D. sissoo (128%, 86%, and 107%, respectively) was observed in FYMB amended soils, as compared to control. Minimum plant growth of both species was observed in untreated soils (saline soils). Likewise, the maximum potassium ion and minimum sodium ion concentrations were present in the root and shoots of plants (both species) treated with FYMB. The use of organic amendments resulted in decreased concentrations of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide, and increased concentrations of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, POD, and CAT. Moreover, higher photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductance were observed in the plants grown in amended soils. The findings of this study can be used to include the above-mentioned high-value tree species for future afforestation programs under saline conditions.

The cambial response of most plants varies with exposure to different environmental stresses, affecting their morphological and physiological features. The timing of cambial reactivation contributes to the quality of wood produced and the ability of plants to adapt to environmental conditions. Cambial structure and function provide insights into the genetic components or mechanisms underlying the secondary growth of plants. This study aimed to investigate how environmental stresses such as temperature, water, and phosphorus affect cambial activity mechanisms and xylem differentiation in different plant species. Under temperature regulation, cambial reactivation and xylem differentiation occur earlier in young cambium than in mature cambium, even under the same environmental conditions. Studies suggest that the cambial response to temperature regulation is related to the age of the cambium. During high heat waves and extended periods despite the rain, the number of new tracheids on trees seemed to decrease, and their radial diameters diminished. In low phosphorus (P) soils, the increasing timber density was therefore connected with the inhibited stem cambial activity, which resulted in a higher amount of photoassimilates for the secondary wall thickening of fibre cells. Under P deficiency, root anatomy changes with respect to stele diameter, root diameter, and meta-xylem vessels. Ultimately, changes in climatic conditions have a significant impact on the physiological characteristics of particular plant genera.

Soil compaction has become a global problem affecting soil worldwide. With an increased population, more demands for food and wood have resulted in intensive cultivation and increased mechanization of our farmlands and irrigated plantations. The use of heavy machinery results in soil compaction, which affects the entire soil ecosystem. This study was conducted to analyze the impact of compacted soil on germination and initial growth stages of four major agro-forest trees of central Punjab, Pakistan. Morpho-physiological traits of all selected species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Albizia lebbeck, Vachellia nilotica, and Zyziphus mauritiana) were measured against soil compaction. Results indicated that the root and shoot length, biomass, root–shoot ratio, diameter at root collar, no. of leaves and branches, leaf area, germination, and survival %, and physiological traits (i.e., photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, internal CO₂ concentration, and photosynthetic water use efficiency) were significantly affected by the induced soil compaction. Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. performed better and exhibited 96% germination percentage under (1.40 mg m⁻³) compaction level and gradually decreased by 11% with the increase of compaction level (1.80 mg m⁻³). It shows that the shorter roots developed due to soil compaction decreased water use efficiency, photosynthesis, and whole-plant physiological performance. The findings concluded that judicious use of machinery is highly desired for sustainable and good-quality wood production from farm trees.

Bombax ceiba is an important agroforestry tree species widely distributed throughout the world. It has been extensively grown and planted for eras in hot and dry regions and high humidity zones of southern Asia. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the growth response of B. ceiba in response to different compost treatments. Different morphological traits (plant height, stem height, root length) and biomass (shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight and root/shoot ratio) were measured. Two experiments (pot experiment = seedlings) and (field experiment = saplings) were conducted simultaneously. Different compost treatments: (T0) = (Compost 0% + Soil 0%), (T1) = (Compost 25% + Soil 75%), (T2) = (Compost 50% + Soil 50%), (T3) = (Compost 75% + Soil 25%), (T4) = (Compost 100% + Soil 0%) were applied in the growing media. Results demonstrated that plant growth increased with the increment in compost application. In the pot experiment, B. ceiba exhibited its better growth under 75% of compost application, whereas in the field experiment, 100% compost was helpful for the best production of B. ceiba. Overall, positive effects of compost were observed for the growth of B. ceiba. The plant growth was increased greatly in response to the better content of organic fertilizer, and it was determined that compost enhances soil fertility. It should be implemented as organic fertilizer in agroforestry operations for optimizing plant growth and yield.