Evidences versus Claims on Deep Rootedness in Planted Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has been grown in India since its introduction in 1790. It is a prominent tree which has been planted both within and outside forests in the greater geographical area of the country. The tree started attracting hate from some quarters around 1980's and continues till date from some parts of the country. The major claim by its opponents is related to its root system which is repeatedly quoted penetrating very deep in the soil to exploit groundwater table leading to land degradation. Though there are many other claims made by its opponents and proponents, this paper reviews Eucalyptus root spread from the exiting reports. The paper also includes four case studies with pictorial evidences exhibiting actual root spread of some Eucalyptus species. The tree is currently grown under short production cycles 2 years onward. Based on the available information on its root spread, it is inferred that the tree does not grow a deep root system which could be held responsible for exploiting the deep ground water table especially on degraded and stressed sites.