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Rama Mohan Rao, M. S.
- Comparative Effectiveness of Different Grass Species on Reduction of Runoff, Soil Loss in Semi-arid Black Soil Region
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Indian Forester, Vol 134, No 1 (2008), Pagination: 51-56Abstract
Vegetative measures for soil & water conservation are preferred due to their efficacy and cost effectiveness. A study conducted during 1996-2000 in black soil semi-arid region showed that among the commonly occurring grasses, Cenchrus ciliaris, Dichanthium annulatum and Cymbopogon martini were most effective in reducing surface runoff which ranged from 9 to 12%, while sediment loss varied from 500 - 1000 kg/ha and was below permissible limits of 5 t/ha/year. Cymbopogon has drought resistance and capability to withstand limited grazing. It also gives comparatively more (1.7 to 2.4 times) biomass production with aromatic uses. Thus, from a holistic perspective Cymbopogon is recommended for conservation and production. By artificial seeding on large scale, Cymbopogon, Ciliaris and Dichanthium can replace the Sehima species which has currently failed to survive due to changed environment.Keywords
Grass Species, Run-off, Soil Loss, Semi-arid, Black Soil- Biomass Production and Prediction Models for Acacia nilotica in Salt Affected Vertisols in Karnataka
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Indian Forester, Vol 133, No 2 (2007), Pagination: 239-246Abstract
Biomass prediction models were prepared for 17 year old Acacia nilotica trees raised on salt affected vertisols of the semi arid tropics in Karnataka. A. nilotica was raised at 8×8 m spacing with an under storey of three grass species - Cenchrus ciliaris, Dicanthium annulatum and Chloris bourneii for the production of fodder. Wide variations occurred in the trees sampled by random selection in the plantation, with respect to diameter (3.1 to 16 cm) and tree height (3.5 to 5.1 m). Leaf biomass varied from 0.5 to 3.1 kg/tree, contribution by big branches (> 2 cm dia.) varied from 3.81 to 24.13 kg/tree. Total above ground biomass ranged from 26.5 to 100.74 kg/tree. Prediction models with the best fit were in the linear form with r2 values of 0.8261, 0.9162 and 0.8665 for predicting bole, utilizable and total above ground biomass.- Studies on the Effect of Surface Mulch, Grass Cover and Stone Barrier on Runoff and Soil Loss under Simulated Condition for Application in Arable and Non-arable Land
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Indian Forester, Vol 128, No 8 (2002), Pagination: 853-862Abstract
The rainfall simulator is an useful tool to generate quick and satisfactory information on runoff and soil loss under different surface conditions, involving much less cost and time. The results show that sorghum stover mulch reduced runoff and soil loss considerably. It is also observed that runoff and soil loss increase with increase in degree of slope. Simple application of mulch material on the surface upto 2% slope of the field, involving almost no cost, can act as good inter-terrace soil and water conservation treatment in the black soil region, apart from improving in-situ moisture condition to increase crop production. The results show that mulched plot reduced runoff by 10 to 20% in comparison to bare plot and for individual storm, soilless is reduced from 0.5 t/ha to 0.1 t/ha (for 1% slope) and 0.8 t/ha to 0.2 t/ha (for 2% slope). Attempt has also been made to have effect on runoff and soil loss under steep slopes having stone barrier using mini rainfall simulator. It is observed that stone barrier reduced sediment density by about 50%. From discharge simulation studies it is observed that grass cover reduced runoff and the peak rate of runoff by 20 to 30%. The study shows that simple and cheap technology like surface mulch, grass cover and stone barrier can act as a good soil conservation treatment in arable and non-arable land.- Productive Utilisation of Non-arable Lands through Watershed Management in the Semi-arid Regions of South India
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Indian Forester, Vol 120, No 1 (1994), Pagination: 48-57Abstract
Multiple benefits which could be derived over a short period of time, after adopting various practices of floriculture, horticulture and tree plantations, on non-arable lands, in the semi-arid zones of Southern India are presented in this paper. Jasmine (Jasminium sambac Ait.) cultivation along river bank, is a profit-able activity, while application of DAP on grasses established over barren hill slopes, significantly increased dry matter yields. Tree plantations carried out along canal banks were better than those planted on hills, although tree survival on hill slopes was 40% and satisfactory.- Soil and Water Conservation Measures in Mine Spoil Areas
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Indian Forester, Vol 120, No 4 (1994), Pagination: 349-360Abstract
The loss of soil, which constitutes one of the most important life supporting systems, results in lowering productivity and if unchecked may even threaten the very existence of life. Apart from reduction in productivity and destruction of valuable forests, it also reduces basin retention capacity causing floods in the down stream side and siltation of multipurpose reservoirs should be considered as non renewable and hence need to be protected on priority. It is therefore, essential to adopt proper conservation measures which are most effective and 1east expensive. Accordingly, studies were initiated since 1986, in two mine areas, namely (a) Navalutti Mines near Sandur (60 km from Bellary) under lease of M/s H.R.. Gaviappa & Co., and (b) Metriki Forest (Karnataka Forest Department). Vithalapuram Mine situated at 30 km on the south-west direction from Bellary.- Organisational Structure Involving Community for Effective Watershed Development
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1 Irrigation & Command Area Development Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, IN
2 Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), N.O. Campus, Begumpet, Hyderabad, IN
3 Monitoring Evaluation Learning and Documentation, IWMP, CES (Pvt) Ltd, Bangalore, IN
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Journal of Rural Development, Vol 30, No 4 (2011), Pagination: 421 - 432Abstract
Evaluation of watershed development projects time and again revealed that the development to be sustainable, calls for involvement of beneficiaries at all stages of development process so as to transform them as Self-Managers. The existing approaches in developing three watersheds under similar agro-climatic and socioeconomic conditions, developed by research, development and NGO agencies were assessed to identify an appropriate organisational structure for developing watersheds on a sustainable basis keeping productivity, conservation, livelihoods and equity concerns in harmony. The longitudinal approach (before and after situation) was adopted to measure the impact.
People's involvement was better in NGO managed watershed due to formation of affinity groups such as SHGs and UGs which remained active even after completion of the programme. The study has established the need for strengthening local level institution, by creating suitable institution at the district level, with capacities and capabilities in managing resources on long term basis for improving productivity and ensuring livelihoods to the rural communities. Strengthening local level institution with support from UGs formed at the village level to conserve and manage the resources related to crop production, livestock, water use and managing common properties would lead to sustainable development by transforming every individual as a partner of the programme. It is concluded that for sustainable development of watersheds, involvement of local level institutions supported by affinity groups and guided by technical persons at different levels on continuous basis was needed. Then alone the primary stakeholders can transform into self-managers.