Singh, G.

• A Note on Addition to the Flora of Banswara District in Rajasthan

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Authors

G. Singh , T. R. Rathod , S. R. Baloch , Chandan Singh Purohit

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 134, No 8 (2008), Pagination: 1087-1099

Abstract

During study on vegetation diversity, 88 species of grasses and herbs were identified in 2005 and 2006 at Bara Nandara kho, Banswara (Rajasthan). Out of these, 14 species recorded as new arrival in the areas, when compared with the other existing literature of the region. These species are Brachiaria deflexa, Brachiaria setigera, Croton bonplandianum, Cyperus arenarius, Eragrostis aspera, Euphorbia granulata, Indigofera sessiliflora, Justicia prostrata, Justicia simplex, Ocimum canum, Rhynchosia bracteata, Sporobolus nervosus, Stylosanthes fruticosa and Triumfetta rhomboidea. Out of these B. deflexa, B. setigera and C. arenarius are species of xeric environment; whereas the other species are of semi-arid or dry sub-humid region. Such changes in vegetation composition resulted from invasion of other species are indicative of variations in climatic and edaphic conditions in the region.

Keywords

Banswara District, Rajasthan, Flora, Additions

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• Growth and Biomass Accumulation in Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Irrigated at Different Water Regimes in an Arid Sandy Plain of India

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Authors

N. Bala , G. Singh , N. K. Bohra , K. R. Choudhary , R. K. Gupta

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 134, No 5 (2008), Pagination: 611-621

Abstract

A trial was initiated in July, 1995 to study the performance of Eucalyptus camaldulensis under different irrigation regimes on an arid sandy plain. Six treatment combinations of water quantity (W₁ and W₂) and watering frequency (I₁, I₂ and I₃) were imposed. Irrigation schedule was maintained on the basis of IW/CPE ratio (Irrigation water/cumulative pan evaporation). Plant growth and biomass at 40-month age was high in I₃W₂ treatment where 45/ 60 mm of water per irrigation was applied with a total of 1935 mm (36 applications). Inspite of receiving more irrigation water, (2040 mm in 53 applications) growth and biomass accumulation by plants in I₃W₁ was less in comparison to plants in I₃W₂ treatment. Irrigation increased total dry biomass by 9 fold in I₃W₂ treatment over I₁W₁ treatment. Analysis of variance showed significant difference both at 5% and 1% level between the treatments. Incremental growth followed more or less the same trend in the first and second year but in the third year no significant variation was observed among treatments signifying absence of any treatment effect. More than six fold higher water use efficiency (WUE) was recorded in I₃W₂ over I₁W₁. Soil organic matter and electrical conductivity decreased significantly in all the treatments whereas, significant increase in pH was observed after 40 month of plant growth. Results of the study show that quantity of water added per irrigation is more important than the total irrigation input. I₃W₂ treatment provided more soil volume with favourable moisture condition for ischolar_mains where wetted ischolar_maining zone was more and thus resulted in better growth and biomass production.

Keywords

Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Arid Zone, Biomass, Irrigation, Water Use Efficiency

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• Influence of Soil Water Deficit on the Growth and Root Growth Potential of Dalbergia sissoo Seedlings in an Arid Environment

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Authors

Bilas Singh , G. Singh

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 133, No 2 (2007), Pagination: 229-238

Abstract

Leaf, shoot, ischolar_main growth and ischolar_main growth potential of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex. DC. Prodr seedlings were studied at irrigation levels of 20 (W₁), 14 (W₂), 10 (W₃), and 8 (W₄) mm with a view to determine the optimum level of irrigation for better growth and development. Treatments were maintained by re-irrigation when water content of the soil reached 7.4 % in W₁, 5.6 % in W₂, 4.3 % in W₃, and 3.2 % in W₄. Seedlings in a control (W₅) were left without irrigation after maintaining the soil field capacity (10.7 %). Height, collar diameter, number of branches, leaves and ischolar_main growth potential decreased (P<0.01) with soil water stress. The differences in height and collar diameter between W₁ and W₂ treatments were not significant but the seedlings of W₃ had less height, collar diameter, number of branches, leaves, ischolar_main growth potential and ischolar_main dry weight. The stressed seedlings tended to maximize leaf area before the environmental condition become more adverse. Leaf area/ischolar_main dry weight ratio was high whereas ischolar_main/ shoot dry mass ratio was low for the seedlings under W₂ treatment. With increasing stress from W₂ to W₃, growth reduction was high and may be the critical point. Seedlings of W₅ treatment survived till ψs of -1.96 MPa. Thus W₂ treatment was the best where seedlings showed high above ground/ischolar_main dry weight ratio and was maintained by addition of half quantity of water than that in W₁. The results indicate that D. sissoo seedlings is moderately tolerant to water stress and had high growth when soil water status was >50% of soil field capacity.

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• Poverty Alleviation and Natural Resource Restoration through Community Participation : a Case Study in North-western Rajasthan

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Authors

N. Bala , Pramod Kumar , G. Singh , N. K. Limba

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 133, No 3 (2007), Pagination: 351-358

Abstract

A study was conducted on the work carried out to reclaim waterlogged area near Rawatsar of Hanumangarh District in Rajasthan, India. It was amply demonstrated that a government initiative supported by active community participation could reverse poverty linked resource degradation. The area that was under the influence of water logging and salinity since the introduction of Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojna (IGNP) and Ghaggar flood diversion channel stands reclaimed to a great extent after the project interventions. Surface drainage was provided to drain out stagnant water. It was supplemented by plantation of trees to biodrain water and to decrease water table further. Farmers who once fled from the area in search of living were once again seen busy with agricultural activities. Crops like cotton, wheat, and mustard etc. are now grown in the field, which was submerged under saline water a few years back. The project interventions have been proved to be a boon for that area.

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• Changes in Foliage Nutrient Composition and Soil Properties in Different Age Classes of Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd Plantation

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Authors

G. Singh , Bilas Singh

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 133, No 6 (2007), Pagination: 737-748

Abstract

Multi-Purpose Tree (MPT) species are extensively planted along Indira Gandhi Canal passing through Indian desert to meet the increasing demand for fuel and fodder and to protect the canal from windblown sand deposition. Soil in and foliage of different aged stand of Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd, planted along the Indira Gandhi Canal area, in Western Rajasthan were analysed with a view to study nutrient build up and the impact of Acacia nilotica plantation on soil properties. Five available stands representing different age classes viz., 4 years (Y₄), 7 years (Y₇), 9 years (Y₉), 12 years and 19 years (Y₁₉). Foliage nutrients varied significantly with stand age. The level of N and K increased showing positive correlation with stand age. P and other foliage nutrient did not show significant correlation. K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn increased up to Y₁₂. However, some of the nutrients decreased after Y₁₂, particularly in Y₁₉. Soil organic matter increased influencing soil pH, which decreased with stand age. Increased soil organic matter and available nitrogen (NH₄-N + NO₃-N) in plantation areas indicated greater return as compared to absorption in the form of litter and release of N through mineralization. The decrease in PO₄, Ca, Mg and K availability with increasing stand age is indicative of the fertiliser management in latter age of the stand. Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn increased with stand age except Zn and Mn, which were low in Y₁₉ stand. The accumulation of nutrients was more in upper 0-7 cm layer than 7-30 cm layer. The study suggested an increase in SOM and N under A. nilotica plantation; however, a decrease in concentration of some of the nutrients indicates that plantation requires silvicultural management like fertiliser application and or thinning of the stand after 12 year.

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• Socio-economic Conditions with Special Reference to Common Access Resources: a Case Study from Gujarat and Rajasthan

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Authors

Pramod Kumar , N. Bala , G. Singh , S. P. Chaukiyal , S. Mutha , N. K. Limba , N. K. Bohra

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 130, No 9 (2004), Pagination: 981-990

Abstract

A total of 66 villages were surveyed from six types of degraded land areas in arid and semi-arid parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Availahility of common access resources (CARs) i.e. Gaucher/Oran and Community wasteland varied from 4% in Johrheed (Bikaner) to 93% in Ramgarh (Jaisalmer) of Rajasthan. Arahle farming and animal husbandry are the main occupation in the area with very high cattle population. 62-100% household fall under the category of marginal land holding (<5 acres) and are totally dependent upon CARs for getting fuel , fodder and even food. The average fuelwood and fodder requirement per household in the area were worked out to be 3.46 tonnes and 2.07 tonnes per year , respectively. To meet this requirement on sustainable basis , productivity of the available CARs need to be maintained at 4.2 tonnes ha^-1 yr^-1. Female members of the family and children mainly carry out collection of fuel and fodder for which they devote 30 to 40 % of their time.

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• Impact of Soil Water Availability on Carbon Sequestration in Tree Biomass and Soil in Arid Region of India

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Authors

G. Singh , Bilas Singh , T. R. Rathod

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 130, No 11 (2004), Pagination: 1319-1329

Abstract

Arid regions have low capacity to sequester carbon due to low soil water availability and plant growth. However , considering the large extent of such areas total capacity of carbon sequestration may be important. One-year-old planted seedlings of E. camaldulensis , A. nilotica and D. sissoo were maintained at different water regimes by re-irrigating the seedlings at 36.2 mm (T₁) , 26.5mm (T₂) , 20.2mm (T₃) , 18.1mm (T₄) and live saving irrigation (T₅) When the soil water content decreased to 7.56% , 5.79% , 4.44% , 3.23% and drying of leaves (T₅) in the respective treatments. Carbon content both in dry biomass and soil increased with age of the seedlings , but it decreased with decreasing irrigation quantity. A negative carbon balance was observed in T₅ at 12 months age. At the age of 48 months , carbon content varied from 14.91 to 0.72 kg seedling^-1 in E. camaldulensis , 8.67 to 1.74 kg seedling^-1 in A. nilotica and 12.42 to 0.36 kg seedling^-1 in D. sissoo. Carbon density was high under A. nilotica and low under E. camaldulensis. The study suggests that severity of soil water stress affected carbon sequestration whereas , enhanced availability of soil water through irrigation increased carbon storage in biomass and soil. Therefore , there is scope to increase carbon sequestration in dry areas through rain water management and supplying additional irrigation during availability of water.

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• Adaptability and Productivity of Cassia angustifolia in Sandy Soil of Indian Desert

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Authors

G. Singh , N. Bala , V. Kuppusamy , T. R. Rathod

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 129, No 2 (2003), Pagination: 213-223

Abstract

Growth and productivity of Cassia angustifolia was studied during 1997 to 2000 in presence of adult neighbours namely Acacia tortilis , Prosopis juliflora and Calligonum polygonoides. The objectives were to find out suitable combination to control sand drift and to increase overall productivity of arid area. Seedlings of above species were planted in September 1996 , whereas the C. angustifol ,ia was sown in July 1997. Growth of woody perennials , growth , phenology , biomass productivity and ischolar_main study of C. angustifolia and soil water content were the recorded observations. C. angustifolia flowered twice in a year and remains green during peak summer of May and June and therefore would be beneficial in sand drift control. It had deep penetrating ischolar_mains to gather limiting resources in this unproductive land. Production of C. angustifolia was higher (P<0.05) with C. polygonoides as compared to P. juliflora and A. tortilis. Soil water content was higher under C. polygonoides than that under other two species and suggested to be due to spreading type of canopy. Fresh weight of stem + twigs and leaves of C. angustifolia ranged from 61.9% to 66.7% and 33.3% to 38.1% , respectively with total above ground biomass production of 3.70 to 7.35 tonnes ha^-l. There was no difference between biomass of summer and autumn harvesting , though the production decreased with age of the plants. The combination of C. polygonoides and C. angustifolia was best to increase production of this dry land with additional benefits of sand drift control.

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• Role of Forests in Carbon Sequestration

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Authors

N. Bala , G. Singh , Pramod Kumar , A. K. Sinha

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 129, No 6 (2003), Pagination: 799-806

Abstract

The size of the global forest carbon stock appears to be declining , thereby generating a net carbon source. While forest decline contributes to the build-up in atmospheric carbon , analysts widely agree that the primary cause of the build-up in atmospheric carbon is not attributable to land use changes , but rather is due largely to fossil fuel burning and its associated emissions. However , forestry can playa major role towards increasing the global carbon sequestration if the world's forest could be managed properly with due importance to afforestation and reforestation. Recognizing the role of forestry in carbon sequestration the 1997 Kyoto protocol specifically mentioned afforestation and reforestation as tools that can be used to reduce level of carbon dioxide from atmosphere.

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• Carbon Sequestration Potential of Common Access Resources in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of Northwestern India

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Authors

G. Singh , N. Bala , K. K. Chaudhuri , R. L. Meena

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 129, No 7 (2003), Pagination: 859-864

Abstract

A study was carried to observe the vegetation status of Common Access Resources (CARs) and carbon stock in some selected villages of 10 degraded sites in six ecozones namely degraded forest areas, land with scrub, gullies and ravines, degraded pastureland, salt land and sand desertic with objective of strategic planning to improve their productivity. High vegetation status in Gujarat resulted greater carbon stock compared to that in Rajasthan. Carbon in the form of vegetation biomass ranged from 1.96 to 2.83 Mg ha^-1 in Gujarat and 0.24 to 1.73 Mg ha^-1 in Rajasthan. Soil carbon was 3.60 to 6.38 Mg ha^-1 compared to 1.13 to 5.18 Mg ha^-1 in Rajasthan being lowest in the sandy area of Mokal and Ramgarh. The potential of carbon sequestration in the CARs has been worked out to he 6.13 Mg ha^-1 yr^-1. With this sequestration potential the CARs should be able to meet the local need for fuel fodder and small timber.

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• Variations in Foliage and Soil Nutrient Composition in Acacia tortilis Plantation of Different Ages in North-western Rajasthan

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Authors

G. Singh , Bilas Singh , V. Kuppusamy , N. Bala

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 128, No 5 (2002), Pagination: 514-522

Abstract

Investigations were made on soil properties and foliage nutrient compositions under four age classes of Acacia tortilis (L) Forsk plantation to determine the nutrient buildup and the impact of Acacia tortilis plantation on soil properties. The study was carried out through simple random sampling using four stands of different ages viz 4 years (Y₄) , 9 years (Y₉ ) , 12 years (Y₁₂) and 19 years (Y₁₉). Elemental concentration of
A. tortilis foliage differed significalltly (P4) and increased with increasing stand age. Mg , K , Zn , Mn and Fe showed a reverse trend that was attributed to the effect of irrigation during the first five years and increased competition for resources in older stands. Most of the soil nutrients were higher in plantation area compared to control area (Y_o). Soil organic carbon (SOC) increased with increasing age of the stand , influencing the soil pH and soil nutrient availability. Soil available nitrogen N (NH_4-N+NO_3-N) , P0_4-P , Ca , Cu , Zn and Fe increase through SOC/litter accumulation. K and Zn also showed increasing trend , though the availability was less compared to Y₀ area and was due to higher utilisation in actively growing young plantation. Extractable Mg decreased with age and was probably utiJised in stand development. Accumulation was greater in 0-15 cm soil layer compared to 15-30 em layer. The increased soil nutrients under A. tortilis plantation had direct impact on site improvement. Thus the study suggests that the species can be utilised in wasteland development and other afforestation programmes.

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• Plant Growth and Nutrient Uptake in Azadirachta indica Planted along Municipal Sewage Channel in Indian Arid Zone

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Authors

G. Singh , Bilas Singh

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 126, No 1 (2000), Pagination: 22-30

Abstract

Field observations were recorded on the growth, soil properties and nutrient uptake of Azadirachta indica, planted along sewage channel. The data indicated that availability of soil water and nutrients affected the growth of the plants. The trees at 1.5 m distance were 620cm in height and 22.4cm in dbh as compared to the plants at 15 m distance where the plants were 460 cm tall and 10.0 cm in dbh at 68 months of age. The leaf water content as well as in soil water decreased with increasing distance. Concentration of all the nutrients viz. N, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn were lower in stem as compared to leafsamples. Phosphorous and N increased with increasing distance and was due to reduction in total biomass. The concentrations of micro.nutrients viz. Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe decreased with increasing distance, though their concentration were low as compared to the reported values except Fe which was in normal concentration. Soil analytical data indicated that the availability of NO₃-N, NH₄-N, PO₄-P, Ca, Mg and K along with pH were higher in 0-10 cm layer as compared to 40-50 em layer, whereas the availability of Na, Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe were higher in the 40.50cm layer. Soil nutrients also varied with distance with minimum at greater distance. Thus the results indicate that availability of moisture and nutrients which came through seepage from the sewage channel enhanced the growth and nutrient uptake in the plants and the plantation along the channel has not only utilize the excess nutrients and water but also useful in wastewater renovation.

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• Production and Decomposition of Litter in Plantation Forests of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Along Canal Command Area in Indian Desert

Abstract Views :298  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

N. Bala , Pramod Kumar , N. K. Bohra , N. K. Limba , S. R. Baloch , G. Singh

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 136, No 2 (2010), Pagination: 163-172

Abstract

Litter production varied greatly with plantation age and stem density in E. camaldulensis being high in 12-year-old plantation (6087 kg ha^-1). Lowest litter production was in 4-year-old plantation (2042 kg ha^-1). Bimodal pattern of litter fall was observed in younger plantation where, two peaks of varied intensity were observed in summer and winter. Overall, litter production was more in summer. Component wise, leaf litter accounted for the major part of the total litter production. It varied from 64% in 17-year-old plantations to 73% in 8-year-old plantations. Woody litter component varied from 16% to 23% in different age plantations. Bark litter also constitute a significant proportion of the total litter production rangingfrom 9-13%. Value of decomposition constant (k) was 0.1508, signifying very slow rate of decomposition. A significant positive relationship between annual total litter production and girth at breast height (GBH) as well as tree height was observed. Conclusively, lowrate of decomposition signified slow rate of nutrient turnover.

Keywords

Litter, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Decomposition, Aridzone, Plantation

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• Effect on Productivity in Rainfall Dependent Competition between Vigna radiata and Hardwickia binata in Arid Zone Agroforestry

Abstract Views :240  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

G. Singh

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 136, No 3 (2010), Pagination: 301-315

Abstract

A 9-year-old Hardwickia binata Roxb. Plants at a spacing of 5m × 5m was intercropped with V. radiata (L.) Wilczek in 2003 to study interactive effects of trees on resource use and crop production. Tree height, collar diameter and crown diameter did not differ (P < 0.05) between the treatments. Soil water content (SWC) was highest (P < 0.01) in August and lowest in December, 2003 depending upon rainfall. SWC was highest (P < 0.05) in AC plots and reduced in FC/ RC plots by 37.1%, 25.9% and 20.2% in August, September and December, 2003, respectively resulted from tree. Lowest SWC in 0-25 cm soil layer and at 1 m from tree suggested competitive use of soil water by the trees reducing crop yield (by 97%). Despite an increase in leaf water content, reduction in grain was relatively greater than husk and holm. Soil organic matter, P0₄-P, NO3-N and NH₄-N did not differ among the treatments and distances but these nutrients were highest (P < 0.01) in 0-25 soil layers suggesting trees role in nutrient enrichment.

Keywords

Rainfall Dependent Competition, Hardwickia binata, Vigna radiata, Aridzone agroforestry

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• Field Performance of Twenty Three Clones of Dalbergia Sissoo in Clonal Seed Orchard

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Authors

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

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 132, No 3 (2006), Pagination: 273-280

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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• Rehabilitation of Degraded Dry Lands of Indian Arid Zone through Direct Seeding

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Authors

G. Singh , T. R. Rathod

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 132, No 7 (2006), Pagination: 809-817

Abstract

A field study was carried out with the aim to monitor the growth and performance of Azadirachta indica and Colophospermum mopane grown by direct seeding in rainfed condition. Half kg fruits of each species were directly broadcast in deep ploughed 300 m ² plots. Seed germination, survival, height, collar diameter, number of branches and leaves were recorded. Root length and biomass partitioning was recorded at 9 months of age. Soil water content was recorded to observe its relation with seedling performance. Germination percent of A. indica and C. mopane was 53.9 and 94.2 in July 2001 with respective population of 27500 and 30100 seedlings ha^-1 . Survival in July 2002 was 1.2 and 9.7%, respectively. Growth was significantly (P<0.05) high in C. mopane. At the age of 9 months, ischolar_main of C. mopane seedligns was more than two fold larger as compared to that of A. indica. Shoot and ischolar_main dry biomass produced by C. mopane was 5.4 and 6.6 fold higher than the respective biomass of A. indica seedlings. Biomass allocation was high in ischolar_mains in both species and it was at the expense of leaves in A. indica and stem in C. mopane. High survival in C. mopane seedlings was due to their deep ischolar_maining behaviour thereby extracting water from the deeper soil layers as compared to A. indica, the ischolar_mains of which confined in top 70 cm layer. Conclusively, C. mopane had greater adaptability to the dry areas and could easily be raised by direct seeding.

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• Assisted and Natural Regeneration of Eucalyptus in Arid Tract of Rajasthan

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Authors

N. Bala , G. Singh , N. K. Bohra , N. K. Limba , S. R. Baloch

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 7 (2012), Pagination: 660-661

Abstract

No abstract

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• Water Use and Biomass Production in Tree Seedlings Irrigated Near Field Capacity in Arid Environment

Abstract Views :251  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

G. Singh , T. R. Rathod

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 1 (2012), Pagination: 5-9

Abstract

Soil water depletion in forty-five months old plants of E. camaldulensis, A. nilotica and D. sissoo was monitored in non-weighing 3 type of lysimeters of 2m ×2m ×2 m (8m³ capacity). Soil water was allowed to deplete up to 7.56% and was maintained at field capacity of Soil Water Content (SWC) by re-irrigating the seedlings at 36.2 mm. Total depletion of soil water from the plantation of E. camalulensis was 4.75mm day^-1 m^-1 depth. The depletion from A. nilotica plot was 3.45 mm day^- and that of D. sissoo was 2.62 mm day^-1. This indicated 13, 9 and 7 irrigation in 99, 94 and 97 days in E. camaldulensis, A. nilotica and D. sissoo plots, respectively. Partitioning between transpiration and evaporation was 66% and 34% in E. camaldulensis plot, 54% and 46% in A. nilotica plot and 38 and 62% in D. sissoo plots. The depletion in soil water from bare soil was 7.0 lit day that contribute significant amount of water loss. A provision of simple surface mulching with locally available under-shrubs and grasses saved the loss of 0.15 mm day (1.5 tones water ha^-1day^-1).

Keywords

Biomass Production, Arid Environment, Soil Water Depletion, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Acacia nilotica and Dalbergia sissoo

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• Tree and Shrub Diversity in Degraded Hills of Bar-conglomerate Formation of Pali District of Rajasthan

Abstract Views :327  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

Ashok Kumar , Beena Tripathi , G. Singh

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 2 (2012), Pagination: 107-112

Abstract

Study on vegetation diversity in degraded hills of Bar conglomerate formation in Pali district of Rajasthan reveals the occurrence of 10 trees, 7 shrubs and 4 undershrubs/herbs with an average population of 16.9 tree, 116.8 shrubs and 4.8 herbs per plot. P. juliflora showed the highest population followed by Z. mauritiana. Frequency of occurrence, density and abundance were also highest for the P. juliflora. Species richness was the highest for tree and lowest for the shrubs, but Shanon-Weiner index was highest for shrubs. Population of shrubs was relatively more even as compared to the tree or undershrub/herb species. Importance value index was highest for P. juliflora among tree and Euphorbia caducifolia among the shrubs indicating a change of forest types from Tropical Euphorbia Scrub to Tropical Prosopis juliflora scrub.

Keywords

Degraded Hills, Vegetation Diversity, Importance Value Index, Vegetation Status

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• Growing Jatropha Curcas with Rainwater Harvesting in Hilly Tract of South Western Rajasthan, India

Abstract Views :254  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

G. Singh , T. R. Rathod , N. K. Limba , G. R. Choudhary , A. U. Khan

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 4 (2012), Pagination: 326-332

Abstract

Survival and growth of Jatropha curcas was examined in relation to slope gradient and rainwater harvesting treatments with a view to use this species in revegetation of degraded hilly area with its socio-economic benefits. Varying slopes were <20%, 10-20% and >20%, whereas rainwater harvesting treatments were control (CL), contour trench, (CT), Gardonie (G), Box trench (BT) and V-ditch (V). Soil water content (SWC) was greater (p < 0.05) <10% area and decrease in order <10% <>20%<10-20% slope areas. SWC was lowest in the CL plots, whereas it was highest in Gradonie plots in August. The increase in SWC over control was by 16% and 24% in August 2006 and 2007, respectively. SWC was highest in CT in June 2006 and in BT in June 2007, and the improvement in SWC resulted from rainwater harvesting was by 51% and 15% in the respective treatments influencing survival and growth of J. curcas. The lowest survival in >20% slope area indicated its susceptibility to water stress, further supported by the highest growth in BT plots with the highest soil water. Plants were tallest (p < 0.05) in <10% and smallest in >20% slope area. The plants growing along the contour trench were tallest (p < 0.05), whereas plants growing in the control plots were smallest (p < 0.05) suggesting the beneficial effects of water harvesting on the growth of J. curcas in degraded areas. Conclusively Jatropha curcascan be used to restore degraded hilly tract utilizing rainwater harvesting.

Keywords

Jatropha curcas, Survival and Growth, Rainwater Harvesting Treatment, Socio-economic Benefits

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• Growth and Productivity of Cymopsis Tetragonoloba under Different Trees Species Irrigated at Varying Levels in Indian Desert Region

Abstract Views :358  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

G. Singh , T.R. Rathod

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 139, No 1 (2013), Pagination: 82-90

Abstract

Variations in yield of Cymopsis tetragonoloba L. due to companion 3-year old Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Dalbergia sissoo and Acacia nilotica plants irrigated at 36.2 mm (T₁), 26.5 mm (T₂), 20.2 mm (T₃) and 18.1 mm (T₄) levels and a rainfed in which plants were irrigated once at 325 mm and left unirrigated (T₅) were studied to monitor competitive effects of these species with agriculture crops at different soil water stress levels. Height and collar diameter of 3-year old plants ranged from 730 to 345 cm and 10.5 to 4.8 cm for E. camaldulensis, 520 to 230 cm and 10.9 to 6.1 cm for Dalbergia sissoo and 370 to 275 cm and 7.4 to 6.1 cm for Acacia nilotica. The highest and lowest growth variables were in T₁ and T₅ irrigation levels, respectively for all three species. Treatments were plant intact (IP), lopped plants with ischolar_main only in which aboveground plant parts were removed from soil surface (LP) and a 'no plant' control (WP). Germination of C. tetragonolobawas more favorable with intact plants of E. camaldulensis, but it was highest at T₅ level of irrigation. Effect of A. nilotica was more adverse on both germination and crop yield. The association of D. sissoo was relatively positive. Though the yield of pod husk and grain decreased with decrease in irrigation level, but the effect was not significant suggesting the water stress tolerance nature of C. tetragonoloba.

Keywords

Competitive Effects, Controlled Irrigation, Tree-crop Interactions, Crop Yield Reduction.

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• Soil Properties Influenced by Rock Types and its Relation to Vegetation Diversity in Delhi Supergroup of Rajasthan, India

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Authors

Ashok Kumar , G. Singh , Beena Tripathi

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 139, No 7 (2013), Pagination: 599-607

Abstract

Rock types, soil profile and nutrient status and the vegetation study was carried out in degraded area of Aravalli selecting five villages along the hill in a stretch of about 40 km. Calc amphibolite gneiss, quartzitic schist, granitic gneiss, calc schist, garnetiferous mica schist, bar conglomerate schist and pegmatite were the dominant rock types in the area. Under the process of weathering these rocks provided sandy to sandy loam soils. The rainfall and wind facilitated erosion and the soil transported and deposited in the pediment area resulted in an increased soil depth. Desertification also occurred at some places. Degradation pattern shows less availability of vegetation cover and needs to rehabilitate these hills. In deeper soil layers, increased soil pH was associated with sensitive sandy soils which might be responsible for basic characters of these soils. The soil content and depth increased with different rocks VIZ: calc amphibolites gneiss

Keywords

Degraded Hills, Rock Types, Soil-vegetation Relation, Soil Structure, Soil Nutrient

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• Growth and Biomass Production of Tree Seedlings Irrigated at Varying Levels of Municipal Effluent in Indian Desert

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Authors

G. Singh ¹, M. Bhati ¹

Affiliations
1 Division of Forest Ecology, Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur-342005, IN

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 139, No 11 (2013), Pagination: 978-987

Abstract

Scarcity of good quality water in arid areas has resulted in a search for an alternative source of water for biomass production and meeting the demand of fodder and wood. An experiment was conducted to see the growth of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Acacia nilotica and Dalbergia sissoo using municipal effluent at Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Four treatments included T₁ , municipal effluent at ½ PET (Potential evapo-transpiration); T₂ , municipal effluent at 1 PET; T₃, municipal effluent at 2 PET; T₄, canal water at 1 PET. Application of municipal effluent produced better height and collar 4 diameter in these seedlings. These variables were highest for E. camaldulrnsis than other two species. Percent increments in height and collar diameter were highest in 1998-99 in all these species except in D. sissoo, which indicated highest increment during 1999-00. However, the per cent growth increments decreased in later years, though it was relatively greater in T₄ than in other treatments. Mean annual increment (MAI) in height, collar diameter and biomass was highest in E. camaldulensis and lowest in A. nilotica. MAI in T₁ was at par to that in T₄ , but it increased with increase in irrigation levels from ½ PET to 2 PET. Relatively greater biomass in T₁ than in T₄ at 24 and 36 months of age was due to nutrients applied though municipal effluent. But at 48 months of age, lesser biomass in T₁ than in T₄ showed that municipal effluent application at 1/2 PET was not sufficient for the seedlings at 48 months onwards. The results suggest that recycling of municipal effluents through tree plantations can be an environmentally sustainable and reliable means for producing fuelwood, while restoring degraded land of dry areas.

Keywords

Biomass, Seedlings, Municipal Effluent, Height, Collar Diameter

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• Effects of Aspects on Diversity and Soil Carbon Stock in a Degraded forest of Aravalli in Rajasthan, India

Abstract Views :348  |  PDF Views:26

Authors

G. Singh ¹, Kaushal Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 Division of Forest Ecology Arid Forest Research Institute, Jodhpur (Rajasthan), IN

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 139, No 12 (2013), Pagination: 1061-1069

Abstract

Because of southwest - northeast orientation of Aravalli hill in Rajasthan, aspect effects may be an important factor in forest growth and composition. To study the effect of aspect on tree and shrub diversity and consequent effect on soil carbon storage a study was carried out in Borawad Forest block in Pali Forest Division, Rajasthan. Twenty five plots of 0.1 ha area were laid at 200 m interval at both east-west (longitude) and north-south (latitude) directions. Based on the slope facing in a particular direction, these plots were categorized into north-east (NE), south-east (SE), south-west (SW) and North-west (NW). The study indicate that the aspect affected the distribution patterns of incoming solar radiation and water balances, resulting in changes in vegetation pattern. Though this forest represents Anogeisus pendula type of forest, but there were wide variation the species dominance in different aspects that is preferred by different species. Southeast (SE) aspect were more suitable for tree diversity whereas shrub diversity and their population were highest on southwest aspect indicating that shrubs species prefers relatively xeric environment. Soil carbon stock was highest on southeast followed by southwest aspects showing strong relation with tree and shrub diversity.

Keywords

Arid Region, Degraded Hill, Carbon Storage, Plant Growth and Diversity

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• Biodrainage for Restoration of Canal Command Waterlogged Area in Indian Desert

Abstract Views :179  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

N. Bala ¹, G. Singh ¹, N. K. Bohra ¹, N. K. Limba ¹, S. R. Baloch ¹

Affiliations
1 Division of Forest Ecology, Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur – 342005, IN

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 140, No 5 (2014), Pagination: 462-467

Abstract

An attempt was made to remove excess water from the land through bio-drainage and to increase vegetation cover and productivity of a waterlogged area in Indian desert. Area protection, soil working and plantation of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. fastigata, E. rudis and Corymbia tessellaris on raised bunds, improved vegetation cover with simultaneous decrease in water table. Performance of E. rudis was best with respect to growth, biomass, transpiration rate and overall bio-drainage potential. E. rudis maintained uniform transpiration and photosynthesis rate throughout the year. Ground water level receded by 145 cm in E. rudis plot compared to 90 cm, 70 cm and 60 cm in C. tessellaris, E. camaldulensis and E. fastigata respectively within a period of four and half year. Soil organic carbon, electrical conductivity, NH and NO - N were high in E. rudis and low in E. fastigata. The results suggests that E. rudis has high 4 3 potential to be used as an efficient bio-drainage species in canal command waterlogged area of Indian desert. Apart from the planted species, Prosopis juliflora, Tamarix dioca and Saccharum munja also have come up in the area with recession of ground water table as natural succession and contributed significantly for further lowering of ground water table and increasing productivity.

Keywords

Biodrainage, Biomass, Eucalyptus Rudis, Transpiration, Waterlogging

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• Biomass Production and Carbon Stock in a Silvi-Horti Based Agroforestry System in Arid Region of Rajasthan

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Authors

Bilas Singh ¹, G. Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur, IN

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 141, No 12 (2015), Pagination: 1237-1243

Abstract

A study was conducted to compare carbon accumulation in both tree biomass and soil (0-30 cm in depth) in a six year old agri-silvi-horti system grown on a farmer field in arid region of Rajasthan. Silvicultural species were Prosopis cineraria (PC), Ailanthus excelsa (AE) and Colophospermum mopane (CM) along with Zizyphus mauritiana (ZM), Cordia myxa (COM) and Emblica officinalis (EO) horticultural species planted alternate plant to each other. These were intercropped with wheat (Triticum aestivum). In addition, there were controls for each tree species as well as crop alone. Biomass production of horticultural and silvicultural species was higher in agroforestry plots as compared to respective control plot. P. cineraria showed the highest biomass (14.02 kg per tree) and Z. mauritiana tree (2.07 kg per tree) lowest biomass in agroforestry system, whereas biomass was one and half time low in sole tree plot (control). Maximum reduction was in A. excelsa tree. Carbon content (%) was highest in leaf and lowest in ischolar_mains. The highest carbon content was 45.84% in C. mopane and lowest was 43.61% in A. excelsa trees. Both biomass and soil carbon stock varied (P<0.05) among the horti-silvi combinations. Average carbon stock was highest in P. cineraria based agroforestry than other two silviculture species. It was more in agroforestry than in sole horti- and silvi-species as well as agriculture plots. Our results show that the main carbon sink in horti-silvi is the wooden parts of trees which increased with stand age, whereas the soil carbon pool remained stable.

Keywords

Agroforestry, Arid Region, Soil Carbon Stock, Tree Carbon Content.

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• Lithostratigraphy of Bar-Mohra Khurd-Raira Khurd Area of Pali District, Rajasthan and their Relationship with the Soil and Vegetation

Abstract Views :158  |  PDF Views:0

Authors

Beena Tripathi ¹, G. Singh ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur-34200, IN
2 Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) -342005, IN

Source

Indian Forester, Vol 141, No 12 (2015), Pagination: 1257-1268

Abstract

The paper deals the study a metasedimentary sequence, overlying schistose formation of Sendra Formation of Delhi Supergroup and the underlying Banded Gneissic Complex of Pre-Delhi age, in Birantiya Khurd -Raira Khurd areas in northwestern Rajasthan. The sequence is important due to its heterogenous lithologic association. It shows by different type of conglomerates imbedded in quartzofeldspathic schist. The process of soil formation by breaking up the rock particles and organic matter from weathering and erosion of subterranean parts are influenced by different biological activity. This sequence has been defined as the 'Bar conglomerate horizon' in this paper. The soils derived from the parent rocks which sustain different vegetation, depends upon the climatic conditions. Hence, the nutritional status is required to be studied from the point of view of sustenance of flora in the area. There is no clarity, so far, regarding the exact chronology of deformation in the area. At the same time, the lithostratigraphic history of the area also needs a further revision. In view of the above, the Bar-Mohra Khurd-Raira Khurd area have been studied extensively and results are presented in this paper.

Keywords

Lithostratigraphy, Delhi Supergroup, Bar Conglomerate Horizon.

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