M. K. Brahmi , R. N. Sehgal

Abstract

Four Forest Divisions were selected from four districts of Himachal Pradesh representing different agro-climatic zones. The Common Property Resources (CPRs) of the study area included forests, village common lands, panchayat lands, ponds, irrigation water channels (kuhl), bowari, village paths, temple and river banks. Different incentives were given to the people for the conservation of these resources. In total, 12 factors were identified in all the Forest Divisions under study, responsible for poor participation of the local people. The prime factor which influenced the people's participation according to their importance are: lack of awareness and knowledge about CPRs, lack of training and visit programme, poor economic status, self interest of people, low land holding, illiteracy in aged groups, village politics, lack of interest in money contribution, prevailing perception for getting subsidy from government programmes, lack of transparency in the project activities, lack of coordination with staff and local people and improper usufruct sharing (in descending order of rank distribution). Policy and development emphasis on these factors would increase the participation in the similar projects.

Keywords

Conservation, Factors, CPRs, People's Participation, Himachal Pradesh

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Anita Kumari , R. N. Sehgal , Shailender Kumar

Abstract

Traditional agroforestry systems prevalent in Lahaul area was agri-silvicultural system. Generally five agroforestry systems were identified i.e. agri-horticultural, agri-silvicultural, agrisilvi- pastoral, pastoral-silviculture and pastoral-horticultural. Whereas, in District Kinnaur most prevalent agro-forestry system was agri-horticultural. Four agroforestry models were identified i.e. agri-horticultural, agri-silvicultural, pastoral-silvicultural and pastoral-horticultural. Major tree species of the area were Salix, Poplar and Apple.

Keywords

Agro-forestry Systems, Traditional, Lahaul, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh

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R. N. Sehgal , H. P. Sankhyan , R. S. Shrama

Abstract

Studies were undertaken to evaluate half-sib progenies in Pinus roxburghii Sargent at the age of about 12 years. Thirty three families were taken for study randomly out of a total of 58 families planted in the test n randomized complete block design to identify the promising selections to be used in future improvement programme. Eight growth characters viz., plant height, diameter at breast height, current year height increment, mean internodal length, specific gravity of branch wood, fresh weight of spur, dry weight of spur and per cent dry matter in spur were studied. Heritability (within family, half-sib family and individual tree basis) and genetic gains (family selection and within family selection) were also determined. Significant differences in all traits at half-sib and within families levels were observed except for the mean internodal length. Charet Mansu P₄ (34) family showed overall best performance and may be used for further improvement work. Genetic gain of within family selection (G_W) was found to be more than genetic gain of family selection (G_F) for almost all characters. Most of the half-sib families exhibited better growth rates than predicted by yield tables for Pinus roxburghii at best sites which indicates that all the selected families are superior in growth traits.

Keywords

Pinus roxburghii Sargent, Half-Sib Progeny Evaluation, Himachal Pradesh

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Vidya Thakur , R. N. Sehgal , Anita Kumari

Abstract

Floristic dynamics of a community is the indicator of variation in climate, soils, habitat, and physiography of the area. Study was conducted in the zone of occurrence (800 - 2,200m amsl) of Chir pine forests in Himachal Pradesh. Entire study area was grouped in the three altitudinal zones i.e., 900 - 1,200m, 1,201 - 1,500m (Shiwalik Chir pine forests) and 1,501 - 2,000m lower Himalayan Chir pine forests. It is observed that majority of the tree species showed contiguous distribution pattern, whereas, shrubs showed contiguous and random distribution. Study on density- dominance interaction showed that trees mainly showed log-normal and geometric series of distribution while in case of shrubs log series were of common. Results revealed the lower Himalayan Chir pine forests are less diverse in respect of tree species, having Quercus leucotrichophora dominant associate followed by Pyrus pashia and more diverse in case of shrubs as compared to that of shiwalik Chir pine forest where associated tree species are Syzygium cuminii, Lannea grandis and Myrica esculenta followed by Pyrus pashia, Mallotus philippinensis and Cassia fistula. Studies revealed that floristic dynamics, dominance, distribution of woody species change with change of aspects and altitudes.

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H. P. Sankhyan , R. N. Sehgal

Abstract

No abstract

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H. P. Sankhyan , R. N. Sehgal , N. P. Bhrot

Abstract

Seabuckthorn is a wonderful plant for the afforestation and ecological rejuvenation of the cold desert areas of Himalayas where plantations of poplars, willows and robinia have not given very encouraging results. It has the potential to economically transform these harsh and marginal areas plagued by low productivity. Keeping in view, almost complete lack of information in India on regeneration through seed the present investigation was carried out to standardize various presowing treatments in two species of Sea buckthorn in the cold desert of Himachal Pradesh. Different presowing treatments were hot water (80DC for 10 minutes), conc. H₂S0₄ (20 minutes), cold water for 2,4 and 6 days, cow dung heap for 2 days and control. In case of Hippophae rhamnoides, the best presowing treatment was found to be cold water soaking for 6 days which resulted in the highest germination per cent (93.33), per cent survival (73.33), growth index (69.78) and SVI (8502.36). However, for H. salicifolia soaking treatment in hot water at 80DC for 10 minutes was found to be the best and resulted in the highest germination per cent (76.66), per cent survival (60.00), shoot length (45.6 cm), ischolar_main length (70.9 cm), growth index (39.90) and SVI (8930.89) and ranked first.

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H. P. Sankhyan , R. N. Sehgal , N. P. Bhrot

Abstract

No abstract

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