Sharmlla Roy , A. K. Srivastav , M. M. Roy

Abstract

Quantitative estimations were made for population build-up of soil inhabiting collembola and mites in Hardwickia binata based silvopastures. Temporal distribution pattern showed two peaks of population build up-one major peak during July-September and another peak during December-February. Lower population build up was generally observed during March -June. Mites constituted 86 per cent of the total population, the major group being cryptostigmata (61%) followed by prostigmata (19%) and astigmata + mesostigmata (6%). The significant positive correlation of mite population with soil moisture and RH and collembolan population with RH in such a system was observed.

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A. S. Gill , M. M. Roy

Abstract

Forest management as practiced during the last hundred years has proved to be a myth which is apparent from the extent of open and degraded forests in India. Joint Forest Management (JFM), through a collaborative effort with people, has the potential to save and conserve the remaining forests in India. Provision of sufficient fodder, pasture and firewood in areas adjoining forest is necessary in order to prevent depletion of forest beyond the sustainable limit. Promotion of improved silvopasture systems with the help of commuuity participation in JFM programmes is important for boosting animal husbandry in villages. Various such systems are being discussed for various agro-ecosystems in the country.

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M. M. Roy , Gaura V. Nigam

Abstract

Investigations on the pattern of litter production in an Acacia tortilis (> 12 years) based silvopastoral systems system, raised on degraded land in semi-arid conditions of Jhansi (India) have shown that average litter production was 4.72 t/ha. The leaves contributed about 62.4 per cent followed by reproductive structures (23.02%) and twigs (14.58%). Higher litter production was recorded in the drier months of May (119.92 g/m²) and June (88.32 g/m²) and April (72.35 g/m²). During rainy season (July-October) there was almost no litter production. There existed a significant negative correlation between average minimum (r=0.87) and maximum temperature (r=0.85). During the litter production season significant positive correlation was found with amount of rainfall (r=0.90).

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M. M. Roy , P. S. Pathak , A. K. Rai , Deepak Kushwaha

Abstract

Representative eight-year old trees of Melia azedarach planted in single line (2 m apart) on farm boundary were felled for estimation of aerial biomass production. The trees were grouped into three diameter classes. Maximum number of trees were recorded in the diameter range of > 22 cm. The trees contributed a total biomass production of 21.1 t/ha of which 66, 24 & 10 per cent were contributed by minor timber, firewood and fodder, respectively. Considering the overall phytomass production, the additional productivity in a rainfed farm was estimated to be 2.64 t/ha/year on a rotation of eight years. Biomass prediction equations based on regression analysis with D², dbh and D²H were developed. The relationship of bole and total aerial biomass was found to be strong with all the predictor variables whereas relationship of foliage was strong with D² and D²H only.

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