Shailendra Bhalawe , M. U. Kukadia , Dileswar Nayak

Abstract

The investigation undertaken to find out the rate of decomposition of leaf litter of seven multi-purpose tree species, viz., Tectona grandis, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Dendrocalamus strictus, Terminalia bellirica, Cassia fistula, Casuarina equisetifolia and Terminalia arjuna for 195 days i.e. from first fortnight of July 2009 to second fortnight of January 2010. The litter bag of nylon net (1mm mesh size), 20x20 cm. in size, containing 10g air-dried samples were incubated on surface in the first week of July 2009. Litter bags of each species were placed on the plantation field of respective species. For each species 3 litter bags were recovered at fortnight intervals for the study of weight loss in dry matter due to decomposition. Fresh leaf litter were also chemically analysed for N, P, and K using standard prescribed procedure. Significantly the highest amount of nitrogen release (%) was recorded in Eucalyptus tereticornis which was followed by Dendrocalamus strictus. Among different multipurpose tree species the maximum amount of phosphorus release was recorded in Cassia fistula and maximum amount of potassium release percentage was in Eucalyptus tereticornis which was at par with Terminalia bellirica.

Keywords

Decomposition, Multipurpose Tree Species, Nutrient Release, Weight-loss.

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Dileswar Nayak ¹, D. P. Patel ¹, H. S. Thakare ¹, K. Satasiya ¹, P. K. Shrivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Natural Resource Management, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari-396 450 Gujarat, IN

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to evaluate air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of five different plant species around industrial area and Navsari Agricultural University campus. Four physiological and biochemical parameters like relative water content, ascorbic acid content, chlorophyll content and leaf pH were used to compute the APTI values. The findings revealed that Cassia fistula showed maximum APTI value as compared to other species in the industrial area. Saraca asoca, Syzygium cumini and Cassia fistula found to be tolerant as per the APTI value in the industrial area. However, Tectona grandis and Terminalia catappa found to have intermediate sensitivity for the polluted site. Hence, it is recommended to plant Saraca asoca, Syzygium cumini and Cassia fistula trees in industrial site to cope the environmental problem. The study also suggests that performance index might be very useful in the selection of appropriate species which can be expected to perform well for the development of green environments

Keywords

Physiological, Biochemical Characters, Tree Species, Tolerance Index.

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Nilam Surve ¹, P. K. Shrivastava ¹, Dileswar Nayak ¹, Sarika Wandre ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Natural Resource Management, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, IN

Abstract

Watershed characterization of the existing micro watershed in Navsari Agricultural University was done so as to help in preparing an effective water management plan of various Research farms of the University. Field observations during monsoon and as per the layout plan of campus, four micro watersheds were demarcated and standard characterization procedure was adopted to make a comparative physiographic study. It was found the watershed 'B' has the largest area 240.8 ha, followed by watershed 'C' with an area of 109.25 ha. Due to large area and higher form factor of B and C; rectangular shape, there are high discharges from these two watersheds, which can be harvested and used for multipurpose uses. The bifurcation ration varies from 1.65 to 5.3, the highest value of bifurcation ratio was 5.5, in watershed A, which suggests structural control in the area and low permeability. Watershed A and C have been affected due to land use changes either due to more building / roads or soil sodicity in the fields. This is evident on ground as most of the buildings in residential area have been constructed and also due to ingress of sea water in the northern side has made the soils saline sodic with comparatively lesser permeability.

Keywords

Watershed Characterization, Form Factor, Bifurcation Ratio, Navsari Agriculture University.

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