Akhlaq Wani

Urban soils are victimized hotspots of compaction and other anthropogenic pressures. Present study deliberated on bulk density, moisture content, coarse fraction and distribution of soil organic carbon in Srinagar city of Kashmir Himalaya. In this study, 3 highly polluted roadsides sites (Pantha Chowk, Bemina and Dalgate) and a control site (Dara) were selected. The results show that overall mean value for bulk density was highest at Pantha Chowk (1.38 g cm) and lowest value of 1.11 g cm at Dara. The mean maximum soil moisture (21.03 %) was recorded at Dara and lowest value at Pantha Chowk (11.03 %). Similarly, overall mean of coarse fraction was highest at Patha Chowk, whereas, lowest value corresponded to Dara. Mean values of soil organic carbon were highest (1.02 %) at Dara, and Pantha Chowk exhibited minimum mean value of 0.35 %. It is concluded that soils with low moisture content, high bulk density and high coarse fraction have comparatively less organic carbon content which r...

The present investigation entitled, “Effect of IBA concentrations on rooting and growth of Ulmus wallichiana Planchon stem cuttings under Temperate conditions of Kashmir” was carried out at Faculty of Forestry SKUAST-K Benehama during the year 2018-19. In this research, in order to study the effect of different concentrations of IBA on rooting and survival of Ulmus wallichiana cuttings, a study was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments consisted of five levels of hormones: 0 (control), 500ppm, 1000ppm, 1500ppm, 2000 ppm and 2500ppm of IBA. Results showed that highest rooting (15.00% and 5.37%) root length 10.62cm and 8.62cm were recorded for IBA concentrations of 2000ppm in the hardwood and softwood cuttings respectively. The maximum mean length of shoot 8.12cm and 8.26cm were achieved in concentration of 2000ppm IBA in hardwood and softwood cuttings respectively. Further percentage 10.50% and 4.50% survival was recorded in hardwood and s...

This investigation was carried out during the years 2010-11 and 2011-12 in the willow plantations established by Plantation Division of State Forest Department in Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla and Ganderbal districts of Kashmir valley. The results revealed that willows can store up to 292.98 t C ha -1 and sequester around 1075.24 CO 2 e tons ha -1 . The NPV of future returns derived by discounting both costs and benefits at 12% rate of interest (with and without carbon benefits) are ` 7, 49,406 and 2,14,080 with a benefit cost ratio of 2.93 and 1.55 respectively for a productive rotation of 20 years. Thus enhancing carbon sequestration through commercial plantations of willow can prove to be a long term future policy option for sustained carbon sequestration programme in Jammu and Kashmir where willows alone comprise a total population of > 37 million trees with further scope for expansion as permanent marketable carbon sinks owing to the availability of about 15,082 Km 2 of was...

Frontline demonstrations on rice variety Shalimar Rice-1 were conducted at farmers’ field in the plains of south Kashmir during the kharif 2006 to 2008. The average seed yield ranged from 55.9 to 76.3 and 35.6 to 60.5 q/ha under improved technology and farmers’ practice, respectively. Increase in yield over farmers’ practice was 25 to 57% with improved rice technology. Highest net returns (Rs. 26780 to 47500/ha) were also realized from the improved practice. An additional net income of Rs.11950-152270/ ha was obtained by improved technology against additional cost of Rs. 2850-4540/ ha over farmers’ practice. Benefit : cost ratio was also higher with the improved technology.

Realizing the importance of carbon monitoring and reporting in climate change, it becomes imperative to assess the contribution of less significant but equally important forest carbon sub-pool of shrubs and herbs in mitigating the atmospheric carbon. The present study was conducted to calculate the strata wise biomass carbon of undergrowth (herbs and shrubs) in the coniferous forests of Western Himalayan region. Quadrates of 0.1 ha were laid in six forest types and within these plots, shrub plots (5m X 5m) were laid at the opposite corners. Herb plots (herbs including freshly fallen litter) (1m X 1m) m were laid inside the shrub plots at the opposite corners for undergrowth measurements. Shrub and herb measurements were taken by total harvest method and sub-samples weighing 200 g packed tight were transferred to the laboratory and oven dried at 65 ± 5 °C to a constant weight. The estimated biomass from these plots was extrapolated to one ha. The total herb biomass hence calculated w...

White root rot caused by Dematophora necatrix is the major threat to apple in Kashmir valley especially in south Kashmir. The moist conditions of the orchards, faulty irrigation system and conversion of paddy fields into orchards were the factors found giving fillip to the disease in the area. To test and popularize the university recommended integrated disease management (IDM) module for apple root rot management, On farm research trials (OFT's) were conducted during the kharif season of 2007–2008 in farmers participatory mode at three locations in the high altitude area of south Kashmir of Jammu and Kashmir. The experiment consisted of two treatments viz., recommended practice (Pruning of rotted roots and pasting of cut ends with a disinfectant paste + proper drainage + adding more organic matter + Basin irrigation system + drenching with carbendazim 50 WP @0.1%) and farmers practice (which varied from location to location however, exposing the roots of affected plants to sunl...

Forest fire is recognized as one of the major natural disaster, damaging huge forest and grassland areas worldwide. Fire can change plant composition, devastate biomass, alter soil physical and chemical properties and decrease nutrient pools. In recent years, Blue Pine ( Pinus wallichiana ) forests in South Kashmir are experiencing a heavy loss due to fire with respect to damage to undergrowth and disturbance in soil nutrient status. An assessment of damage in terms of ecological and economic attributes due to fire is deemed to be much. The frequency of fire is rising as biotic pressure on forest resources. This study demonstrates assessment of soil macro-nutrient alteration on sites on burnt with unburnt sites. The study sites are in South circle of Kashmir division in Jammu and Kashmir State of India. Our samples show 60% less soil carbon at 0-30 cm depth in burnt sites against their respective unburnt sites, Available soil nitrogen concentration was 35.28% lower on burnt sites, A...

The present investigation entitled, “Natural regeneration status of Betula utilis in Sangla valley of Indian Himalayas.”. The study area was divided into three horizontal (lower, middle and upper) elevations. To carry out this study five quadrates of 10 x 100m were laid down for the study of trees and shrubs, whereas, twenty quadrates of 2 x 2m were layed per main plot to study the regeneration parameters. The recruits, unestablished and established plants of Betula utilis and associated species decreased with the increase in elevation. Similarly, the regeneration success decreased with increase in elevation. The maximum total weighted average height, total established index, total stocking index and total establishment stocking per cent were recorded at lower elevation. Simple correlation reveal that regeneration of B. utilis had a positive and significant correlation with soil organic carbon, pH, organic matter layer and solar influx, soil moisture and soil nutrients.

Trees are known to maintain soil organic matter and nutrient cycling through the addition of litter and root residues into the soil. There is a large potential of sequestering carbon in soil and vegetation by adopting suitable agroforestry systems. The present investigation was conducted during January-June 2007 at Poanta valley of Himachal Pradesh, located at an elevation of 350 m amsl. Six agroforestry systems were selected viz. hortipastoral system (HP) (Mango + natural grasses), silvi-pastoral system (SP) ( Dalbergia sissoo+ natural grasses ), agri- silviculture system (AS) (Sal + wheat), horti-silvipastoral (HSP) (Mango+ Poplar + natural grasses), Pure Forest (F) (Sal), natural grass land (NG) (pure grasses). At 0-20 cm depth, soils under natural grassland was having higher bulk density (1.28g cm -3 ) among all the systems while lowest bulk density (1.16 g cm -3 ) was observed under forest. In 20-40 cm depth, the results also showed significant variation at 5% level of signific...

Forest cover assessment in India is being carried out using satellite remote sensing for more than two decades. However, the classification system, scale and methodology make it difficult to collate this information at regional scale. In the present study an attempt has been made to map forest cover of Central India on 1 : 50000 scale using satellite data of 1970s. Landsat MSS data of 1970s has been used for mapping through systematic sampling. The area calculated in sampling grids of size 5'x 5' has been extrapolated to the whole area. The total forest cover of the zone through extrapolation in 1970s was 1,03,655.79 km 2 . This attempt to assess the forest cover of Central India Zone has been an initiative of getting to know about the past. It gives an estimate of the forest lost or gained within the biogeographical Zone. While compiling the data of forest cover (from 1991- 2001) of the Central India Zone from Forest Survey of India, the apex body of forest monitoring in In...

Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the swift waste streams and comprises of end of life electronic products. The Western countries as alternative destinations for disposal ship the wastes to underdeveloped and developing countries where labor cost is reasonably meager and environmental laws are feebly implemented. When not recycled, the e-waste is either incinerated or landfilled. These methods involve not only wasting valuable metals but also creating potential risk for the environment. These substances are detrimental to nervous system, kidneys, bones, reproductive system, and endocrine system, and some of them are even carcinogenic and neurotoxic. Thus, extensive research is needed to evolve sophisticated technology which may help to curb environmental pollution and contribute towards sustainable development in terms of recycling of precious metals.

Critical analyses of the perceptions on SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) have become a fundamental element of multi-criteria decision making for developing wicker handicraft entrepreneurship. The study examined the effectiveness and prioritization of entrepreneur's perceptions towards SWOT categories and factors and provided insights for developing wicker handicraft entrepreneurship in Pulwama district of Kashmir. Data were collected through structured interviews and focus group discussions of 100 wicker handicraft entrepreneurs of 20 villages selected by multi-stage random sampling. Simple descriptive statistics were used for the data analysis. Results showed that the factors like income generation (19.30%) and employment generation (19.00%) were viewed as most important strengths while labour intensive and less remunerative livelihood (18.80%) and seasonal subsistence (18.70%) were identified as main weaknesses. Further, poverty alleviation (20.70%), pre...

Biophysical parameters affecting biomass carbon have been emphasized in the Paris Agreement for realizing climatic benefits from mitigation projects. The present study was conducted to assess the relation of biophysical parameters with forest biomass carbon in north Kashmir region of Himalayas. The relation of biomass carbon was assessed with (1) species type or strata including Cedrus deodara, mixed I (Cedrus deodara-Pinus wallichiana), mixed II (Abies pindrow-Picea smithiana) and Pinus wallichiana, (2) altitude (1292–2911 m amsl), (3) crown density, (4) aspect, (5) tree count or density and (6) location. Using a stratified sampling design, a total of 188 quadrats of 0.1 ha were laid across the entire region representing different biophysical parameters. Field observation including diameter at breast height and height were recorded and sample biomass (t ha−1) was estimated using volumetric equations. The observed relation of aboveground biomass carbon with species revealed a trend of mixed II ˃ Cedrus deodara ˃ mixed I ˃ Pinus wallichiana. A positive but weak correlation (R2 = 0.02) was found between aboveground biomass carbon and altitude. A reasonably good correlation (R2 = 0.40) was observed to exist between aboveground biomass carbon and crown density. The highest value of average biomass carbon (72.63 t ha−1) was recorded for the north-eastern aspect whereas the lowest value (44.60 t ha−1) was recorded for the eastern aspect. The aboveground biomass carbon and tree count was found positively correlated (+ 0.475, R2 = 0.48). Forest biomass carbon fluctuates within the same geographical region with a variety of biophysical factors. The growth rate of species, photosynthetic ability under different crown densities and climatic conditions could address the reasons for this variability. Biophysical relations of forest biomass carbon can be viewed as an important input for guidelines and policy matters on climate change.

People’s perceptions, attitudes and preferences in agroforestry have become fundamental elements of sustainable agroforestry management. The study examined the multiplicities and dimensions of people’s perceptions about agroforestry values, attitudes towards agroforestry benefits and resources preferences in agroforestry and their socioeconomic determinants in rural societies of Kashmir. The data were collected from 142 households of 5 villages selected employing multi-stage random sampling. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for the data analysis. Results indicated that the material values (rank 1st to 3rd) of agroforestry were perceived as the most important while the perception of the non-material values (rank 4th to 10th) were adjudged moderately important. People’s attitudes towards the tangible benefits (rank 1st to 3rd) of agroforestry were highly favourable whereas attitudes towards intangible benefits (rank 4th to 10th) were indifferent. The rural people expres...

Abstract A study on community structure was carried out along three altitudinal gradients viz., Lower (3000–3200m), Middle (3200–3400m) and upper (3400–3600m) asl in Sindh Forest Division (Sonamarg) and Tangmarg Forest Divisions (Gulmarg) in sub alpine zone of North Western Kashmir Himalayas, India. The floristic structure revealed that Betula stands at Sonamarg forests supported 48 species belonging to 26 families on South Eastern aspect and 53 species belonging to 28 families on South Western aspect, whereas Gulmarg forest was represented by 54 species of 28 families. The overall community structure of Betula stands depicted that Asteraceae, Poaceae, Rosaceae and Lamiaceae were the dominant families in these timberline forests. The dispersion showed that 65.48% species were contagiously distributed, 25.67 and 8.85% species showed random and regular distribution. Betula utilis shared the top niche with the dominance of 61.56 and 76.27% on SE and SW aspect at Sonamarg, and 71.81% at Gulmarg. Species richness decreased with elevation and species diversity of the forest was relatively low, the decrease in these parameter with increasing altitude can be directly related to high grazing pressure, harsh climatic conditions, topography and snow, which covers these areas for longer times especially during the growing season.

The plant biomass for protected areas was maximum in summer (1221.56 g/m2) and minimum in winter (290.62 g/m2) as against grazed areas having maximum value 590.81 g/m2 in autumn and minimum 183.75 g/m2 in winter. Study revealed that at Protected site (Kanidajan) the above ground biomass ranged was from a minimum (1.11 t ha-1) in the spring season to a maximum (4.58 t ha-1) in the summer season while at Grazed site (Yousmarag), the aboveground biomass varied from a minimum (0.54 t ha-1) in the spring season to a maximum of 1.48 t ha-1 in summer seasonandat Seed sown site (Badipora), the lowest value of aboveground biomass obtained was 4.46 t ha-1 in spring while as the highest (7.98 t ha-1) was obtained in summer.

The role of forests is being actively considered under the agenda of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation plus) aimed at reducing emissions related to changes in forest cover and forest quality. Forests in general have undergone negative changes in the past in the form of deforestation and degradation, while in some countries positive changes are reported in the form of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of carbon stock. The present study in the Kashmir Himalayan forests is an effort to assess historical forest cover changes that took place from 1980 to 2009 and to predict the same for 2030 on the basis of past trend using geospatial modeling approach. Landsat data (Multispectral Scanner (MSS), Thematic Mapper (TM) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+)) was used for the years 1980, 1990 and (2001, 2009) respectively and change detection analysis between the dates was performed. The maps generated were validated through ground truthing. The study area (3375.62 km2) from 1980-2009 has uffered deforestation and forest degradation of about 126 km2 and 139.02 km2 respectively which can be claimed under negative options of REDD+, while as the area that experienced no change (1514 km2) can be claimed under conservation. A small area (23.31 km2) observed as positive change can be claimed under positive options. The projected estimates of forest cover for 2030 showed increased deforestation and forest degradation on the basis of trend analysis using Cellular Automata (CA) Markov modeling. Despite the fact that country as a whole has registered a net positive change in the past few decades, but there are regions like Kashmir region of western Himalaya which have constantly undergoing deforestation as well as degradation in the past few decades.

Forests being a dynamic feature are prone to changes which may be either positive or negative. Activities like agricultural expansion, increasing settlements in the vicinity of forests are a threat to forests and put an increasing pressure on its resources. Pathri forest plantation has been declared legally as a "reserve forest" in 1940 as per Indian Forest Act 1927. The forests in the Pathri reserve forests had been managed by the people during the time of British. As biotic pressure on the land increased, conservation and management of the natural resources gave way to encroachment and degradation. The present study has been taken to monitor Landuse/Land cover LULC dynamics over the past few decades (1990, 2000 and 2010) before and after de-reserving some part of this forest in view of the rehabilitation of Tehri dam evacuees within this forest. Landsat TM data has been used to generate maps on 1:50000 scale. Satellite data processing was done using ERDAS Imagine. LULC m...

Trees are known to maintain soil organic matter and nutrient cycling through the addition of litter and root residues into the soil. There is a large potential of sequestering carbon in soil and vegetation by adopting suitable agroforestry systems. The present investigation was conducted during January-June 2007. Poanta valley is located at an elevation of 350 m amsl. Six agroforestry systems were selected viz. Hortipastoral system (HP) (Mango + natural grasses), Silvi-pastoral system (SP) (Dalbergia sissoo + natural grasses), Agri-silviculture system (AS) (Sal + wheat), Horti-silvi-pastoral system (HSP) (Mango + Poplar + natural grasses), Pure Forest (F) (Sal), Natural grass land (NG) (Pure grasses).Two soil depths have been taken as D1 (0-20) cm and D2 (20-40) cm and three replications of each with Randomised Block Design (RBD) were taken for analysis. Six agroforestry systems formed main plot treatment and sampling depth as sub plots with various tree crop combinations. The physi...

In agroforestry systems carbon sequestration is a dynamic process and has the phases of establishment, followed by a quick accumulation phase and a maturation period. At the end of rotation period, when the trees are harvested and land returned to cropping (sequential systems), part of carbon is released back to atmosphere. The present study on carbon stock under different land use systems of Poanta valley of Himachal Pradesh which has a sub-tropical continental monsoon climate characterized by a seasonal rhythm, hot summers, slightly cold winters with occasional frost, unreliable rainfall and great variation in temperature (0 0 C to 40 0 C). Six agroforestry systems were selected viz. Hortipastoral system (HP) (Mango + natural grasses), Silvi-pastoral system (SP) (Dalbergia sissoo + natural grasses), Agri-silviculture system (AS) (Sal + wheat), Horti-silvi-pastoral system (HSP) (Mango + Poplar + natural grasses), Pure Forest (F) (Sal), Natural grass land (NG) (Pure grasses). Six ag...

Realizing the importance of agroforestry as a sustainable land use system and its contribution towards climate change at global level, a study was taken to map agroforestry resources in the southern region of Kashmir Himalayas using geospatial technology. The study area has witnessed a surge in conversion of land under agriculture into horticulture during the past few decades owing to low profitability of agriculture. The Landsat dataset of 1980, 1992, 2001 and 2009 for the region was mapped through visual interpretation and classified into 12 Land use Land cover (LULC) categories which included evergreen closed forest, evergreen open forest, forest scrub, grassland, horticulture plantation, agricultural plantation, double crop, kharif, wasteland, built up, wasteland and snow. All the maps were subjected to accuracy assessment using about 450 ground truth points. The overall accuracy for 2009 map was observed as 90.04 with a kappa of 0.84. Overall accuracy of LULC for other dates wa...

Forest cover assessment in India is being carried out using satellite remote sensing for more than two decades. However, the classification system, scale and methodology make it difficult to collate this information at regional scale. In the present study an attempt has been made to map forest cover of Central India on 1:50000 scale using satellite data of 1970s. Landsat MSS data of 1970s has been used for mapping through systematic sampling. The area calculated in sampling grids of size 5’x 5’ has been extrapolated to the whole area. The total forest cover of the zone through extrapolation in 1970s was 103655.79 km2. This attempt to assess the forest cover of Central India Zone has been an initiative of getting to know about the past. It gives an estimate of the forest lost or gained within the biogeographical Zone. While compiling the data of forest cover (from 1991-2001) of the Central India Zone from Forest Survey of India, the apex body of forest monitoring in India and compari...

More than half of India's area, an estimated 175 million ha (53.24%), is subjected to different types of land degradation, some of them very severe. The condition of today's forests is a precursor to the condition of forests in future. The link from past to the recent times is important for future management of forest resources. We are strongly placed as far as recent data of forest cover change is concerned. However the status of forest cover change that took place in the past is still not clearly known to us. In the present study an attempt has been made to map forest cover of some parts in Central India on 1:50000 scale using satellite data of 1970s (Landsat MSS) and carry out change detection analysis in comparison to the data of 1960s (Survey of India Toposheets on 1:50000 scale). Maps were traced, geo-registered and output generated in a format similar to the satellite data. The two time data was over laid in Erdas Imagine 8.7 to generate a change matrix. As per the pr...

ABSTRACT Realizing the importance of forest carbon monitoring and reporting in climate change, the present study was conducted to derive spectrally modeled aboveground biomass and mitigation using Landsat data in combination with sampled field inventory data in the coniferous forests of Western Himalaya. After conducting preliminary survey in 2009, 90 quadrates (45 each for calibration and validation) of 0.1 ha were laid in six forest types for recording field inventory data viz. diameter at breast height, height, slope and aspect. Biomass carbon (Mg ha− 1) was worked out for different forest types and crown density classes (open with 10–40 % crown density and closed with > 40 % crown density) using recommended volume equations, ratios and factors. Biomass carbon map (aboveground + belowground) was generated for the entire region using geospatial techniques. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was generated and spectral values were extracted to establish relation (R2 = 0.72, p < 0.01) with the field inventory data. The model developed was validated (R2 = 0.73, p < 0.01) with 45 sample observations not used earlier for predicting and generating biomass carbon map (2009) for the entire region. The data from field based inventory indicates highest total biomass carbon (171.40, σ ± 23.19) Mg ha− 1 for Fir-Spruce (closed) which has relatively more mature girth classes and low tree density. This value was found to be significantly higher than other forest types. Lowest biomass carbon was observed for Blue Pine (open) (37.15, σ ± 11.82) Mg ha− 1. The NDVI values for the entire region ranged from 0–0.62 and consequently the spectrally derived aboveground biomass carbon varied from 0–600 Mg ha− 1. The study demonstrates the application of mapping, spectral responses and sampled field inventory for type wise assessment of carbon mitigation in temperate coniferous forests of Himalayas.

The present study was carried to assess the variability in the species diversity using appropriate quantities and statistical analysis along the altitudinal gradients in the Mannavan shola forest in Kerala. The analysis of species diversity revealed that, the maximum species diversity greater in the low altitudinal gradient followed by middile. The dominant species are Hydnocarpus alpina, Isonandra stocksii, Gomphandra coriaceae

Under the United Nat ions Framewo rk Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), part icipating countries are required to report national inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or uptake. The current challenge is to reduce the uncertainties in producing accurate and reliable act ivity data of Carbon (C) stock changes and emission factors essential for reporting national inventories. Improvements in above ground biomass estimation can also help account for changes in C stock in forest areas that may potentially participate in the Clean Develop ment Mechanism (CDM), REDD plus and other initiat ives. The methods adopted for such estimations vary with respect to geography, objective of the study, available expertise, data and scientific excellence adopted. However the current objectives for such estimates need a unified approach which can be measurable, reportable, and verifiable. Th is might result to a geographically referenced bio mass density database for tropical forests that would ...

ABSTRACT Soil physical and chemical properties were quantified to assess soil organic carbon (SOC) density (t ha-1) and SOC CO2 mitigation (t ha-1) under six forest strata Cedrus deodara (closed) (S1), Cedrus deodara (open) (S2), Abies pindrow-Picea smithiana (closed) (S3), Abies pindrow-Picea smithiana (open) (S4), Pinus wallichiana (closed) (S5) and Pinus wallichiana (open) (S6) in the southern region of Kashmir Himalayas India. Lowest average bulk density (Db) of 0.95 was found same in S3 (σ ± 0.07) and S5 (σ ± 0.09) and highest Db (1.08) was observed in S2 (σ ± 0.05). A relatively higher coarse fraction was observed in all the six strata ranging from 19.23 (SD ± 4.66) in S3 to 29.37 (σ ± 6.12) in S6. Soil pH ranged from 6.09 (σ ± 0.64) in S4 to 6.97 (σ ± 0.53) in S2. The region under biotic interference has observed significant deforestation and degradation in the past two decades leading to lower SOC% values compared to other studies in the adjoining regions of Indian Himalayas and temperate coniferous forests in general. SOC% values were observed to range from 1.03 (σ ± 0.22) in S2 to 2.25 (σ ± 0.23) in S3. SOC density ranged between 25.11 (σ ± 5.41) t ha-1 in S2 and 51.93 (σ ± 5.24) t ha-1 in S3. SOC CO2 mitigation density was found highest 190.59 (σ ± 19.23) t ha-1 in S3 and lowest 92.16 (σ ± 19.86) t ha-1 in S2. A significant variation was observed in SOC density within strata. SOC density values in closed strata in general exceed to those in open strata. Primary results indicate that the average SOC stock for all the strata is low due to continuous biotic pressure in the last two decades making it a potential region for SOC buildup under plus options of REDD + (Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) which includes conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon (C) stocks.

Abstract: Growing demand of land for crop production, commercial cattle rearing, fuel wood, charcoal, construction timber, urbanization and industrialization have resulted in loss of forests in the past. Forests being recognized as an important component of Carbon (C) cycle have gained importance owing to its potential to sequester C. As a result large-scale forest conservation and land developmental programmes have come up at regional, national and world level besides afforestation and reforestation activities are eligible in CDM and ...

Abstract: Growing demand of land for crop production, commercial cattle rearing, fuel wood, charcoal, construction timber, urbanization and industrialization have resulted in loss of forests in the past. Forests being recognized as an important component of Carbon (C) cycle have gained importance owing to its potential to sequester C.

Assessing biophysical variables are essential for evaluation of carbon dynamics due to anthropogenic activities. Biomass carbon is an important biophysical parameter of forest ecosystems that indicates carbon mitigation and human–forest interactions. Spectral modeling approach was used to assess the relation of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) with biomass carbon, crown density, tree density, slope, altitude, aspect, species, and forest division in temperate conifer region of Himalaya. Field inventory was recorded from 188 biomass plots of 0.1 ha each across the study area. NDVI was observed to have a positive relation with aboveground biomass carbon, crown density, tree density, and altitude. The NDVI and ABC values ranged from (0.11 to 0.43) and (1.54 to 276.82 t ha −1 ), respectively. Among the aspects, highest and lowest average NDVI was observed for south east (0.289) and north (0.258), respectively. Similarly highest and lowest average aboveground biomass carbon w...

The regeneration status of bhojpatra or Himalayan birch (Betula utilis D. Don) was assessed in the two forest divisions of Kashmir with the major focus on regeneration status pertaining to the poor recruitment and seedling establishment in north western Himalayas along the different altitudinal gradient. The regeneration in both the forest divisions was poor and decreased further with increasing altitude but did not show any definite trend along the altitudinal gradient. Density-diameter and regeneration success curve for Betula utilis was not continuous and displayed typical reverse J-shaped structure depicting un-sustainable regeneration success along the altitude. Density of recruits was greater than the density of seedlings (un-established regeneration) indicating anthropogenic interference in terms of grazing and lopping of mature trees for fodder and other uses. The overall regeneration successes varied between 3.38-10.95% on south eastern aspect and 4.47 to 11.16% on south western aspect in Sindh forest division and between 4.84-11.53% in Tangmarg forest division. The diversity index (H /) Betula utilis decreased within the upper diameter classes with maximum diversity in lower diameter (0-25 cm). The correlation between soil parameters, viz. pH, EC, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus depicted the significant positive as well as negative trends with regeneration parameters.

Agroforestry, which is the inclusion of woody perennials in farming systems, has been practiced as traditional land use and livelihood option in Jammu and Kashmir state of India since time immemorial. In the present investigation, Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley was selected with the objective to study the indigenous and prevalent agroforestry systems. The geographical area of the district is 39304 hectare, under which paddy is grown at about 8600 ha, wheat 50 ha, pulses 600 ha vegetables 1100 ha, fodder 3429 ha, oil seeds 3727 ha area. The cropping pattern is (paddy, maize, vegetables, and pulses) in kharif and oil seeds, oats, wheat and vegetables in rabi. Agroforestry systems have been classified according to the components present-trees with crops are referred to as silvoarable or agrisilvisulture, trees and pasture as silvopastoral, fruit trees and crops as horti-agriculture, fruit trees with pasture as hortipastoral and trees with crops and animals as agro-silvopastoral. A total of eight agroforestry systems, including, home gardens, horti-Original Research Article Dar et al.; AIR, 14(1): 1-9, 2018; Article no.AIR.39907 2 agriculture, boundary plantation, horti-silvi-pasture, horti-silviculture, horti-silvi-agriculture, silvopastoral and hortipastoral systems were reported from the study area. Among the woody perennials, the highest preference was for fruit-yielding tree species.

The present investigation entitled "variation in microbial biomass carbon under the canopy of Salix alba plantations in temperate regions of Kashmir" were carried out during the year 2011 and 2012 in the willow plantations established by Plantation Division of State Forest Department in Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla and Ganderbal Districts of Kashmir valley. After conducting a detailed survey, two plantation blocks of willow were selected in each district. Five quadrants of 10 × 40 m (400 m 2) size were laid at each block for sampling to record the various observations. The soil microbial biomass carbon was maximum (0.427 t ha-1) at Bandipora and minimum (0.376 t ha-1) at Anantnag. The average value of soil microbial biomass carbon under Salix alba plantations at all locations was 0.402 t ha-1. The soil microbial biomass carbon varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) between the selected locations. The higher mean microbial biomass carbon content of 190.51 µg C g-1 was recorded at Bandipora, followed by 186.10 µg C g-1 at Baramulla, 172.86 µg C g-1 at Ganderbal and 167.70 µg C g-1 at Anantnag. There was no clear monthly trend of microbial biomass carbon which varied within the range of 57.05 to 228.20 µg C g-1 during the period of investigation

The present study reports uses of ethno-medicinal in the northern and central regions of Kashmir Himalayas. Surveys were conducted at Sonamarg (Sindh forest division) and Gulmarg (Special Forest Division Tangmarg) for documentation of traditional knowledge and practices (mode of administration and uses) of medicinal plants. Twenty one (21) medicinal plant species representing 14 families and belonging to dominant families like Asteraceae and Polygonaceae (3 spp.) and Lamiaceae, Violaceae and Ranunculaceae (2 spp.) were recorded to be used under traditional health care system. The study was designed to gather indigenous knowledge about the medicinal herbs by interviewing the professional herbalists (Hakeems), occasional practitioners and experienced established prescribers, and the people living near or inside forests. The traditional knowledge and practices of medicinal plants among rural communities of north and central Kashmir against are used to cure different diseases. However, the unabated extraction from forests has threatened these plants. The dissemination of technical know-how to cultivate these medicinal herbs could go a long way in sustaining the production and peoples' livelihood besides saving these plants from extinction.

The study investigated the socioeconomic and psychological variables that influence the agroforestry adoption in farming communities of Kashmir. The data were collected from 142 households of 5 villages selected in Baramulla and Kupwara districts utilizing multi-stage random sampling. The results revealed that regarding agrofor-estry adoption majority (52.11%) of the respondents belonged to medium category followed by low (27.47%) and high (20.42%) categories. The socioeconomic variables specified that the rural people are in underprivileged condition while they are in prosperous condition regarding psychological variables. The correlation analysis (r) indicated that among explanatory variables, education, social participation, family composition, size of land holding, main occupation , housing status, farm power, farm implements, livestock possession, wealth status, gross annual income, knowledge about agrforestry, attitude towards agroforestry and level of aspiration had shown positively significant correlation with the agroforestry adoption, while, the age had a non-significant correlation. All the explanatory variables jointly accounted 90.80 % (R 2 = 0.908) variation on the agroforestry adoption and among these, nine variables viz., education, size of land holding, main occupation, farm power, livestock possession, wealth status, knowledge about agrforestry, attitude towards agroforestry and level of aspiration were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in influencing the agroforestry adoption. The study recommends that recognition and exploitation of explanatory variables that predict agroforestry adoption, needs due consideration among policy makers, researchers and extension providers as prominent strategy for agroforestry promotion and development.

The study investigated the household exploitation patterns of fuel wood and the role of determinant factors in fuel wood exploitation in Ganderbal district of Kashmir Himalaya. Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to select sample villages (9) and households (380) for field survey. Data collection was done through structured interviews and non-participant observations. Descriptive and analytical statistics were employed to analyse the data. Results revealed that total extraction of fuel wood was 768.41 tons annum-1 @ 0.79 kg per capita day-1 while the consumption was 1152.60 tons annum-1 @ 1.18 kg per capita day-1. Thus, there is a shortage of 384.19 tons of fuel wood annum-1 @ 0.39 kg per capita day-1. The people are resource-poor characterized by low socioeconomic conditions and inadequate biophysical assets. Correlation analysis (r =-0.601 to 0.670; p = 0.000) indicated that the determinant factors exerted a strong influence on appropriating household fuel wood exploitation. Regression analysis ('t' value = 2.215 to 8.525) revealed that household size, livestock holding, primary occupation, gross annual income, proximity to the forest, forest resource possession and access to alternative energy sources are the key determinants influencing significantly the fuel wood exploitation and the R 2 (0.778) indicated that 77.80% of the variation in the fuel wood exploitation was explained by the determinant factors. To tackle the overwhelming household fuel wood dependency on forests, policy must be directed towards the diversification of alternative energy sources, promotion of low-cost technologies, afforestation programmes and substitution fuel wood.

Forest fire is recognized as one of the major natural disaster, damaging huge forest and grassland areas worldwide. Fire can change plant composition, devastate biomass, alter soil physical and chemical properties and decrease nutrient pools. In recent years, Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana) forests in South Kashmir are experiencing a heavy loss due to fire with respect to damage to undergrowth and disturbance in soil nutrient status. An assessment of damage in terms of ecological and economic attributes due to fire is deemed to be much. The frequency of fire is rising as biotic pressure on forest resources. This study demonstrates assessment of soil macro-nutrient alteration on sites on burnt with unburnt sites. The study sites are in South circle of Kashmir division in Jammu and Kashmir State of India. Our samples show 60% less soil carbon at 0-30 cm depth in burnt sites against their respective unburnt sites, Available soil nitrogen concentration was 35.28% lower on burnt sites, Available soil phosphorus was 38.89 % higher in burnt than unburnt sites and available soil potassium was 29.66 % higher on burnt sites in comparison to unburnt sites. Some implications of these results for forest managers are discussed. Organic carbon and nitrogen decreased in burnt areas while as potassium and phosphorus concentration witnesses an increase in burnt sites.

Realizing the importance of carbon monitoring and reporting in climate change, it becomes imperative to assess the contribution of less significant but equally important forest carbon sub-pool of shrubs and herbs in mitigating the atmospheric carbon. The present study was conducted to calculate the strata wise biomass carbon of undergrowth (herbs and shrubs) in the coniferous forests of Western Himalayan region. Quadrates of 0.1 ha were laid in six forest types and within these plots, shrub plots (5m × 5m) were laid at the opposite corners. Herb plots (herbs including freshly fallen litter) (1m × 1m) m were laid inside the shrub plots at the opposite corners for undergrowth measurements. Shrub and herb measurements were taken by total harvest method and sub-samples weighing 200 g o packed tight were transferred to the laboratory and oven dried at 65 ± 5 C to a constant weight. The estimated biomass from these plots was extrapolated to one ha. The total herb biomass hence calculated was converted into carbon equivalent using a factor of 0.50. The entire results were subjected to statistical tools using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results revealed that shrub biomass carbon was found to be highest under Deodar (closed) strata 0.65 t-1-1 ha (±σ 0.48) and minimum under Deodar (open) 0.17 t ha (±σ 0.20) with p<0.05. For herb biomass carbon the highest-1-1 values were observed under Fir-Spruce (closed) 1.32 t ha (±σ 0.46) and minimum under Blue Pine (open) 0.59 t ha (±σ 0.49) with p<0.05. The open forests were subjected to a high biotic interference as a result of uncontrolled grazing, fuel wood and fodder collection that led to the lower values for undergrowth biomass carbon. However these strata were found to have a promising potential to fix atmospheric carbon into herbs and shrubs once the conservative interventions are brought into practice.