Informatics Publishing Limited

A. Raizada , M. S. Rama Mohan Rao , K. T. N. Nambiar , M. Padmaiah

Abstract

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.

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A. Raizada , M. Padmaiah

Abstract

The effect of tree stump spacing on sprouting and growth of sprouts was studied in four tree species (Azadirachta indica, Acacia nilotica, Leuctuma leucocephala and Eucalyptus hybrid), in a 6 and 5 year old energy plantation, growing in the semi-arid vertisols in Karnataka State. Bark thickness did not appear to be a hindrance in permitting sprouting of coppice shoots, although stump diameters were greater under wider spacing (3 × 1 m). Sprouting took place in all four species, and the optimum spacing for obtaining tall coppice shoots was 3 × 1 m for A. nilotica and L. leucocephala, and 2 × 2 m for A. indica and Eucalyptus hybrid.

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M. S. Rama Mohan Rao , M. Padmaiah , A. Raizad , B. Ayyappa

Abstract

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.

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R. N. Adhikari , M. S. Rama Mohan Rao , I. P. Pradhan , M. Padmaiah

Abstract

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.

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