ID: 54470
Title: Geospatial appraoch for forest fire risk modeling: A case study of Taradevi Range of Shimla forest division in Himachal Pradesh, India
Author: Shruti Kanga, Laxmi Kant Sharma, M S Nathawat and S K Sharma
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 3, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Forest fire Risk Model, Geospatial Approach
Abstract: Forest fires are calamity that causes damage to the forest economy which is considerably greater than all damages caused by the harmful insects and diseases. Its cause ' s substantial damage whether caused by natural or anthropogenic factors. Therefore the problem of controlling forest fire is making its important place in issue of economy development. The study area is prone to fire because of the presence of dominant species of pines which are highly susceptible to fires due to the presence of resins. The greatest danger from fire occurs during the month of April to June in higher temperatures periods. Satellite images were interpreted and classified to generate fuel type layer and land use layers. Topographic layers (slope, aspect and altitude) were derived from SRTM data. The thematic and topographic information was analyzed by using ARC/INFO GIS software. Forest fire risk zones were delineated by assigning subjective weights to the classes of all the layers (vegetation type, slope, aspect, elevation and distance from roads, and settlements) according to their sensitivity to fire or their fire-inducing capability. Five categories of forest fire risk ranging from very high to very low were derived on knowledge based information.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54469
Title: Structural composition and productivity assessment of the grassland community of Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Author: P K Khatri and K N Barua
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 3, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Productivity assessment, Biomass, Succession, Grassland community, Kaziranga National Park
Abstract: Grassland communities of Kaziranga National Park (KNP) classified as Eastern Wet Alluvial Grasslands. It comprised fo tall grasses (61%) as well as short grasses (only 3%). Rapid periodic changes occurred due to recurrence of flood, erosion and alluvial deposition and have direct implications for the establishment of early successional species. Grassland can be viewed in terms of upland grasslands and lowland grasslands. Apluda mutica, Arundinella benglensis, Imperata cylindrica, Thysanolaena maxima, Saccharum spp., Vetiveria zizanioides, characterize the upland grassland and the lowland grasslands comprise predominantly of Phragmites karka, Imperata cylindrica, Saccharum spontaneum, Arundo donax and Saccharum narenga whcih considered being early successional species. Seven tall grasses and three short grasses communities have been identified.
Above ground biomass increased from June to October due to rapid growth after teh commencement of monsoon rain and declined during the winter months. The peak growth rate of total above ground biomass (31.94 g m-2day-1) is much higher than the other grassland types reported elsewhere in India. Frequent burning resulted drier habitat and Pharagmites karka was replaced by Saccharum, Sclerostachya, Themeda and Imperata species. Excessive grazing favours the establishment of unpalatable species like Imperata cylindrica, Vetiveria zizanioides etc. and several pure stands of these grasses developed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54468
Title: Carbon sequestration potential of selected plantation interventions in Terai region of Uttarakhand
Author: Neelu Gera, Mohit Gera and N S Bisht
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 3, March 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Carbon sequestration, Terai region, climate change, potential, Uttarakhand
Abstract: Selected afforestation and reforestation interventions have been studied in the Terai region of Uttarakhand with the objectives to assess their carbon sequestration potential, and cost-effectiveness exclusive and inclusive of carbon benefits. The excel spreadsheet model "Project Based Comprehensive Mitigation Assessment Process" was employed to workout the annual incremental carbon sequestration, cost effectiveness indicators and likely benefits under different carbon price scenarios for each selected afforestation and reforestation intervention. The results have shown a wide range of sequestration potential, which varied from 0.74 tC/ha/yr in case of amla block plantation to 2.34 tC/ha/yr for Triphala block plantation, calculated for the assessment period 2008-38. However, for the ' with wood products ' scenario, the maximum sequestration potential was observed for poplar block plantation (2.41 tC/ha/yr), closely followed by Eucalyptus block (1.73 tC/ha/yr), while teak block plantation showed sequestration potential of 1.50 tC/ha/yr. Among the selected plantation interventions under ' without wood products ' scenario, Triphala block, NTFP block, and NTFP bund were observed to be associated with maximum carbon benefits, viz., Rs 1976/-, Rs 1841/- and Rs 1518/- per ha per year respectively. The study has demonstrated that plantation interventions involving NTFP species associated with appreciable recurring non-carbon benefits are more likely to succeed as afforestation and reforestation CDM project interventions compared to fast growing commerical tree species, viz., poplar and Eucalyptus on farmlands.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54467
Title: Effect of plant growth regulators on sprouting and biomass production of Tylophora asthmatica L. in mid hills of Himalaya
Author: Gopi Chand, R D Singh, Ramjee Lal Meena and Brij Lal
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 2, February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Asthma, Bronchitis, Diarrhea, IAA, IBA, NAA, Whooping-cough
Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate plant growth regulators (PGR) viz., IAA, IBA and NAA at three concentrations, 50, 100 and 200 mg/l, in terms of rate of sprouting in stem-cuttings and growth of the sprouted cuttings of Tylophora asthmatica, during July 2004 and 2006 in Palampur at mid hills of Western Himalaya. Observations were recorded on sprouting rate, leaves per sprouted cutting, length of sprouted shoots and length of roots. Cuttings treated with IAA showed more than 50% sprouting which was significantly higher than due to other treatments and untreated control. Also, IAA was statistically superior to other PGRs in terms of growth of the sprouted cuttings. In terms of sprouting rate, the lowest rate of PGRs (50 mg/l) was more effective than the higher doses. In terms of biomass production, plant spacing of 50 x 25 cm and 50 x 50 cm were statistically comparable.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54466
Title: Efficacy of chloropicrin against wood decaying fungi in-vitro
Author: Himani Pant and Sadhna Tripathi
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 2, February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Fumigant, Brown rot, White rot
Abstract: To determine the fungicidal effectiveness of chloropicrin against wood decaying fungi white rot (Trametes versicolor) and brown rot (Oligoporus placenthus), Cpi was tested by malt agar bioassay. Cpi at 0.001% was unable to show activity against the test found showing complete growth in Petri plates as placentus at 0.01% concentration.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54465
Title: Requirement of arbuscular mycorrhizal (Glomus mosseae) inoculum for optimum growth of tree seedlings in lateritic soil
Author: Somdatta Ghosh and N K Verma
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 2, February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhizal, Glomus mosseae, Preinoculation in Nurseries, AMinoculation
Abstract: Application of Arbuscular mycorrhizae, as preinoculation in nurseries, is an effective tool for afforestation in dry regions. Three vastly used test crops-including Acacia auriculiformis, Leucaena leucocephala and Delonix regia were selected to standardise the doses on inoculums. Growth parameters were found enhanced over control at 180th day accordingly with the quantity of inoculum, but increment from 15 to 25 g inocula treatment was not significantly varied. Hence, 15g or 20 g may be taken as standard for this soil type.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54464
Title: Wetlands-worth for Singhara (Trapa spp.) cultivation
Author: Jitendra Singh, R A Kaushik, P S Chauhan, S K Jain and A Kavita
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 2, February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Singhara, wetlands, aquaculture
Abstract: Singhara cultivation is an important option for the rural families in neglected wetlands s a profitable venture. Its cultivation is sure to add rural employment opportunity and to render additional income to the growers.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54463
Title: Improving livelihood of tribals in Chhattisgarh: Adopted silkworm seed rearing of tropical Tasar Antheraea mylitta Drury
Author: N K Bhatia, M M Bhat and M A Khan
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 2, February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Tropical Tasar, Tribal community, Vanya silk, improving livelihood, Sustainability
Abstract: The ' tropical tasar ' , one of the variety of four commercially known non-mulberry silk in India, called Vanya silk, is an exclusive craft of about 1.5 lakh tribals, having huge base of 111.60 lakh hectare of natural tasar flora. Rearing quality, its success and profitability, then exhibiting superior grainage traits and post cocoon attributes, all indispensably rely on quality and most vitally, timely supply of required quantity of basic seed, called DFLs (Dieseae Free Laying) in defined brushing schedule, accommodating regional and seasonal suitability.
The tribal engaged in this activity were the poorest of the poor living below the poverty line having an annual family income of Rs 11,850.00 or less. Their seven year ' s success story of tasar Seri-business clearly indicates that there has been an aggregate per farmer average annual income of Rs 3198.00, which stands around 27% of their total annual income. Considering the economic significane of time and energy spent by them, this seasonal avocation of tasar seed crop rearing corresponds a tremendous impact in improving the economic status of tribal community to grow out of poverty and to curtail down the exploiting role of the moneylenders. On the other hand, the cluster of seed rearers also helped the Central Silk Board grainage to increase the production of tasar seed manifold. Their contribution in terms of cocoons production was 51.47% and for seed production it was 47.52%. It indicates that similar efforts at national level can bridge the existing demand and supply gap of 74.02 lakh DFLs.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54462
Title: Effect of temperature and relative humidity on the development of Sal defoliator, Ascotis imparata Walk. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)
Author: K P Singh
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 2, February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Ascotis imparata, Development, Temperature, Relative humidity, Survival percentage
Abstract: Temperature and humidity are the two main factors that influence the rate of survival and development of sal defoliator, Ascotis imparata Walk. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), which is an economically important polyphagous pest of sal and other plants in plantations and natural forest. Study of effect of temperature and humidity revealed that the best suited temperature was 250C to 300C with 70 to 75% relative humidity. Low temperature (10-15 0C) and high humidity (80-90%) and vice-versa was found unfavourable for development and survival of the larvae of A. imparata. The maximum survival percentage (96 percent) of larvae was observed at the temperature 250C with 75% relative humidity while minimum (16%) survival was at 400C with 60%. The optimum condition to complete the pupal development was 300C temperature with 70% relative humidity. At this condition pupae completed development at minimum period of 14.06 days with maximum survival of 91.30 percent.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54461
Title: Provenance variations in seed characteristics and germination behaviour of Terminalia arjuna and Terminalia tomentosa
Author: I Hembrom, Gargi, R Kumar, M K Singh and N B Vijayaprakash
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 2, February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Terminalia arjuna, T. tomentosa, Provenances, Germination, Biomass attributes
Abstract: Studies for seed morphology, seedling growth and biomass attributes were made in 25 provenances of Terminalia arjuna (11) and T. tomentosas (14). A wide variatgion was recorded for 13 seed and seedling traits in both the species. Single seed weight ranged between 1.15 to 4.52 g in T. arjuna and 0.87 to 2.76 g in T. tomentosa. Germination percent was maximum (83.33) in T. arjuna seeds from Chakradharpur (Jharkhand). Production of fresh biomass was maximum (2.03 g) in T. tomentosa seedlings from Kharsawan (Jharkhand). Root shoot ratio an important parameter in initial establishment of seed ling was also highest (3.08:1) in seedlings of T. tomentosa from Ranka (Jharkhand). Vigour index ranged between 669.80% (T. arjuna) to 580.80% in T. tomentosa. A positive and significant correlation was found between emergence index and germination percent, germination speed, root length and vigour index. Based on the vigour index, root/shoot ratio plus trees of T. arjuna from Chakradharpur and Garwha and of T. tomentosa from Baharagoda have been identified for multiplication.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54460
Title: Wood microstructure studies of the order oxalidales from erstwhile India
Author: Sangeeta Gupta and Vishakha Saxena
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 2, February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Oxalidales, Elaeocarpaceae, Oxalidaceae, Wood Anatomy, India
Abstract: The order Oxalidales has been divided into 6 families, out of these 2 families are represented in India viz. Elaeocarpaceae and Oxalidaceae. The present study deals with detailed wood microstructure of both families. 18 species and 2 genera of the family Elaeocarpaceae and single species belonging to single genus of the family Oxaliaceae have been described for their detailed wood microstructure, salient diagnostic features and photomicrographs. Wood anatomical studies also support the grouping of both the families together.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54459
Title: Status and distribution of willow mortality in Lahaul and Spiti cold desert of Himachal Pradesh
Author: R C Sharma, N B Singh, D Tripathi and Anil Sood
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 2, February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Willow (Salix sp.), Mortality, Cytospora chrysosperma, Scale insect, (Lepidosaphes sp.), cold desert
Abstract: A survey on the status and distribution of willow mortality in the cold desert of Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh was conducted during 2007. Large scale willow mortality ranging from 2 to 93.8 percent was recorded in Lahaul sub-division. The extent of mortality was higher in Chandra valley as compared to Pattan and Bhaga valleys. In Spiti sub-division willow mortality was recorded only at Qurith (2%). Investigations revealed that Cytospora canker caused by Cytospora chrysosperma is the major cause of willow mortality. At few places scale insect (Lepidosaphes sp.) infestation was also recorded. Based on the causes of the mortality, a package of recommendations has been suggested to reduce the willow mortality in the cold desert areas.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54458
Title: Effect of root culturing and fertilizers on biochemical and nutrient parameters of seedling roots of Ulmus villosa, Brandis ex Gamble
Author: Sanjeev K Chauhan, V K Mishra and G K Sharma
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 2, February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Ulmus villosa, undercutting, wrenching, fertilizers, biochemical, nutrients
Abstract: Conditioning treatments viz. undercutting and wrenching significantly influenced all the studied root biochemical parameters (proline content, peroxidase activity, total sugars, starch and carbohydrates). Values exhibited an increasing trend with decrease in undercutting depth and increase in wrenching frequency . Application of ammonium nitrate and single super phosphate as nitrogen and phosphorus sources of fertilization, respectively failed to show much effect on these parameters. Te increase in stress imposed by undercutting depth x wrenching frequency interaction also manifested effect on these physiological parameters. In general, the nutrients N, P, K, Ca and Mg content in roots increased with increase in stress level. The fertilizer application following undercutting and wrenching treatments also influenced the root nutrient concentration significantly.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54457
Title: Evaluation of soil resources for productivity through remote sensing in GIS environment
Author: K Manikandan, S Natarajan, R Sivasamy, M Sankar and K S Dadhwal
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 2, February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Coastal lands, Remote Sensing, productivity rating, Soil resource inventory
Abstract: Soil resources of the coastal region of Cuddalore district of Tamilnadu were evaluated to assess the productivity rating for field crops, pastures, agroforestry, forestry and other tree crops. The soil resources were inventoried using remote sensing approach. The IRS 1D PAN merged LISS III data at 1:50,000 scale was used for pre-field interpretations. The soils mapped were evaluated for its productivity for agricultural, pasture, agroforestry, forestry and other tree crops. The texture of the soils varied from sandy to clayey due to the coastal sand dune landforms (72%). Loam (Arasanatham, Srinivasapuram and Mangadu series) and clay soil (Kondal series) occupied 16 and 3%, respectively which falls under alluvium landform. The mean pH of the soils ranged from 6.79 to 8.29. The neutral soil phase (6.5 to 7.5) was recorded in Mahabalipuram, Vandiyampalayam, Padugai, Pulavanur and Arasanatham series which occupied 58% (4905 ha) of the study area. The remaining soil series exhibited alkaline pH raning from 7.85 to 8.29 (3688 ha; 42%). The study revealed that 71, 16 and 3% of the area falls under Entisols, Inceptisols and Veritsols, respectively.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54456
Title: Bayesian modeling for Forest cover dynamics in Shimla district
Author: C. Jeganathan, P. S. Roy and M N Jha
Editor: Dr V R R Singh
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 2, February 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Forestry
Keywords: Land cover change, Bayesian model, prediction, Environmental parameters, Topography, landscape, land-water
Abstract: Decision making in land use planning needs understanding about the pattern of changes. The current study aims to analyse and predict the land use and land cover change, with the focus on forests, in Shimla District using Bayesian model. Population growth, agricultural - horticulture demands, tourism growth are putting pressure on the valuable forest ecosystem and natural resources of the district. In this study, land cover maps wre prepared for the periods 1970s, 1980s adn 1990s using remote sensing data. The actual positive changes (i.e, increase in forest) and negative changes (i.e., decrease in forest) derived from the time-series land cover maps were used as apriori evidence in the Bayesian model to derive the statistical weights for various environmental parameters. The environmental parameters were analysed under 4 major group of factors i.e., topographic, land use, landscape, land-water. The probabilistic contribution (ie., weight) of each attribute under each map was utilised within the weighted summation model to derive spatial maps of potential positive and negative change. The accuracy of the model was validated using actual change maps. Accuracy of the model was 85% for the positive change and 80% for the negative change. The resultant predicted maps of positive and negative change were overlaid together and potential zones of conservation and afforestation were identified.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None