R. S. Rawat , Vaneet Jishtu , K. S. Kapoor

Abstract

A number of floristic surveys were conducted in different localities of cold desert in Spiti valley of North-West Himalayas for documenting the medicinal and aromatic plant diversity. A total of 118 medicinal and aromatic plant species have been recorded, which were low in occurrence and sparsely distributed. They were also under threat mainly due to over exploitation, unscientific collection and overgrazing.

Keywords

Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Himalayan Cold Desert, Spiti

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R. S. Rawat , S. Nautiyal

Abstract

Inter-clonal variation in Dalbergia sissoo was found significant for photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance in different sites. Clones from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Uttarakhand showed higher photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance in comparison to the clones from the state of Rajasthan. Effect of sites on these parameters of clones was also observed significant. Clones showed the maximum value for these parameters at Bithmera (Hisar, Haryana), while minimum at Pandhori Mindo Mind (Hoshiarpur, Punjab). The two-factor interaction effect between clones and site was also found significant at P≤0.05. On the basis of the observations recorded on physiological parameters; it was revealed that clones C019, C034, C066 and C192 are well adapted at all sites than the clones C083 & C087.

Keywords

Dalbergia sissoo, Inter-clonal Variation, Photosynthetic Rate, Transpiration Rate
And Stomatal Conductance

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R. S. Rawat , S. Nautiyal

Abstract

Clonal plantation trials of Dalbergia sissoo were laid out on four different sites viz. Lachhiwala (Dehra Dun), Lalkuan (Haldwani), Bithmera (Hisar) and Pandhori Mindo Mind (Hoshiarpur) to investigate inter-clonal variation with respect to growth performance, survival and phenological characteristics. Clone C192 (Tulsipur, North Gonda, UP) exhibited excellent performance at all sites and suited for adaptation to a wide range of agro-climatic conditions. On the other hand, some of clones were site-specific viz. C066 (Chhichrauli, HR) at Lachhiwala (Dehra Dun) and Pandhori Mindo Mind (Hoshiarpur), C034 (Tulsipur, North Gonda, UP) at Lalkuan (Haldwani) and Bithmera (Hisar). Accordingly these clones of Dalbergia sissoo are recommended for plantations at different sites for optimization of their productivity. Flowering, pod and seed setting were early in clones C083, C087 (Hanumangarh, RJ) and C034 (Tulsipur, North Gonda, UP) and late in clones were C019 (Haridwar, UA), C066 (Chhichrauli, HR) and C192 (Tulsipur, North Gonda, UP) at major sites. Thus, clones can be interbred for optimal genetic gains in the resultant progeny on the basis of early and late occurrence of phenological events.

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R. S. Rawat

Abstract

In the present study density of woody vegetation and soil characteristics were studied along an altitudinal gradient from 1,700 to 2,100 m above msl in a mountain flank of Garhwal Himalaya,. Maximum total tree density (density of tree, sapling and seedling) was recorded for the upper slope followed by middle and lower slopes respectively; whereas in case of shrub maximum density was recorded for lower slope followed by middle and upper slope respectively. Results of soil pH, organic carbon and potassium were found to be statistically significant at 5 per cent level of significance; where organic carbon and potassium were positively correlated and soil pH showed negative correlation with the altitudinal gradient. However, phosphorus content showed non-significant correlation.

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R. K. Verma , K. S. Kapoor , R. S. Rawat , Surinder Kumar

Abstract

Studies were conducted in polythene bags of size 12" × 20" (25 × 50 cm approx) to evaluate the effect of different combinations of lime mine spoil and forest soil (1 : 0, 5 : 1, 2 : 1,1 : 1, 1 : 5 and 1 : 2 v/v) on performance of five tree species viz; Bauhinia variegata, Robinia pseudoacacia, Eucalyptus hybrid, Grewia optiva and Toona ciliata. The experiment was carried out in polythene bags using randomized complete block design with three replications during 2001. The results show that combination of lime mine spoil-forest soil in the ratio of 1 : 5 and 1 : 2 (v/v) was found to be most effective with regard to survival, growth and biomass production parameters in all the five species. Eucalyptus hybrid gave maximum height, collar diameter, shoot dry weight, ischolar_main dry weight and total biomass whereas, survival was observed highest in Grewia optiva. Eucalyptus hybrid was followed by Bauhinia variegata, Grewia optiva, Robinia pseudoacacia and Toona ciliata in terms of growth parameters.

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M. C. Pande , V. N. Tandon , R. S. Rawat

Abstract

Studies on biomass and nutrient distribution have been carried out in an age series plantations of Eucalyptus hybrid in Karnataka. The total above-ground biomass ranged from 19 t/ha to 22 t/ha in Kolar Forest Division and 5 t/ha to 16 t/ha in Madhalli Afforestation Centre. The componentwise distribution of nutrients has also been discussed. A substantial amount of nutrients will be drained off as a result of whole tree harvesting. Some advantage could be gained by leaving follage at the site which contains on an average 30 to 40% of macro- nutrients. Debarking at site is also suggested to check the drain of Ca. Total biomass and nutrient accumulation in ground vegetation, which is gradually made available to the trees has also been discussed.

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Vaneet Jishtu ¹, R. S. Rawat ¹

Affiliations
1 Non-Wood Forest Products Division, Himalayan Forest Research Institute Conifer Campus (Panthaghati), Shimla – 171 009 (HP)

Abstract

The article outlines the results of a study carried out for assessing the distribution and ecological status of Juniperus polycarpos C. Koch in cold deserts of Himachal Pradesh, comprising the districts of Lahaul and Spiti and Pooh Subdivision of Kinnaur district. A valley-wise inventory of the cold deserts under the species had been prepared and compared with the available records. Regeneration status and vegetative associates of the species in various valleys of the cold deserts have also been recorded. The results of study show that the species is under great threat due to the ever-increasing biotic pressure and poor natural regeneration. The article also suggested some measures to be initiated for its conservation.

Keywords

Juniperus polycarpos, Distribution, Regeneration and cold desert

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Tajinder Pal Singh ¹, V. R. S. Rawat ¹, R. S. Rawat ¹

Affiliations
1 Biodiversity and Climate Division, ICFRE Headquarters P.O. New forest, Dehradun-248006, IN

Abstract

Reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation, along with conservation and sustainable management of forests, known as REDD+ is recognized as an innovative climate mitigation option for incentivizing local communities. India has contributed a lot to this process in international negotiations. However now, the mechanism needs to be implemented at national, state and local levels. Country should be ready with national strategy and action plan and like various other countries pilot projects could be started in different parts of the country to draw lessons for full-fledged implementation of REDD+. Deforestation is not much of the problem in the country. So focused efforts should be made for addressing the drivers of degradation and for conservation and sustainable management of forests in the country. Enough potential exists for enhancement of forest carbon stocks in various kinds of forests, in trees outside forests in both urban and rural landscapes, and in coastal areas. This needs to be harnessed with the help of a huge network of JFM communities in the country. India has developed tremendous capabilities in use of remote sensing, which can be utilized for development of reference levels and carrying out measurement, reporting and verification of carbon stocks. However, capacity needs to be built at state and community levels for mainstreaming REDD+ at all levels in the country.

Keywords

Climate Change, Redd+, Carbon Stocks, Safeguards, Mrv, Forest Governance.

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T. P. Singh ¹, R. S. Rawat ¹, V. R. S. Rawat ¹, M. K. Gupta ¹

Affiliations
1 Biodiversity and Climate Change Division, Directorate of Research Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, P.O. New Forest, Dehradun - Uttarakhand, IN

Abstract

India has stabilized its forest and tree cover which is about 24.01 per cent of its total geographical area. Forests store significant amounts of carbon in its biomass, litter, dead woods and soil; and it has a major role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Soil carbon is the largest terrestrial carbon pool and it holds a very important role in the carbon cycle. Soil samples were collected from all major forest types in different parts of the country as well as from adjoining non-forest areas for estimating the loss of soil organic carbon due to land conversion. The results of this study indicated that maximum soil organic carbon stock was under tropical moist deciduous forests (1665.65 million tonnes) followed by tropical dry deciduous forests (1572.38 million tonnes) and least under Himalayan dry temperate forests (3.85 million tonnes). The total soil organic carbon stocks i.e., 4327.36 million tonnes and 4680.25 million tonnes were estimated under the forests in the year 1995 and 2007 respectively. The estimate showed that due to increase in forest cover during the assessment period, soil in Indian forests acted as a net sink of 352.89 million tonnes of soil organic carbon. The maximum increase in soil organic carbon stock during this period was under tropical moist deciduous forests (125.91 million tonnes) and the least increase was under Himalayan dry temperate forests (0.23 million tonnes).

Keywords

Soil Organic Carbon Stock, Forests, Forest Types, India.

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