C. Venkataramanan , S. Chinnamani

Abstract

Preliminary studies on the chemical composition and total quantity of the leaf litter in the wet (montane) temperate evergreen forests (locally called as Sholas
) of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu State, has been attempted. Shola forelts of Nilgiris add annually 2121 kg/ha of litter, which by way of nutrients works out to annual addition of 23 kg N/ha, 1.3 kg P/ha; 11 kg K/ha, 34 kg Ca/ha and 5 kg Mg/ha in addition to 1956 kg organic matter/ ha containing all important micro-nutrients. In terms of money value, addition or nutrients works out to be about Rs. 4300/ha/annum. This recycling of nutrient in Sholas keeps the forest under high fertility status with rich top soil and dense vegetation. Thus, there is no erosion problem in protected Sholas. They provide perennial unpolluted, crystal-clear water to the hill stream of Nilgiris and various villages and towns are dependent on these streams. Hence, it is absolutely necessary to protect these Sholas as they are protective in nature and are of paramount importance for soil and water conservation in the hills and in addition they are our national assets with aesthetic, recreational and anti-pollution value.

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P. Sambaj , S. Chinnamani , B. Haldorai

Abstract

The paper present the results of investigations on run-of soil loss accumulation of leaf litter and timber yield under native vegetation cover and under plantation of Eucalypius globulus (blue-gum) employing runoff plots. It has been concluded that there was not much difference in runoff between different forest covers though a mixed plantation of blue-gum and black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) gave less run-off Litter production was nearly the same (2.315 tonns/ha/yr) in both native "Shola" forests and Eucalyptus plantations. Mixed plantion of blue-gum and wattle is preferable to pure plantation both from ehe point of view of timber production and soil and water conservation.

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S. C. Agarwal , S. Chinnamani , N. D. Rege

Abstract

Extensive plantations of Eucalyptus globulus and Acacia mollissima have been taken up in the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal as a planned Forestry measure. Experiments laid down at the Central Soil Conservation Research Station have indicated that Eucalyptus globulus even at an espacement of 6'× 6' permits a fairly heavy soil loss, even though the leaf litter was allowed to accumulate. From the fourth year onwards the soil loss was not experienced at this espacement. It is seen that in bigger and older plantations of bluegum the leaf is invariably collected for oil, the humus is poor and very often rills and gullies appear. Moreover this species is lopped very heavily for oil.

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S. C. Agarwal , U. S. Madan , S. Chinnamani , N. D. Rege

Abstract

Ecological studies under different associations existing in the Nilgiris have been taken up with a view to determine the trends of succession under prevailing conditions and possible introduction of secondary succession as an effective means of Soil Conservation. The studies so far carried out have given some very interesting information. When shola forests are cleared herbs like bracken and Hypericum mysorense come up along with members of Compositae and Leguminosae. If the area has been infested with Cytisus scoparius, Symplocos spicata is seen to be the first tree species to appear. In some places Rhododendron nilagirica comes first in the grasslands. Amongst the grasses the first to appear are Eragrostis spp., Setaria glauca, Digitaria spp., Bothriochloa pertusa followed by either Chrysopogon zeylanicus or Pennisetum clandestinum. Both of these are subsequently replaced by Arundinella or Themeda spp. This replacement of P. clandestinum may prove to be very useful with the help of Arundinella spp. The former is very aggressive and is not liked by local cultivators as it is an effective cover for harbouring rats which spoil the potato crop. The studies are being continued.

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S. Chinnamani , S. C. Gupte , N. D. Rege , P. K. Thomas

Abstract

Existing dense natural growth of broom and gorse, the exotic leguminous shrubs has been successfully utilised as a nurse crop for afforesting bluegum and black wattle. The afforestation has heen successfully done in 3' (0.9 m ) wide lines 11' (3.4 m) part. 1 foot cube (0.09 m ) pits were dug at 11' × 10' espacement and mossed seedlings were planted. The dense broom afforded protection to the seedlings against frost, wind, etc. The growth was better under broom than in the open. The broom growth was removed during the middle of the second year. During the fourth year broom formed a dense undergrowth due to the growth of coppice shoots and natural regeneration by seed. This method is 30 to 40% cheaper than the conventional clearing and afforestation of such areas. it also minimised erosion hazards .

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S. Chinnamani , S. C. Gupte

Abstract

no abstract

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S. C. Gupte , S. Chinnamani , N. D. Rege

Abstract

The observations and ecological studies made in the high altitude grasslands of the Nilgiris indicate that Dichanthium polyptychum (Steud) A. Camus, represents the highest stage in these grasslands and Chrysopogon zeylanicus (Nees) Thw. Is the apparently stable stage in retrogressive succession on overgrazed and eroded areas. On the basis of progressive and retrogressive changes in the high altitude grasslands in the Nilgiris, it has been shown that these grasslands belong to the broad Sehima-Dirhanthium type as recognized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research Grassland Reconnaissance Survey in peninsular India.

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S. Chinnamani

Abstract

An ecological study of the grasslands of Bellary is reported. The investigations confirm the earlier findings and typify the group as a distinct sub-type under Sehima Dichanthium type. Composition, species, production evaluation and economic data are presented. The possibility of a large scale grassland farming under rainfed condition is indicated.

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S. Chinnamani , A. R. Bhaskaran

Abstract

Protection and utilisation of barren, eroded semi-arid patches of land, fields and contour bunds is made possible by the use of Mundulea suberosa (Benth.) which has proved itself as a good fodder and green manure plant capable of growing under the above exacting conditions. Improvement for the fodder and nitrogen production of this plant by clonal selection is suggested.

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