O. N. Kaul , D. C. Sharma , P. B. L. Srivastava

Abstract

The dry matter production by different tree componenta and the distribution of nutrients for a 21 year old sal (Shorea rabusta) coppice crop have been discussed. The estimated amounts of various nutrients that would be removed in harvesting at that age, would range from 82% to 91% of the nutrients contained in the stand as kg/ha

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O. N. Kaul , D. C. Sharma , V. N. Tandon , P. B. L. Srivastava

Abstract

Estimates of dry matter production and nutrient content of a 38 years old teak (Tectona grandis) plantation as obtained by the Mean tree technique and the Stratified tree tecbnique have been presented in this Paper. The total standing biomass as obtained by tbe Mean tree technique is abont 27% less Than that obtained with Stratified tree technique. A similar trend was observed when comparing the nutrient content of this stand by these two methods.

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P. B. L. Srivastava

Abstract

Succession studies in various communities of sal forests of Uttar Pradesh indicate that so far as the trends in secondary succession are concerned, the two communities of dry facies, viz., Terminalia-Ehretia-Lagerstroemia and Ehrctia-Lagerstroemia-Cassia represent parallel retrogression stages, conditioned by edaphic and biotic factors, both of which on adequate protection will tend to evolve into the Lagerstroemia-Ehretia community. On further deterioration of the site conditions, these communities will degrade to dry mixed deciduous forest without sal and ultimately to short savannah. The three communities of moderately dry facies occupy different positions on the successional gradient. Lagerstroemia-Enretia is the most stable community. Terminalia-Lagerstroemia- Bridelia community represents rather a lower stage towards the drier end. On deterioration of conditions it will regress to dry mixed deciduous forest without sal while if progression sets in, it will tend towards Lagerstroemia-Ehretia community. On the contrary, Terminalia-Syzygium-Cordia community represents a higher stage in progression than the Lagerstroemia-Ehretia community which on further improvement will progress towards Taminalia-Syzygium-Litsaea community while on regression it will tend towards Terminalia-Lagerstroemia-Bridelia community. Terminalia-Syzygium-Litsaea community of the moist facies represents rather a climax stage under the prevailing conditions. However, if left undisturbed, it will attain a postclimax stage in which the proportion of evergreen components, especially in lower strata, will increase at the expense of sal. In view of these facts, in order to improve the stocking of sal and obtain adequate regeneration, it is necessary to resort to silvicultural practices which will help in maintaining the balance in such a way that too much progression, resulting in moist evergreen forest with less proportion of sal or excessive retrogression resulting in deciduous forest devoid of sal, is prevented. The probable trends of primary succession leading to the formation of closed sal forests have also been described in detail.

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O. N. Kaul , P. B. L. Srivastava , N. K. S. Bora

Abstract

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I. M. Qureshi , P. B. L. Srivastava

Abstract

The problem of mineral nutrition of forest trees has assumed added significance in the present day forestry practices due to, inter alia, factors like limited forest area, increased demand of raw materials from limited forest land, urgent need for increasing productivity, particularly with fast-growing, short-rotation forest crops, and afforestation of difficult sites having low or poor fertility. 1n this respect, foliar analysis and its interpretation provide a useful tool for a fairly quick assesment of the nutritional imbalances and mineral requirements of trees and correlating the same with availability and uptake of nutrients from the soil under varying conditions. Not only the uptake, but also the return of nutrients to the soil is equally important. Foliar analysis is also very helpful in providing fairly reliable indices for explaining growth patterns of a species under different conditions, for example, in comparing growth between healthy and unhealthy plants in the same plantation. But, it has its own limitations, and therefore, it is a method which is complementary to other techniques employed in nutritional studies such as soil analysis correlation of mineral nutrition, climatic and locality factors with the physiological and ecological characteristic of the species, and many other complex factors which have a direct or indirect influence on the overall performance of a species in a given locality under a particular system of forest management. The paper, therefore, describes both the merits and the limitations of foliar analysis, giving examples from literature which are only illustrative and not exhaustive. Most of the past work on the subject pertains to agricultural and fruit crops, and though it is of comparatively recent origin that the method of foliar analysis has been employed with forest trees yet it has attained a definite place in nutritional investigations on forest crops. With due safeguards and supplemented by other methods, it is no doubt capable of giving reliable results. The paper describes some of the aspects which one must take into consideration while using this method. The paper also emphasises the need for undertaking research on the physiological aspects of the problem, i.e., correlating the entire nutritional cycle with the metabolism of trees with respect to both vegetative growth and reproduction of the species-aspects which are very important in foresty_ We should be able not only to determine the nutritional requirements of a tree but also the role of each element in various physiological processes, and at different stages and periods of its life. If this is done, it would help immensely in understanding the various environmental factors governing growth, the natural and artificial regeneration of forest crops, the phenomena of good and bad seed years the failure or success of plantations and the role of secondary species, and associates, etc.

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O. N. Kaul , P. B. L. Srivastava , N. K. S. Bora

Abstract

no abstract

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O. N. Kaul , P. B. L. Srivastava , H. M. Mathur

Abstract

The paper describes the results of an investigation on nitrogen, phospborus and potassium requirements of Eucalyptus hybrid seedlings. The seedlings were grown in pots and supplied with 5 doses of N, P and K equivalent to 0, 100, 200, 300 aad 400 Iba./acre in all combinations. The seedlings showed marked deficiency symptomsin the absence or in some cases at lower levels of N and P. Survival of the plants is decreased with the increase in the dose of N while reverse is true with the increase in the dose of P, K has no significant effect on the survival of the plants. It was found that N and P each had significant effect on the growth of the plants, while reverse is true in the case of K. Interaction of these nutrients is not significant. As regards the uptake and interaction of the nutrients, the results indicate that the supply of K has synergistic effect on the accumulation of nitrogen while varying levels of N appear to show no specific trend in the uptake of K. Phosphorus uptake is not affected by the supply of N and K. The studies clearly indicate that N and P nutrients are of great importance in the growth of this species.

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I. M. Qureshi , O. N. Kaul , P. B. L. Srivastava

Abstract

The study formed a part of similar work undertaken on the species in other coastal areas where Casuarina is grown. Since in some areas mortality of Cosuarina equisetifolia was reported, it was considered necessary to know the nutrient requirements of the species coupled with soil studies, in order to find out whether the sites where the species is grown meet the requirements. Nutrient requirements of Casuarina equisetifnlia were studied by means of foliar analysis. The results indicate that there is rise in the uptake of N, K and Mg in 4 snd 5 year old crops after which there is not much variation. While Ca uptake does not show any regular trends P uptake is lower in higher age group crops. Since most of the areas where Casuarina is grown have sandy soil, it is suggested that the fertilizer application of all the minerals Except P, to 3-4 years old plantations in the form of a balanced dose may probably result in better growth in area.Where growth is found to be not up to the mark.

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O. N. Kaul , P. B. L. Srivastava

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Nutrient uptake of middle-aged fir (Abies pindrow) and spruce (Picea smithiana) stands was studied with the help of plant part analysis. Representative samples of leaf, bark and wood of these species were collected from typical localities in Kashmir valley, Kulu (Himachal Pradesh) and Deoban (Uttar Pradesh) and were analysed for ash, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The results indicate that the two species do not differ much in the uptake of different nutrients in different localities.However, leaf samples of fir from Kashmir had more P and K While Ca uptake is less in wood and bark of trees from this locality. In spruce, on the other hand, Ca and N uptake are less in Deoban and Himachal Pradesh respectively. More detailed sampling on other sites and soil analysis of these localities is required to confirm the results.

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I. M. Qureshi , P. B. L. Srivastava , N. K. S. Bora

Abstract

An investigation was conducted to study the effect of weeding and soil working on the growth and establishment of natural regeneration of sal resulting from a profuse seed crop in 1963 in the F.R.I. Estate. Plots were laid out in three varying light conditions ,viz., (i) in the open, (ii) in partial shade, and (iii) in sal plantations in Demonstration Area. Regular treatments of weeding and soil working were given and survival, height growth and dying-back of seedlings recorded. Besides, moisture and light variations were also measured. The results indicate that both these cultural operations, viz., weeding and soil working are most beneficial in respect of growth and survival of the seedlings in the open and in the partial shade. In the open soil moisture appears to be limiting factor as the growth showed marked improvement in height with weeding and soil working. And since some of the seedlings were putting on vigorous growth their requirements of moisture and nutrient. Resulted in so-to-say 'natural thinning' of the excess number of seedlings with reference to a particular site. In the plantations, the comparatively poor light conditions appear to be responsible for the poor growth and survival though the soil moisture was in no way deficient particularly in weeded and soil worked plots as compared to the other two categories of plots. In partial shade, both soils moisture and light conditions were favourable resulting in both better growth and survival of seedlings. It is concluded that ideal light conditions have to be synchronised with these cultural operations in order to get the best results.

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O. N. Kaul , P. B. L. Srivastava , V. N. Tandon

Abstract

The paper describes the effect of some macro-nutrient deficiencies on the growth and morphology of Eucalyptus grandis seedlings. The results indicate that deficiency of nitrogen caused stunted growth, strong chlorosis, necrosis, premature defoliation and abaence of branching, while seedlings under phosphorus deficiency, had a characteristic appearance by producing thin lateral and secondary branches with numerous small leaves, towards the end of the growing season.

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P. B. L. Srivastava

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Current ideas on the problem of natural regeneration of sal in U.P. have been summarised. The results of the work done during the last decade or so to determine the growth requirements of sal seedling. have been briefly stated. A summary of diecussions held during the last Silvicaltural Conference (1967) and fature coarse of work in order to understand the nature, causes and other fundamental aspects of problem have been given.

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O. N. Kaul , P. B. L. Srivastava , J. D. S. Negi

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no abstract

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O. N. Kaul , P. B. L. Srivastava , V. N. Tandon

Abstract

The paper reports the symptoms on foliage and the effect on growth, branching habit and nutrient uptake caused by the deficiency of some macro-nutrients in Eucalyptus globulus seedlings. Nitrogen and potassium deficiencies produced recognisable symptoms of chlorosis and curling of leaf tips and margins respectively. There was marked effect on height growth, collar diameter and ischolar_main development which were very poor in N, P and K deficiencies. This was also reflected in dry matter production.

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S. K. Seth , P. B. L. Srivastava

Abstract

Insufficient availability of moisture during the critical period of growth of sal seedlings is considered to be by far the most important factor inhibiting natural regeneration especially in the dry types of sal. However, experimental data on the actual moisture requirements of this species is lacking. The present article describes the results of an investigation wherein optimum moisture range and its affect on nutrient uptake for the growth of sal seedlings were studied with the help of an especially designed apparatus. The results indicate that in loamy soils, sal seedlings on an average require moisture to the extent of 85% of water holding capacity and 12% more than the moisture equivalent for optimum growth and there is an appreciable reduction in height increment below and above this range. Plants growing within the optimum range also absorbed greater amounts of nutrients especially Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus. The analysis of the residual soils indicates that the transfer of nutrients in the soil matrix is a slow process and a local deficiency may develop in the ischolar_maining zone which is not compensated by the diffusion of nutrients from neighbouring soil regions.

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S. K. Seth , P. B. L. Srivastava

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The article describes the effect of stratified profiles consisting of alternate layers of soil and sand of different thickness on ischolar_main development of sal seedlings. The seedlings were grown in two separate profiles of 18 inches thickness, one consisting of 6 inch thick sand layer in between two 6 inch thick soil layers and the other of 6 alternate layers of soil and sand each 3 inch thick with a soil layer at the top. The results indicate that 6 inch thick sand layer underlying soil layer of equal depth is unfavourable for ischolar_main development. It appears that a 3 inch thick top soil layer is incapable of supplying adequate amount of moisture and nutrients to meet the demand of seedlings and that 3 inch thick sand layer is not an impediment for deep ischolar_main penetration. The inference may be drawn that the soli profiles having sand layers 6 inch or more in thickness, especially if they underlie a thin top soil layer, may prove detrimental to the growth of sal seedlings particularly during the establishment stage and may be the cause of die-back or stagnation in such localities. On the contrary lengthy ischolar_mains stimulated by 3 inch thick alternate layers of soil and sand may be better able to tolerate drought conditions than those produced in the profile having a 6 inch thick intermediate sand layer where the ischolar_main development was arrested at the transition boundary between soil and sand.

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P. B. L. Srivastava

Abstract

The present investigation describes the competing effect of some common associates on the growth and nutrient uptake of sal seedlings when applied wilh nitrogen, pbosphorus and potassium fertilizers. The studies indicate that different competing species Influence growth and nutrient uptake in different manner. Moghania chappar and Murraya koenigil are not harmful as competitors in addition to being good regeneration indicators. Mallotus philippensis is not a specific site indicator due to its wide ecological amplitude but a good associate of sal. Clerodendrum viscosum and Syzygium cumini are good site indicators but are bad associate of sal as their presence resulted in suppression of growth and nutrient uptake of the latter. It Is essential to remove these species from good sites once their indicator value has been made use of. Further, in this type of soil application of nitrogenous fertilizers or a silvlcultural technique which increases its availability may prove beneficial to sal seedlings. On the contrary, application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers did not prove beneficial to the growth of sal seedlings.

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P. B. L. Srivastava

Abstract

The collection and interpretation of ecologica1 information and its application is essential for developing precision in the scientific management of forests. Syn-ecological concepts of succession of plant communities and indicator value of species in relation to environmental factors, chiefly climatic or climato-edaphic conditions are important guiding principles for successful application techniques towards a natural regeneration and for deriving full benefits from the protective role and other conservational roles of the forest vegetation complex. These externalities will perhaps, in course of time, outweigh the direct benefits from the productive potential of forests. Until such time, it is necessary to evaluate the role of forests in terms of production, namely, to determine growth requirements of individual species (aut-ecological spects) and the effect of environmental factors such as light, temperature, moisture, soil, etc., on them in order to raise successful monocultures which is the need of the day in the context of mass production technology. This requires collection of data with the help of suitable statistically valid methods based on adiquate sampling and functional procedures. As is well known, ecologically two broad types of formations occur in this country, namely, (1)more or less pure tree communities having gregarious occurrence of a few dominant species on large areas with sharp ecotomal belts (e.g., sal and chir), and (2) mixed commodities having a few to many species in dominant and codominant position where tension belts are not sharply delineated (e.g., mixed dry deciduous, moist deciduous, semi-evergreen and evergreen forests). Needless to say, the methods, intensity and mature sampling adopted in these two broad types will be different. Ecological studies based on simple line transects and quadrats in such highly complex forest eco-systems of the tropics with rapid changes in climatic, edaphic and biotic conditions will not be efficient and conclusions from such studies which tend to oversimplify the picture are bound to be misleading. Very few attempts have been made in this country to evolve suitable methods of studying vegetation according to specific needs and ends. Even in the case of those sporadic studies the data on site factors have not been collected and correlated with the community attributed with the same precision with which ecological studies were conducted, i.e, specfic correlation between vegetational parameters and environmental factors have not been worked out with the result that most of the studies are of very little applied value in forestry. The present article gives a background information of some of the important objects of syn-ecological studies, various methods and technical procedures in brief, techniques appropriate for analysing data of various degrees of complexity and emphasizes the need for developing efficient methods to suit diverse types of vegetation occurring in this country and objective analysis of the information thus gained to permit its practical application in the field, in the context of both productive and conservational functions of large masses of tree dominated vagetation complexes, whether natural or man-made, in the interests of harnessing the environment in the service of humanity.

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