A. S. Dogra , S. C. Sharma

Abstract

Eucalyptus hybrid has been planted in Punjab in linear strips along roads and canals, in small forest blocks and on farmer's fields in association with agricultural crops under agroforestry systems. The number of Eucalyptus and Poplar trees growing outside forests exceeds 28 million. Such tree planting practices have expanded the opportunity to increase wood production and slow down CO₂ concentrations in the atmosphere. Data on diameter at breast height, tree height, fresh weight of different tree components (timber, small wood, fuel wood, leaves) of 95 Eucalyptus hybrid trees with diameter at breast height ranging from 7.1- 56.3 cm and height from 10.0-42.0 m across Punjab state in seven forest divisions were collected to develop prediction equations for weight (fresh and air dry) of different tree components and estimate carbon stock and amount of CO₂ removed from atmosphere. The logarithmic model Y= b₁ D^b2 H^b3 with two variables, diameter and tree height, was found to be the best fit with a high R² (0.99, P<0.01). Based on sampled trees, Eucalyptus hybrid grown under Punjab's climatic conditions attained an average air dry timber density of 550 ± 28 kg/m³. A conversion factor of 0.524 ± 0.026 to convert fresh weight to air dry weight of small wood and fuelwood was also estimated. From the best-fit equations, user-friendly tables for above ground biomass, carbon stock and amount of CO₂ removed were also developed.

Keywords

Eucalyptus Hybrid, Above Ground Biomass, Carbon Sequestration Potential, Punjab

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R. Banyal , P. Kaushal , A. S. Dogra

Abstract

Critical analysis of meteorological data proved that some extreme climatic factors are responsible for weakening the plant system and causing considerable physiological changes in Kikar and Shisham growing in Punjab. Extreme winter, hot summer seasons, erratic rainfall after long dry spells during active growth season, short rainy season and drastic increase in number of fog days/hours seem to be primary factors to induce mortality in these species by weakening the plant protection mechanism. Imbalances in soils physical properties, nutrient deficiencies, water logging and low water table may be the other causes needs to be addressed.

Keywords

Acacia nilotica (Kikar), Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham), Climatic Factors, Survival,
Punjab, South-Western Parts

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A. S. Dogra , Anoop Upadhyay , S. C. Sharma , S. K. Chauhan

Abstract

State-wise assessment of forest/tree cover shows an almost constant trend in the extent of forest/tree cover in most of the States and Union Territories over the last one and a half decades. The only possibility of increasing tree cover lies in promoting tree growing outside forests, particularly in the vast tracts of Culturable Non-Forest Area (CNFA), estimated to be around 66 % of the country's total geographical area. Punjab, with a forest and tree cover of only 6.33 per cent has about 84 per cent of its land under agricultural use. Diversification from intense and over-exhaustive agriculture is needed, which is not only depleting soil of its nutrients and lowering ground-water table crops but also proving to be an environmental hazard as well because of indiscriminate use of fertilizers and pesticides. This requires technological and policy interventions in critical areas thereby offering to the farmers practical, viable and economically attractive alternate land use options. Agroforestry offers a better livelihood strategy to farmers due to relatively low input costs, flexible labour requirements, higher profitability, diversity of income sources, and more negotiating power at marketing stage than with annual crops. Interest in trees is higher with increasing opportunity cost of labour. Tree-crop combinations have been found to give better economic returns than trees or annual crops alone. This paper analyzed the yields and economic returns from poplar, clonal Eucalyptus, which are fast emerging as the most preferred tree species for agroforestry and also the prospects of Teak for plantation on farmlands. The yields and returns are based on the data collected from sample plots of poplar and teak laid out in the different agro-climatic zones in Punjab. Analysis for clonal Eucalyptus is based on a study by Haryana Forest Department and a four years old trial by Pragati Biotech in Punjab.

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A. S. Dogra , Anoop Upadhyay

Abstract

Punjab is a major Eucalyptus growing State but no height-age equations have been developed for the species using permanent sample plot data from the region and after testing a wide variety of linear and non-linear growth functions. As site index equations differ by tree species and region, the objective of the present study is to develop site index equations for Eucalyptus hybrid in Punjab using permanent sample plot data. Data from 133 permanent experimental plots with age and top heights ranging from 3.9 to 11 years and 6 to 26.2 meters respectively were used for estimating the parameters of three linear and six non-linear growth functions. A generalized variant of Schumacher's non-linear equation was found to give the best fit. It was also found that the top heights of Eucalyptus in Punjab were better above the chosen reference age of six years, than those of Uttar Pradesh as depicted in the top height-age tables given by Chaturvedi for different site qualities.

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A. S. Dogra , S. C. Sharma

Abstract

A trial comprising 16 accessions of Eucalyptus species and provenances introduced from different locations in Australia was established in Ferozepur Forest Division of Punjab in 1982 to evaluate differences in growth and yield. Data on various growth parameters were collected from the experimental plot up to the age of 8.5 years. Basal area ranged from 12.6 to 29.5 m² ha^-1 with the Laura area provenance of Eucalyptus tereticornis having the highest value. Statistical analyses showed significant differences between provenances in growth parameters assessed. Mean annual increment, measured in terms of product of diameter square and height (D²H), varied from 19.7 to 68.8 m³ ha^-1years and was again the highest in E.tereticornis, Laura area source, which exhibited superiority over control. It is recommended that E.tereticornis of Laura Area and four other species/provenances including control, which were not significantly inferior to it, may be used as the source for tree improvement.

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A. S. Dogra , S. C. Sharma

Abstract

Eucalyptus hybrid is an important tree for social and agro-forestry plantations in Punjab. Data from 111 felled trees ranging in diameter from 7.1 cm to 55.7 cm and height from 10.0 m to 36.4 m has been analysed to predict total wood volume over bark upto 5 cm thin end diameter. The paper concludes that Logarithmic model (with two variables , diameter and height) gives the best fit. The technique helps in stabilizing the variance and the model conforms to the theory of least squares. Results show that in Punjab , as compared to Chaturvedi's equations , the volume produced is slightly higher due to initial irrigation at the time of establishment.

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A. S. Dogra , S. Nautiyal , D. P. Nautiyal , G. Singh

Abstract

A clonal evaluation trial in clonal seed orchard of twenty-three promising clones of Dalbergia sissoo was established at Pindori Mindo Mind, Hoshiarpur (Punjab) in 1996. The same trial was estimated for the identification of outstanding clones for mass multiplication and field development of this species. The clones from Gonda, UP had overall better performance with an exception of Clone 12 of Pathri, Haridwar, Uttaranchal. Clones from Hanumanghar (Rajasthan) and Yamunanagar (Haryana) performed poorly. The clones 192, 204, 232, and 66 (Gonda, U.P.) and 12 (Pathri, Haridwar, Uttaranchal) were not only high performers but also had better adaptability to this location and therefore, recommended for mass clonal multiplication for future plantation in Punjab. On the basis of growth performance and heritability estimates, height, GBH and clear bole were found to be genetically controlled traits and could be considered reliable for selection for further improvement programmes. It would ensure establishment of healthy and disease resistant vegetative multiplication garden and CSOs with high performers for regular supply of quality planting stock in Dalbergia sissoo.

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Piare Lal , A. S. Dogra , S. C. Sharma , G. B. S. Chahal

Abstract

The dependence of human population as well as livestock on forests all over the world to meet the requirements led to degradation of forests, natural resources and depletion of floral/ faunal diversity. The degradation of forests threatens the ecology and has resulted in climate change. India's forests have very low growing stock 65 m³/ha compared to world average of 110 m³/ha. Similarly mean annual increment is also very low 0.5 m³/ha/year compared to world average 2.1 m³/ha/year. Therefore it is needed to improve the productivity of forest resources and plantations by planting of high yielding species or clones to meet the forest based growing needs of the inhabitants. Eucalyptus and Poplar have been widely grown in Punjab either under agroforestry or as block plantations. Generally Eucalyptus is raised through seed that brings lot of variation. The eucalypts, a fast growing species and widely adopted in Punjab has tremendous scope for raising through clonal technology to keep it true to type and maintain its superiority. Keeping this objective, clonal research and demonstration plot was planted at a spacing of 4 × 2 m with 36 clones and seedling source as control at Semi (Jallandhar, Punjab) during August 2001. The clonal material is derived from E. tereticornis, E. camaldulensis and E. hybrid. The periodical data on diameter at breast height (d.b.h), height and volume was recorded. The most productive clones (2070, 285, 316, 288, 498, 286 and 2045) in clonal testing area (CTA-1) were ranging with m.a.i. from 24 to 30 m³/ha/year at 4 years age. The clones (601, 2029, 2054, 2152 and 2011) suffered heavy damage by wind in this experiment. The most productive clones (413, 407, 285, 290, 105 and 72) in CTA-2 were ranging with m.a.i. 30 - 36 m³/ ha/year at 4 years age. The clones 285 and 290 suffered crown damage heavily during winter where as 271, 272 and 315 led to low productivity due to wind damage. The clone 413 performed significantly superior among all other clones at 4 years of age. The present study revealed that clones 2070, 316, 288, 413 and 407 can be considered for plantations under Punjab conditions. However, new 42 CPTs have also been selected by Punjab State Forest Department from their old plantations of Eucalyptus to improve gene bank for future multiplication of promising clones.

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A. S. Dogra , R. K. Luna

Abstract

A trial of progeny of 12 half-sib families of Candidate Plus Trees (CPTs), 4 sources of clonally propagated planting material, one source of clonal seed orchard seedlings and three unknown seed sources of Eucalyptus hybrid was conducted at Kharkan Research Station, Hoshiarpur (Punjab) to assess growth performance and to evaluate genetic variability. Among all the planting material tested, clone 72 was found to be most promosing followed by clone 274, CSO seedling source of Bhadrachalam and CPT 12. However, all clonal material showed better qualitative characters of axis persistence and straightness. Analysis of variance of data indicated significant difference among clonal planting material and progeny of CPTs for height, dbh, axis persistence and straightness. Genetic analyses showed high heritability estimates for axis persistence and straightness (58%-69%) and low heritability for dbh. The study suggests that CPT 12 may be multiplied by vegetative means after clonal evaluation for future plantation programme. It is further suggested to select plus trees among populations having broad range of variation.

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S. K. Kapur , A. S. Dogra

Abstract

In Punjab, the area under forests is extremely inadequate for meeting the requirement of the people for fuelwood and timber for individual needs The State Government has, therefore, encouraged farm and agro-forestry to increase wood production. Eucalyptus tereticornis has established itself as a timber species in the state. Poplar is another species which has found favour with the progressive farmers. The Punjab farmers have shown great zeal in raising tree crops. In order to sustain the interest in tree farming, it is necessary to set up wood-based industries which will in turn contribute significantly to the economic development of tbe state. At the same time, it is desirable to try indigenous species also so that undue dependence on tbe above species is avoided in tbe long term interest of environmental preservation. Research is therefore required in this direction urgently along with research on tbe production and utilization aspects of the established species.

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S. K. Kapur , A. S. Dogra

Abstract

Provenance trial of Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. Was undertaken in Ferozepur Forest Division, Punjab in August, 1982. A randomised line design with 20 treatmeats in all Including tth control was adopted for the trial. The analysis of data collected 3.5 years after the planting showed that Lekeland downs and Kennedy river.34 km N of Laura provenances of E. tereticornis, which did not significantly differ in their performance from each other were significantly superior to all other provenance in terms of volume production.

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S. K. Kapur , A. S. Dogra

Abstract

Eucalyptus hybrid is an important species under the social forestry programme of Punjab. With a view to get more yield per unit area species-cum-provenance trials of Eucalyptus were taken up. Data regarding a four year old species/provenance trial involving three species viz. E. camaldulensis, E. tereticornis and E microtheca and five treatments have been analysed. No significant difference between treatments has been observed though the Gilbert river provenance of E. camaldulensis has, so far, given the highest basal area and volume.

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S. K. Kapur , A. S. Dogra

Abstract

A range-wide provenance trial of Eucalyptus camaldulensis was undertaken in Ferozepur Forest Division in August, 1982. Data collected about 3.5 years after planting has been analysed. Out of a total of 16 treatments, 8 treatments (provenances) were found to be significantly superior to the control (Eucalyptus hybrid) in terms of volume production. Most of these provenances with the exception of Lake Albacutya are from the northern latitudes of Australia with latitude below 26° S.

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R. K. Luna , N. S. Thakur , A. S. Dogra , Vijay Kumar

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in July, 2005 at Kharkan Research Station, Hoshiarpur to find out the effect of irrigation regimes viz., no irrigation (I₀), irrigation after 10 days (I₁₀), irrigation after 20 days (I₂₀) and irrigation after 30 days (I₃₀), and fertilizer (Urea) doses viz., no fertilizer (F₀), 50 g/tree in July (F₁), 25 g two times during July and August (F₂), 16 g three times during July, August and September (F₃), 100 g in July (F₄), 50 g two times during July and august (F₅), 33.3 g three times during July, August and September (F₆), 150 g in July (F₇), 75 g two times during July and August (F₈) and 50 g urea/tree, three times during July, August and September (F₉). Fertilizer dose in the 8 9 second and third year was increased by 50 per cent to the quantity applied during previous year. During first year irrigation regimes had no significant effect on collar girth and height of teak, however, fertilizer dose of 33.3 g Urea/tree, three times in July, August and September, gave maximum collar girth (2.43 cm). The interaction, 33.3 g Urea/tree and no irrigation gave higher collar girth (2.89 cm) and tree height (1.13 m), up to the age one year. Summarized results indicate that irrigation regime I₁₀ for first and second year and I₂₀ during third year were better for growth of teak trees. The fertilizer dose 33.3 g applied three times, during July, August and September, every year resulted in higher diameter and height growth and hence the maximum volume and MAI.

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A. S. Dogra

Abstract

Forestry is being increasingly seen as an important factor in rural development. A forester must therefore recognize the need for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving within forest management, in watersheds as well as in respect of trees outside forests. These developments require the broadening of the scope of forestry education to include socioeconomic aspects with traditional biophysical subjects. These require very different skills from those traditionally acquired by professional foresters. Regional and international partnerships of universities can make significant contribution in aligning forestry education to address economic, environmental and social objectives.

Keywords

Forest Management, Professional Forester, Forestry Education, Socioeconomic Aspects

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A. S. Dogra ¹, S. Nautiyal ², D. P. Nautiyal ²

Affiliations
1 State Environment Impact Assessment Authority & Ex- PCCF State Forest Department, Punjab, Chandigarh-160036, IN
2 Plant Physiology, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, IN

Abstract

Progressive farmers of Punjab and the adjoining states have adopted agroforestry intensively keeping in view its good economic returns by growing trees in conjunction with agricultural crops on field boundaries and as inter-culture with field crops. The present paper deals with the economics of growing Populus deltoides Bartr. ex.-Marsh on farm lands in Punjab. otal area under poplar plantation in Punjab, mostly agroforestry, is estimated to be 75,000 ha and is steadily increasing. Poplar-based agroforestry in Punjab is economically viable and more profitable to the farmers than -1 many other crop rotations. The bole biomass was found to vary with site, ranging from 19.8 t ha at 8 years on average -1 sites to 36.2 t ha on excellent (site quality I) sites. The biomass of branches, twigs, bark and ischolar_mains would be in addition to these values.

Keywords

Agroforestry, Crop Rotations, Growth and Yield, Bole Wood, Stump

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