Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

Sanjeeb Kumar Nath ¹, S. K. Sarma ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, Dhing College, Dhing, Nagaon-782 123, Assam, IN
2 Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati-781 014, Assam,, IN

Abstract

The study deals with analysis of soil of Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary of Assam to understand the physico-chemical properties. The soil is mainly alluvial in nature. The texture varies from sandy and loamy sandy to clay loam. The removal of finer soil particles from the soil surface during rainy season might have contributed to sandy or sandy loam nature, and accumulation of finer soil particles and deposition of clay during flood have resulted in clayey loam nature of soil in different parts of the sanctuary. The soil is acidic in nature with soil pH varying from 4.36-6.86. Logging and grazing have direct effect on physical and chemical conditions of soil, nutrient content and decomposition rate of litter. Organic carbon varies from 0.09- 3.24% and the difference may be attributed to recurrent floods and addition of plant litter and animal remains. In general, different chemical properties of the soil show variations to a great extent. The variation in the chemical content in different parts of the sanctuary may be due to periodic flood, siltation and excessive biotic interferences.

Keywords

Wildlife Sanctuary, Biotic Interferences, Floodwater, Soil Texture, Overgrazing, Deforestation, Acidification of Soil.

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Ramesh Nath ¹, Sanjeeb Kumar Nath ², Dipali Devi ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Dhing College, Dhing, Nagaon-782 123, Assam, IN
2 Department of Botany, Dhing College, Dhing, Nagaon-782 123, Assam, IN
3 Seribiotech Div., Deptt. Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati-781 035, Assam, IN

Abstract

Assam is a treasure house of flora and fauna having tremendous economical value. Antheraea assamensis (Muga silkworm) and their host plants are good example of this wealth. Muga silkworm which produces golden silk of high economic value available in Assam especially in Brahmaputra valley. Antheraea assamensis (Helfer) is a polyphagous insect, hence it thrives on various types of food plants. Lack of scientific knowledge about plants, degradation of environment for various reasons and nonimplementation of proper policy for restoration of the same make most of the food plants vulnerable. In this paper systematic study of some of the food plants of Muga silkworm has been reported. The problems associated with these plants have been discussed and few strategical points have been suggested for conservation of the biodiversity of both flora and fauna.

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