ID: 66460
Title: Optimising level of service scores for footpaths using multi-criteria decision-making approach
Author: Lalitha Sree Chintakayala and C. S. R. K. Prasad
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (4) 335-341 (2025)
Subject: Optimising level of service scores for footpaths using multi-criteria decision-making approach
Keywords: AHP, footpaths, pedestrians, TOPSIS, transit
Abstract: Existing methods for evaluating footpath quality often neglect user satisfaction and time-based variations, creating lacunae in comprehensive assessment models. The present study addressed these gaps by developing six-level optimised level of service scores to evaluate footpaths near transit stations. The present research integrated quantitative and qualitative attributes using the analytic hierarchy process and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution. The results showed significant variations in footpath quality during peak and non-peak hours, revealing discrepancies between conventional grading systems and user perceptions. The findings support holistic planning for pedestrian infrastructure, enhancing last-mile connectivity and transit ridership.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Shkera, A. and Patankar, V., Navigating active transit: how built environments shape commuting and leisure journeys. Case Stud. Transp. Policy, 2024, 15, 101161; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstp.2024.101161.
Rui, J. and Othengrafen, F., Examining the role of innovative streets in enhancing urban mobility and livability for sustainable urban transition: a review. Sustainability, 2023, 15(7), 5709; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075709.
Literature cited 2: United Nations, Sustainable Development Goal 11: make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, 2023; https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal11.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, National urban transport policy, 2006; https://mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files /Transport Policy (2).pdf.
ID: 66459
Title: Nitrous oxide (N2O) – responsibility and action
Author: J. R. Bhatt
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (4) 329-334 (2025)
Subject: Nitrous oxide (N2O) – responsibility and action
Keywords: Climate change, fertiliser use, India’s ranking, Nitrous oxide, N2O pledges
Abstract: India’s nitrous oxide emissions in 2019 were pegged at 161.84 million tons CO2e, which amounts to only 5.17% of the total annual greenhouse gas emissions of India. The two predominant sources of nitrous oxide emissions in India are agricultural soils and manure management. The country’s annual per capita N2O emissions are ∼116.63 kg CO2e, ranking it 147th in the world. However, India ranks 15th if we consider the historical cumulative emissions of the livestock sector. The USA, European Union, China, Russia, and Brazil are the top five nitrous oxide emitters in absolute terms. India ranks sixth, and the nitrous oxide emissions gap between the USA and India is substantial, India’s emissions being 86% less than the USA’s. Despite its low N2O emissions on an annual, cumulative and per capita basis, India is making all efforts to reduce its nitrous oxide emissions from fertiliser use by coating all agriculture-grade urea with neem oil and also subsidising it, leading to annual N2O savings of 7.529 MtCO2e. With India’s emphasis on equity, its national circumstances, and its refusal to allow the conflation of mitigation with adaptation in the agriculture sector, India has not signed any international pledge to reduce N2O. For a better understanding of the historical responsibility for and future reductions of N2O emissions by various countries, the article argues for the development of global N2O budgets on the pattern of global carbon budgets as refined recently by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its Sixth Assessment Report.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: National Academy of Sciences, Climate change: evidence and causes: update 2020, The National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2020; https://doi.org/10.17226/25733. (accessed on 05 August 2024)
Mitchell, R. et al., Agriculture, food systems, and rural communities. Fifth National Climate Assessment, 14 November 2023; https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/chapter/11/. (accessed on 05 August 2024).
Literature cited 2: Thompson, R. L. et al., Acceleration of global N2O emissions seen from two decades of atmospheric inversion. Nat. Clim. Change, 2019, 9(12), 993–998; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-019-0613-7. (accessed on 05 August 2024)
Schroeck, A. M., Gaube, V., Haas, E. and Winiwarter, W., Estimating nitrogen flows of agricultural soils at a landscape level – a modelling study of the Upper Enns Valley, a long-term socio-ecological research region in Austria. Sci. Total Environ., 2019, 665, 275–289; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.071. (accessed on 06 August 2024).
ID: 66458
Title: Regenerative agriculture and adaptive capacity of farmers
Author: Walter Mansfield and Richard J. Culas
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (4) 320-328 (2025)
Subject: Regenerative agriculture and adaptive capacity of farmers
Keywords: Adaptive capacity, conceptual model, regenerative agriculture, resilience theory, social-ecological systems, transformation
Abstract: Regenerative agriculture is a transformative approach to food and fibre production that has a strong emphasis on climate change mitigation and a host of environmental and sociological benefits. Hence, adaptive capacity is recognised as a crucial property for societies to adapt to and transform systems in response to changing conditions such as climate change. A key challenge in assessing adaptation strategies is balancing the environment, financial and social factors, and an assessment of the adaptive capacity determinants within regenerative agriculture is sparse. The present article explores resilience theory as a foundation for assessing the adaptive capacity determinants and analyses examples of regenerative agriculture practices. A conceptual model is therefore developed to highlight the circularity of regenerative agriculture with the environmental, financial and social benefits that the adaptation of regenerative agriculture can bring.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Campbell, B. M. et al., Agriculture production as a major driver of the Earth system exceeding planetary boundaries. Ecol. Soc., 2017, 22(4), 8.
Global Biodiversity Outlook 5, 2020. Retrieved from Montreal: https://www.cbd.int/gbo/gbo5/publication/gbo-5-spm-en.pdf.
Literature cited 2: Clark, M. A. et al., Global food system emissions could preclude achieving the 1.5°and 2°C climate change targets. Science, 2020, 370(6517), 705–708. 4.
Wallace-Wells, D., The uninhabitable earth: life after warming, Tim Duggan Books, New York, USA, 2019, 1st edn
ID: 66457
Title: Development of cognitive digital twin-aided emergency response and rescue systems for Matsya6000
Author: M. Palaniappan, N. Vedachalam, C. Jothi, Tamshuk Chowdhury, V. Bala Naga Jyothi and Dhinesh Ganapathy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (4) 306-319 (2025)
Subject: Development of cognitive digital twin-aided emergency response and rescue systems for Matsya6000
Keywords: None
Abstract: Ensuring human safety is the key requirement for deep-ocean human-occupied scientific submersibles operating in remote, extreme environments. Even though human-rating standards are followed to reduce the failure of life-critical systems of Matsya6000 to as-low-as-reasonably-achievable, mechanisms should be in place to manage the residual risks. The present article describes the strategies adopted for reliability and safety-centred design of mission-critical and life-critical systems, design and development of a human-rated emergency rescue system (ERS) for Matsya6000, comprising a location marker cum rescue buoy, on-demand actuator release mechanism and situation-aware cognitive digital twin Chaitanya for proactive crew decision-support during energy-rationed emergency period. The location marker buoy is tested by releasing it from a 500 m water depth in the Bay of Bengal, and the time-to-surface was found to comply with the numerical simulation results with an accuracy of 90%, and the Chaitanya performance in predicting the last-time-to-actuate the ERS was found to have an accuracy of ∼97%.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ravichandran, M., India’s deep ocean mission. Curr. Sci., 2025, 128, 227–228.
MoES, Matsya-6000: India’s fourth generation deep-ocean submersible successfully completes wet testing. Release ID: 2104039, Ministry of Earth Sciences, 2025.
Literature cited 2: DNV, Part 5 Types of UWT systems - Chapter 6 Manned submersibles, Rules for classification, 2019; https://www.dnv.com/services/underwatertechnology-services-1751/ (accessed on 15 January 2025).
Smith, D. J. and Simpson, K. G. L., The Safety Critical Systems Handbook: A Straightforward Guide to Functional Safety: IEC 61508 (2010 Edition), IEC 61511 (2015 Edition) and Related Guidance (ed. Butterworth, H.), Elsevier Ltd, Netherlands, 2020, 4th edn, p. 307.
ID: 66456
Title: Towards an integrated approach to optimal low-carbon energy system design for net zero India
Author: Rupsha Bhattacharyya, K. K. Singh, K. Bhanja and R. B. Grover
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (4) 302-305 (2025)
Subject: Towards an integrated approach to optimal low-carbon energy system design for net zero India
Keywords: None
Abstract: For policymakers and the broader public, achieving the goal of net zero by a target year has become synonymous with human efforts to mitigate the consequences of climate change. While achieving net zero is a scientific concept, it must be aligned with socio-economic realities, including the principle of an equitable burden across societies. The energy sector (including fossil fuel based electricity production, domestic and industrial heating, and transportation) is known to be the main driver of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, a wide restructuring of how energy is currently produced and finally consumed is the essence of the energy transition. Energy availability, accessibility and affordability also determine the state of welfare and development of a nation. This means that emerging markets and developing economies like India must simultaneously address twin challenges - the development status-energy consumption linkage and the need for deep and economy-wide decarbonization. In short, India must formulate policies that result in a development-led transition.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bhattacharyya, R., Singh, K. K., Grover, R. B. and Bhanja, K., Estimating minimum energy requirements for net zero developed India by 2070. Curr. Sci., 2022, 122(5), 517- 527; DOI: 10.18520/cs/v122/i5/517-527
Chaturvedi, V. and Malyan, A., Implications of a net zero target for India’s sectoral energy transitions and climate policy. Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), October 2021, New Delhi.
Literature cited 2: Johnson, N., Liebreich, M., Kammen, D. M., Ekins, P., McKenna, R. and Staffell, I., Realistic roles for hydrogen in the future energy transition. Nat. Rev. Clean Technol., 2025, 1, 351- 371; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44359- 025-00050-4
Bhattacharyya, R., Singh, K. K., Bhanja, K. and Grover, R. B., Multi-criteria assessments of low-carbon electricity generation mixes for India. e-prime: advances in electrical engineering, electronics and energy, 2025, 13, 101078; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prime.2025.101078.
ID: 66455
Title: Nature Olympiad
Author: -(FERNSS)
Editor: Vrijulal MV
Year: 2025
Publisher: Foundation for education &Research in Nature Science &Sustainability (FERNSS)
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: FERNSS, Nature Olympiad
Subject: Nature Olympiad
Keywords: None
Abstract: Western Ghats in Karnataka stretch across several districts including Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi. The region hosts vital ecosystems like evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, shola-grassland, shola forests and several freshwater streams and rivers, making it critical for ecological research and conservation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66454
Title: Insights into the linkages of forest structure dynamics with ecosystem services
Author: T. V. Ramachandra , Paras Negi , Tulika Mondal & Syed Ashfaq Ahmed
Editor: Dr TV Ramachandra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Nature portfolio
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Insights into the linkages of forest
structure dynamics with ecosystem
services Pg No 1-21 , Scientific records ,Nature portfolio, 2025
Subject: Insights into the linkages of forest structure dynamics with ecosystem services
Keywords: Land use, Land cover, Land use change prediction, Agent-based modeling, Carbon sequestration, InVEST model, Ecosystem services, Ecologically sensitive regions (ESR), Western Ghats
Abstract: Large-scale land cover changes leading to land degradation and deforestation in fragile ecosystems
such as the Western Ghats have impaired ecosystem services, evident from the conversion of
perennial water bodies to seasonal, which necessitates an understanding of forest structure dynamics
with ecosystem services to evolve appropriate location-specific mitigation measures to arrest land
degradation. The current study evaluates the extent and condition of forest ecosystems in Goa of the
Central Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. Land use dynamics is assessed through a supervised
hierarchical classifier based on the Random Forest Machine Learning Algorithm, revealing that
total forest cover declined by 3.75% during the post-1990s due to market forces associated with
globalization. Likely land uses predicated through the CA-Markov-based Analytic Hierarchy Process
(AHP) highlight a decline in evergreen forest cover of 10.98%. The carbon sequestration potential of
forests in Goa assessed through the InVEST model highlights the storage of 56,131.16 Gg of carbon,
which accounts for 373.47 billion INR (4.49 billion USD). The total ecosystem supply value (TESV) for
forest ecosystems was computed by aggregating the provisioning, regulating, and cultural services,
which accounts for 481.76 billion INR per year. TESV helps in accounting for the degradation cost
of ecosystems towards the development of green GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Prioritization of
Ecologically Sensitive Regions (ESR) considering bio-geo-climatic, ecological, and social characteristics
at disaggregated levels reveals that 54.41% of the region is highly sensitive (ESR1 and ESR2). The
outcome of the research offers invaluable insights for the formulation of strategic natural resource
management approaches.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mooney, H. et al. Biodiversity, climate change, and ecosystem services. Curr. Opin. Environ. Sustain. 1 (1), 46–54. https://doi.org
/10.1016/j.cosust.2009.07.006 (2009).
Bellard, C., Bertelsmeier, C., Leadley, P., Thuiller, W. & Courchamp, F. Impacts of climate change on the future of biodiversity.
Ecol. Lett. 15 (4), 365–377. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2011.01736.x (2012).
Literature cited 2: Muluneh, M. G. Impact of climate change on biodiversity and food security: a global perspective—a review Article. Agric. Food
Secur. 10 (1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-021-00318-5 (2021).
Prakash, S. Impact of climate change on aquatic ecosystem and its biodiversity: an overview. Int. J. Biol. Innovations. 3, 2. https://
doi.org/10.46505/IJBI.2021.3210 (2021).
ID: 66453
Title: Urban heat island linkages with the landscape morphology
Author: T. V. Ramachandra, Rajesh Singh Rana , S. Vinay & Bharath H. Aithal
Editor: Dr TV Ramachandra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Nature portfolio
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Urban heat island linkages with the
landscape morphology Pg no 1-16 (2025)
Scientific reports, Nature portfolio
Subject: Urban heat island linkages with the landscape morphology
Keywords: Landscape dynamics, Land surface temperature (LST), Urban heat island (UHI), Spatial interrelationship, Urban thermal field variance index (UTFVI)
Abstract: The landscape consists of a mosaic of interacting ecosystem elements, which maintain stability and
aid in sustaining crucial services. Unplanned developmental activities leading to the transition of
pervious surfaces into impervious/paved surfaces have significant implications for the urban climate,
mainly through the phenomenon of urban heat islands (UHIs). Changes in landscape integrity
could be quantified through land use (land cover) assessment and urban heat island effect through
spatial computation of land surface temperature (LST). The current research uses multi-resolution
remote sensing data to evaluate UHIs with landscape dynamics and assess the complex spatial
interrelationships in heterogeneous urban landscapes at micro-levels. The composition of pervious and
impervious surfaces at the micro-level plays a pivotal role in regulating thermal comfort. Landscape
configuration at microlevels, predominantly barren (C1 class) and urban (C2 class) areas, constitute
hotspots with higher temperatures. UHI was mapped through the urban hotspot and Urban thermal
field variance index (UTFVI) analysis. Urban hotspot analysis shows the 15.41 km
2
area in the city has
a very high temperature. The study provides vital data-driven insights into the complex relationship
between urban land use and LST at the micro-level that supports the decision-makers, stakeholders,
and public officials in policymaking.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Mallik, R. et al. Spatio-temporal analysis of environmental criticality: Planned versus unplanned urbanization. In IOP Conference
Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1164 (1), 012014 https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1164/1/012014 (IOP Publishing,
2023).
Ramachandra, T. V., Aithal, B. H. & Sanna, D. D. Insights to urban dynamics through landscape Spatial pattern analysis. Int. J. Appl.
Earth Obs. Geoinf. 18, 329–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2012.03.005 (2012).
Literature cited 2: Gupta, N. & Aithal, B. H. Urban land surface temperature forecasting: a data-driven approach using regression and neural network
models. Geocarto Int. 39 (1), 2299145. https://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2023.2299145 (2024).
UN DESA. 2018 Revision of world urbanization prospects. (accessed 5 March 2025); https://population.un.org/wup/Publications
/Files/WUP2018-Report.pdf
ID: 66452
Title: Comprehensive review on the multifaceted properties of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi): Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic and ecological benefits with cultivation insights
Author: Sunita Verma and Shailja Singh
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (7) July. Pg No. 688-694 (2025)
Subject: Comprehensive review on the multifaceted properties of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi): Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic and ecological benefits with cultivation insights
Keywords: Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi),antimicrobial properties, Antioxidant effects, Anti-inflammatory properties, Adaptogenic effects, Cardio protective effects, Ecological benefits, Pharmacological effects.
Abstract: Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) revered for its medicinal, ecological, and agricultural significance, has garnered scientific interest for its diverse benefits. This review highlights Tulsi's therapeutic potential, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and adaptogenic properties. Its effectiveness against pathogens and chronic conditions underscores its role as a natural remedy. Additionally, Tulsi supports mental health through its adaptogenic effects and plays a vital ecological role in past and fundal control. Its adaptability to diverse climates enhances its agricultural visibility. Standardizing Tulsi extracts ensures threrapeutic efficacy and safety, affirming its relevance in traditional and modern applications.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Aggarwal P. Nagesh L. and Murlikrishnan (2010). Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of various concentrations of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) extract against Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro study .Indian Journal of Dental Research, 21 (6):357-359.
Anees A.M. (2008). Larvicidal activity of Cimum sanctum Linn. (Labiatae) against Aedes aegypti (L)and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say).Parasitology Research. 103 (6): 1451-1453.
Literature cited 2: Baliga M.S., Rao S., Rai M.P and D'souza P. (2016a). Radioprotective effects of the Ayurvedic medicinal plant Ocimum sanctum Linn (Holy Basil): A memoir. Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics, 12 (1):20-27.
Baliga M.S. Venkateswaan K. and Menon M.M. (2016b). Tulsi as a stress-relieving agent: A review of its potential. Journal of Ayurvedia and integrative Medicine, 7(3):132-138.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2015.12.003.
ID: 66451
Title: Wild mushrooms Lulung, Similipal Biospehrere Reserve, Odisha, India: Food and Medicinal aspects
Author: Supriya Kulkarni, S.Joshi, M.Kumar ,S.S.Nayak, Snajjet Kumar and H.N.Thatoi
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (7) July. Pg No. 683-687 (2025)
Subject: Wild mushrooms Lulung, Similipal Biospehrere Reserve, Odisha, India: Food and Medicinal aspects
Keywords: Ethnic tribes, Ethnomedicine, Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Wild mushrooms
Abstract: Covid-19 readdresses the value and utilization of the nutraceutical to provide food and medicinal staffs and to boost immunity. In these aspects, researchers globally searching wild source for existing traditional nutraceutical. Keeping these in view, an attempt has been made to collect the edible, medicinal and nutraceutical wild mushrooms from the living area of Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR), Odisha, Extensive field survey was made to collect the desired information through questionnaire from tribal communities of study areas. Forty species were enumerated belonging to 28 genera and 22 families. Out of these, 24 species were edible and the rest species have either medicinal, toxic, or not evaluated for their potential.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Adhikar M.KDevkota S. and Tiwari R.D. (2005) Ethnomycological Knowledge on uses of wild mushrooms in Western and Central Nepal. Our Nature, 3:13-19.
Anusiya G., Gowthama P.U., Yamini N.V., Sivarajasekar N., Rambabu K., M Bharath G and Banat F. (2021). A review of the therapeutic and biological effects of edible and wild mushrooms. Bioengineered, 12 (2), 11239-11268.
Literature cited 2: Atri N.S. and Saini S.S. (2000). Collection and study of Agarics-An introduction. Indian Journal Mushrooms, 18 (1&2):1-5.
Atri N.S, Saini S.S. and Saini M.K. (1997). Studies on genus Russula Pers. from Northwestern Himalayas. Mushroom Research, 6(1):1-6.
ID: 66450
Title: Response of Melia dubia and Dalbergia sissoo to sandy loam soil amended with water absorbent polymer in establishment phase
Author: Ashok Kumar Dhakad,Rajesh Kumar ,Avtar Singh and Nirmaljit Kaur
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (7) July. Pg No. 675-682 (2025)
Subject: Response of Melia dubia and Dalbergia sissoo to sandy loam soil amended with water absorbent polymer in establishment phase
Keywords: Melia dubia,Dalbergia sissoo,Hydrogel application, growth, Biomass, Physiology
Abstract: The present study aimed to assess the effect of water absorbent polymers application on the survival, growth performance, biomass and leaf physiological characteristics of short rotation i.e., Melia dubia and long rotation tree species i.e., Dalbergia sissoo. The hydrogel was applied in powdered form before planting the seedlings in soil pits of 50x50x50 cm2 volume at concentrations of 0,25,30,35, 40, 45, and 50 g/pit. A significant increase was recorded with increasing the amount of hydro gel for both species. In M.dubia, treatment T2 (30 gm/pit) was found best for growth and biomass parameters and lowest was in control. The nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and physiological parameters such as relative water content (RWC) and membrane stability index (MSI) were also recorded higher in T2 (30gm/pit), while phosphorus (P) was in T3 (35gm/pit) treatment. Total carotenoid was recorded maximum for both T2 (30 gm/pit) and T3 (35 gm/pit).Chlorophyll content increased with increasing dose of hydro gel application and the maximum was in T6 (50 gm/pit), while TSS showed a reverse pattern and the maximum was in T1 (25 gm/pit).In case of long rotation tree species i.e., D. sissoo, growth and biomass was in general higher in treatment T3 (35 gm/pit) and minimum in control.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Agaba H., Orikiriza I.J.B.Esegu J.F.O. Obua J., Kabasa J.D. and Huttermann A. (2010).Effects of hydrogel amendment to different soils on plant available water and survival of trees under drought conditions. Clean Soil Air Water , 38: 328-335.
Agaba H., Orikriza L.J.B., Obua J., Kabasa J.D., Worbes M. and Huttermann A. (2011).Hydrogel amendment to sandy soil reduces irrigation frequency and improves the biomass of Agrostis stolonifera. Agricultural Sciences, 2:544-550.
Literature cited 2: Anand B., Devagiri G.M., Maruti G., Vasudev H.S. and Khaple A.K. (2012).Effects of pre-sowing seed treatments on germination and seedling growth performance of Melia dubia Cav: an important multipurpose Tree. Journal of Life Science, 1: 59-63.
Anderson J.M. and Boardman N.K. (1964). Studies on the greening of dark-grown bean plants II. Development of photochemical activity. Australian Journal of Biological Science, 17:93-101.
ID: 66449
Title: IUCN Red List Assessment of Dryopteris austro-indica: Conservation status of an endangered fern from Western Ghats of India
Author: A.Benniamin ,Rajat Mondal and Sakshi
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (7) July. Pg No. 670-674 (2025)
Subject: IUCN Red List Assessment of Dryopteris austro-indica: Conservation status of an endangered fern from Western Ghats of India
Keywords: Dryopteridaceae,Endemic ,Karnataka, Nilgiris, Pteridophyte
Abstract: The Dryopteris austro-indica Fraser-Jenk, a threatened endemic fern of the Western Ghats, has been evaluated for its IUCN Red list category through comprehensive field surveys and herbarium consultations. It has been classified as 'Endangered' (EN) under the B2ab (i,ii,iii,iv,v) criteria, primarily due to its restricted distribution, deteriorating habitat quality , and declining population trends. The major threats to this species include habitat loss resulting from human activities and the impacts of climate change. Immediate conservation efforts are crucial to avert its potential extinction. This study provides detailed taxonomic information and a concise assessment based on the IUCN Red List Guidelines and necessary photographs to support a thorough Red List assessment of the species.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Antony R. and Mohanan N. (2012).Dryopteris austro-indica Fraser-Jenkins (Pteridophyta: (Dryopteridaceae), a new distributional record for Kerala. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 19(1):79-80.
Bachman S., Moat J., Hill A.W., Torre J. and Scott B. (2011). Supporting Red List threat assessments with GeoCAT: geospatial conservation assessment tool. In Smith, V &L.Penev (eds) e-Infrastructures for data publishing in biodiversity science. Zookeys, 150:117-126.
Literature cited 2: Beddome R.H. (1863-64). The Ferns of Southern India. Gantz Brothers, Madras.
Benniamin A. and Sundari S.M. (2020). Pteridophytes of Western Ghats-Pictorial guide. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehra Dun.
ID: 66448
Title: Poisonous plants phenology: A case study of Belpahari forest region of Jhargram district, West Bengal
Author: Bingshati Singha Mahapatra, Susanta Jana and Shyamal Kanti Mallick
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (7) July. Pg No. 665-669 (2025)
Subject: Poisonous plants phenology: A case study of Belpahari forest region of Jhargram district, West Bengal
Keywords: Flowering, Fruiting, Phenology, Poisonous plants
Abstract: The present study deals with the taxonomic exploration and phenology of some poisonous plants found in the different forest patches of Belaphari forest region of Jhargram district, West Bengal. Phenology is the morphological expression of physiological activities of the plants. Plant phenological study has significance because it not only provides knowledge about plant pattern but also provides the idea on the effects of environmental and selective pressure on flowering and fruiting behaviour. The phenological study of selected poisonous plants depends on the observation, interpretation and recording of the timing of their life history events. During this time different phenophases such as vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting time, seed germination, ripening of fruits and leaf senescence were observed timely in every month. Among six plants maximum plant species showed germination during June to July. Maximum flowering and fruiting times are September and October to December.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Butola J.S. and Malik A.R. (2012).Phenology and Survival of some Himalayan medicinal plants domesticated at different altitudes. Int. J. Med. Arom. Plants, 2(4):683-687.
Chambers L.E. and Keatley M.R. (2010).Phenology and climate-early Australian botanical records. Australian Journal of Botany, 58 (6):473-484.
Literature cited 2: Chhetri R., Kumar P. and Megha M.S (2020).Phenological trend of tree species at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, India. Research Journal of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences,8 (2): 1-8.
French K. (1992).Phenology of fleshy fruits in a wet sclerophyll forest in southeastern Australia: Are birds in important influence?Oecologia, 90:366-373.
ID: 66447
Title: Effect of sewage Sludge application on growth parameters and uptake of Macronutrients by Poplar Nursery
Author: Samanpreet Kaur, Baljit Singh and Dhanwinder Singh
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (7) July. Pg No. 658-664 (2025)
Subject: Effect of sewage Sludge application on growth parameters and uptake of Macronutrients by Poplar Nursery
Keywords: Concentration, Biomass, Growth parameters, Litterfall, Sewage Sludge
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to study the effect of sewage sludge application and its combination with chemical fertilizers on growth and uptake of macronutrients by poplar nursery. Sixteen treatments namely control, 50%RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers), 75% RDF, 100 % RDF, 5 t/ha ss (sewage sludge), 10 t/ha SS, 15 t/ha SS, 50% RDF+5 t/ha SS, 50%RDF+10 t/ha SS,75%RDF+5t/haSS,75%RDF+10t/ha SS,75%RDF+15 t/ha SS were applied in three replications.The RDF for poplar nursery was 125, 150 and 75 kg/ha N,P705 and K201 respectively .Plant height and collar diameter were the highest at 100 % RDF+10 t/ha SS (409.1 cm and 27.88 mm, respectively) which were statistically similar with 50%RDF+15 t/ha SS, 75% RDF+10 t/ha SS and 75%RDF +15 t/ha SS.Dry weight of soot, root and litterfall, and concentration and uptake of macronutrients (N,P,K, Ca, Mg and S) were significantly higher at 50% RDF +15 t/ha SS and 75%RDF +10 t/ha SS than other treatments. Build-up of macronutrients in the soil was highest at 100 % RDF +15 t/ha SS. It is suggested to apply 50% RDF +15 t/ha SS or 75%RDF +10 t/ha SS for getting good growth of poplar nursery and for saving of fertilizers to the tune of Rs, 7041/ha or Rs 3520/ha, respectively from Rs 14082/ha at 100%RDF.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Anon (2018). Package of Practices for Forest Trees, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 28 p.
Akdeniz H. Yilmaz I., Bozkurt M.A. and Kesin B (2006).The effects of sewage sludge and nitrogen application on grain sorghum grown (Sorghum vulgare L.) in Van-Turkey. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 15:19-26.
Literature cited 2: Cheema H.S. and Singh B (1991). Software Statistical Package CPCS-1. Department of Statistics, PAU Ludhiana, India.
Chu S., Jacobs D.F., Liao D, Liang L.L, Wu D., Chen P, Lai C., Zhong F and Zeng S (2017).Effects of landscape plant species and concentration of sewage sludge compost on plant growth, nutrient uptake, and heavy metal removal. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25:25184-35199
ID: 66446
Title: Variation in Soil physicochemical property of Oak forests in Garhwal Himalaya
Author: Subhasis Mahato, Sabyasachi Dasgupta and N.P. Todaria
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (7) July. Pg No. 651-657 (2025)
Subject: Variation in Soil physicochemical property of Oak forests in Garhwal Himalaya
Keywords: Garhwal Himalya soil, Quercus leucotrichophora, Reserve forest, Community-managed forest, Soil physical properties, Soil carbon
Abstract: Quercus leucotrichophora (bank oak) predominates the mid-altitude temperate forests of the western Himalayas, serving as keystone species meticulously examines the impact of forest size and managemetn practices on the physicochemical properties of soil within oak-dominated forests of the Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand. Four sites-comprising two large reserve forests, one diminutive reserve forest, and one small community managed forest-were meticulously selected across the Pauri and Rudraprayag districts. Soil samples were taken from five distinct depths (0-100 cm) and subjected to analyses for moisture content, bulk density (BD), soil organic carbon (SOC), texture, water holding capacity (WHC), and pH, Rigorous statistical analyses, including ANOVA, Turkeys
's HSD, correlation matrices, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), unveiled significant disparities in soil parameters across both sites and depths. These findings illuminate the significance of forest size and management in regulating soil health, hydrological balance, and carbon sequestration, thereby offering critical insights for sustainable forest conservation and climate resilience within Himalayan ecosystems. The present study illustrates that reserve forests are more effective in regulating soil organic carbon as ecosystem service than their smaller community-managed counterparts.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Black C.A. (1965). Methods of soil analysis, Part 2, Chemical and microbial properties, Amer. Soc. Agron, Madison Wis, 771-512.
Chakraborty A. (2018). Ecological and socio-economic benefits of oak forests in the Central Himalaya. Ecosystem Services, 34.104-112.
Literature cited 2: Chakraborty A., Joshi P.K. and Sachdeva K (2018). Capturing forest dependency in the central Himalayan region: Variations between Oak (Quercus spp). and Pine (Pinus Spp.) dominated forest landscape. Ambio.,47:504-522.
Dhyani A., Jain R. and Pandey A (2019) Contribution of root associated microbial communities on soil quality of Oak and Pine forests in the Himalayan ecosystem. Trop Ecol., 60:271-280.