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A. K. Raina , M. K. Gupta

Abstract

Soil characteristics in relation to Forest vegetation and parent material in Kempty range of Mussoorie Forest Division, Uttarakhand have been studied. The results show that geologically, the rocks of the study area are of pre-cambrian to early paleozoic in age with recent and subrecent deposits. The organic matter and available nitrogen contents in the surface horizons increased with increase in altitude. The increase in the clay content of B horizon may be due to in-situ weathering of minerals. From the clay content of different horizons, it is quite evident that movement of clay from A to B horizon has taken place in all the profiles. Due to clay illuviation and greater thickness of B horizon, soils from Sainj, Kempty and Mailgarh blocks having Pinus roxburghii, Quercus leucotrichophora and Dalbergia sissoo vegetation, respectively, appeared to be more developed than those from Kheragarh and Gandiyala blocks (Miscellaneous and barren land). Statistical analysis showed that source of variations in different soil characteristics are significant for Clay, pH, CEC, Ex. Na, Available N and WHC for replications It has been observed that Q. leucotrichophora and P. roxburghii forests occur in the soils of Mollisols order on limestone, dolomite, shale, slate and quartzite (Kempty and Sainj blocks) whereas presence of phyllite (Mailgarh and Kheragarh blocks) shale, sandstone, quartzite etc. resulted in Ultisols order. The barren land soil of Gandiyala block belonged to Mollisols order. Findings of the study will be helpful to formulate the strategies for sustainable management of the natural forests and to work out potential productivity of soil and forest etc. for the overall afforestation of such lands and to create deeper understanding of natural stands ensuring ecological and economic benefits reaching the rural masses.

Keywords

Soil Characteristics, Parent Material, Vegetation, Different Forest Covers, Kempty
Forest Range, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

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A. K. Raina , M. N. Jha

Abstract

The relationship between geology, soil and vegetation have been evaluated in Raipur range of Mussoorie Forest Division (Uttaranchal). The findings of the study show that floristic composition and soils have some relationship with parent material. It has been observed that Mollisols occur on dolomitic limestones (Dwara) or on limestones interbedded with shales (Ladpur, Raipur, Rajpur and parts of Ringalgarh) whereas Inceptisols occur on quartzites (Mahipur and parts of Sripur) and on phyllite, slate and limestone (Ringalgarh). The study further indicated on the basis of soil and mineralogical data that Quercus leucotrichophora and Pinus roxburghii forests thrive well on Inceptisols whereas Shorea robusta, Dalbergia sissoo and scrub forests grow well on Mollisols. Relief and age acting on geology of Raipur range of Mussoorie forest division govern the existing soil formation whereas altitude and climate besides other soil forming factors impact geology and give rise to natural vegetation. Climate and aspect of a particular site have given rise to the various pedogenic processes and floristic composition. It was, however, inferred on the basis of soil as weB as mineralogical data that geology, vegetation and soil are in stable relationship with each other and such studies should also be carried out in different ranges for a comprehensive knowledge of these inter-relationships.

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A. K. Raina , M. N. Jha , S. C. Pharasi

Abstract

Micro-morphological investigations of sodic soils were carried out at five different locations having variation in vegetation of same age group in Sultanpur and Raibareilly districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. These soils contained sufficient oriented clay to meet argillic horizon requirements. However, most of the cutans observed in the B horizons including grain argillans and striated void argillans were formed due to stress rather than illuvial features. B horizons of these soils have been enriched with secondary carbonates. The lattisepic and skel-masepic plasmic fabrics resulted from the moderate to high shrink-swell characteristics of these sodic soils. The sodic soils of Khara, Kanaksinghpur and Ramshahpur exhibited calcans and neocalcans in the B horizons that superimposed argillans. AU five pedons were polygene tic, as indicated by pedogenic carbonate features that were associated with argillans of these soils.

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A. K. Raina , M. N. Jha , S. C. Pharasi

Abstract

Soil formation in relation to forest vegetation were studied in seven blocks of Raipur range of Mussoorie Forest Division, Uttaranchal (altitude 8OO m to 2,000 m above msl). The physical and chemical attributes of the soils under different forest covers were related to various vegetational parameters. The results showed that organic matter content was generally higher in different forest vegetation at high attitudes than at lower ones. Cation exchange capacity of the soils of different profiles showed in consistent trend. Illuviation of clay and sesquioxides had taken place in the B horizons of all the soils. Base saturation percentage in the surface horizons of all the profiles varied from 43.9 to 64.3, while the range in pH was from 5.5 to 6.8. As the clay illuviation was more pronounced in the profiles from Ringalgarh, Sripur and Dwara blocks, these soils appeared to be more developed than the soils of Lad pur, Raipur, Rajpur and Mahipur blocks.

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A. K. Raina , M. N. Jha , S. C. Pharasi

Abstract

Fine sand mineralogy of some selected horizons of the soils ofRaipurrange ofMussoorie Forest Division (Uttar Pradesh) were investigated. Light minerals constituted bulk of fine sand fractions and consisted of quartz, feldspar and mica (muscovite) in order oftheir abundance. Heavy minerals occurred in minute amounts and were dominated by opaque minerals, biotite, calcite, chloritised mica, zircon, garnet, hornblende, tourmaline and rutile. Differences in mineralogical make up were mostly associated with nature and composition of parent material and degree of weathering. The soils, in general, contained low to moderate amount of weatherable minerals indicating their podzolic nature and much less contribution of nutrients from minerals to the soil labile nutrient pool.

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A. K. Raina , S. C. Pharasi , K. G. Prasad

Abstract

A general relationship between geology, soil and vegetation in the Kanasar Range of Chakrata Forest Division, Uttar Pradesh was evaluated. Geologically the rocks of the study site are of Pre-Cambrian to early Paleozoic in age with recent and subrecent deposits. Soils belongs to Typic Paleudoll (Konain series), Typic Argiudoll (Deoban series), Typic Paleudult (Kanasar series) and Humic Hapludult (Budher series) and all these polypedons are members of fine loamy, mixed, messic family. Vegetation of the study area is a climatic climax and falls under 12/C-Himalayan moist temperate forests. The study revealed that basal area of Cedrus deodara increased with increasing calcite content and decreased with increasing dolomite content. The study further indicated that relief and age acting on geology of Kanasar Range govern the existing soil whereas effect of altitude and climate on geology gives rise to natural vegetation. Climate and aspect on a particular site have given rise to existing floristic composition and also different pedogenic processes active at the site.

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A. K. Raina , S. C. Pharasi , Pramod Kumar , K. G. Prasad

Abstract

Three soil profiles under Cedrus deodara, Pinus roxburghii and Picea smithiana were studied for sand mineralogy in the Chakrata Forest Division of Uttar Pradesh. Quartz is the most abundant light mineral in all the profiles followed by mica which is present in relatively higher amount in the lower depth. Heavy minerals occur in small quantities or in traces only. The presence of iron-minerals indicate the movement of water inside the depth or profiles which show podzolic nature. The soil under Cedrus deodara/I> is of lower ferlility as compared to others. Although a direct relationship of the vegetation with the sand mineralogy of soils is not apparent, the low levels of weatherable minerals is a favourable feature for supporting the vegetation in its present state.

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A. K. Raina , S. C. Pharasi , K. G. Prasad

Abstract

Experiment was laid out to know the effect of N, P and Zn on germination, survival and growth of Acacia catechu seedlings in nursery. Basal dose of chemical fertilizers decreased seed germination and survival. It was observed that 10 ml solution per bag of O.2% each of urea and superphosphate applied 10th and 13th week and 10 ml per bag of O.02% zinc sulphate solution applied 15th week after seed sowing increased the height growth of seedlings. Using this method, plantable seedlings were ready within 16 to 18 weeks of sowing directly in the polythene bags, thus saving time, money land and labour.

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S. P. Banerjee , K. C. Mathur , K. G. Prasad , A. K. Raina

Abstract

X-ray diffraction of selected soil clay of South Kheri forests of Uttar Pradesh brings out kaolinite as the dominant silicate mineral, both at the surface as well as the subsurface of all the pedons. In addition, small amounts of goethite, gibbsite and integrated micaceous minerals are also identified in the clay fractions. An occurrence of some vermiculite only in the three pedons under natural sal (Shorea robusta), which decreased at the subsurface, may perhaps be a peculiar coincidence only as no tangible explanation exists.

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A. K. Raina , K. G. Prasad , S. C. Pharasi , K. S. Kapoor , S. B. Singh

Abstract

An experiment comprising 3 levels of nitrogen (0, 50 and 100 ppm) 3 levels of P₂O₅, (0, 50 and 100 ppm) and 7 application dates of each, was conducted in nursery to see tbeir effect on some important growth parameters (plant height, tiller and leaf number, Collar diameter and biomass production) of Bambusa Tulda.biomass production) of Bambusa tulda. Results recorded arter 17 weeks of germination revealed that for all growth parameters, separate application of nitrogen was superior than phosphorus application but their combined applications were always better than individual application. Among the doses, N₁₀₀P₅₀ was found best. Split applications of nutrients 4, 6 and 8 weeks after germination gave best results.

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S. P. Banerjee , A. K. Raina , K. C. Mathur

Abstract

Mineralogical study of the fine sand fraction of ten typical soils of 'South Kheri forests of Uttar Pradesh brings out that quartz is the preponderant detrital mineral in all these alluvial soils followed by mica which is higher in lower depths' especially the muscovite type. The heavy minerals which are present in small quantities' include mainly chlorite' iron-ores and tourmaline' and in very small quantities zircon' sphene' staurolite' apatite' garnet' bornblende' kyanite and epidote. Petrographic examination revealed that excepting quartz' which is in abundance throughout the depth of the pedons' no other mineral' light or heavy' shows any definite trend of distribution along the depths of the pedons. No definite relationship appears to exist between the nature of these skeletal minerals and growth' development and distribution of the vegetation of the area.

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Ram Prasad Sharma ¹, A. K. Das ², A. K. Raina ³

Affiliations
1 Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara Campus, Pokhara, Nepal, IN
2 Agriculture and forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal, IN
3 Forest Research Institute, F. S. & L. R. Division, Dehradun

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the influence of metamorphic rocks, soils and physiographic conditions on the growth and distribution of Swertia chirayita and Rubia cordifolia in Lotse Pakha and Bhakarjung community forests of Kaski district, Nepal for sustainable management. Biannual biophysical data and soil samples collection were conducted by establishing permanent sample plots of 2m x 5m for herb species. The study area contains dominantly the medium to coarse grained metamorphic rocks as phyllite and quartzite with numerous discontinuities. The interpretation of biophysical data indicated that the availability of MAPs vary with variation of altitude, slope, aspect, crown cover, rock types and soil properties. The frequency, relative frequency, density and relative density of S. chirayita and R. cordifolia were found to be medium to higher in the study area. The number of S. chirayita found to be higher in greater slope while R. cordifolia in lower slope. The species richness of these species shows higher within the altitudinal range 1700 - 2000 m. These species suitably grows in north-east aspect. The number of S. chirayita was found higher in 0-60 % crown cover but R. cordifolia has no significant trends. The physicochemical properties (soil pH, N, P, K, SOM and texture) of soil and weathered minerals resulted from metamorphic rocks in studied CFs favour the growth and distribution of these species.

Keywords

Altitude, Aspect, Slope, Crown Cover, Associated Species, Ecological Status.

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B. K. Fotedar ¹, A. K. Raina ²

Affiliations
1 Post-Graduate Department of Geology, Jammu University, Jammu - 180004
2 Post-Graduate Department of Geology, Jammu University, Jammu - 180004, IN

Abstract

A gabbroic pluton of 4 sq km areal extension crops out at Warikwah, Baramulla District, Kashmir Himalaya. The three rock types in the pluton are recognized as norite, gabbro and quartz gabbro which are the products of differentiation under low PH₂O conditions in that order. The parental magma is considered to be of tholeiitic nature and is derived from a deep source as reflected by major and trace element variation. After the emplacement in an orogenic (collisional) tectonic setting, the pluton has undergone low-grade. amphibolite facies metamorphism.

Keywords

Gabbro, Petrochemistry, Warikwah, Baramulla District, Kashmir Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir.

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S. K. Shah ¹, S. K. Parcha ², A. K. Raina ³

Affiliations
1 Post Graduate Department of Geology, University of Jammu, Jammu (Tawi), IN
2 Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, 33-General Mahadev Singh Road, Dehra Dun - 248001, IN
3 Western Coalfields Ltd., Coal Estate, Civil Lines, Nagpur 440001, IN

Abstract

A new agnostid genus Trilagnostus from Middle Cambrian of Kashmir is described in addition to Pagetia griesbachi and Pagetia sp. from the same level at the Solvan-Menevian boundary. Diplagnostus is also being reported and described in the same succession at the top of Menevian. This form helps in demarcating the Middle - Upper Cambrian boundary in the sequence.

Keywords

Trilobites, Middle Cambrian, Kashmir.

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M. M. S. Jamwal ¹, A. K. Raina ¹, B. L. Dhar ¹

Affiliations
1 PG Department of Geology, University of Jammu, Jammu-180 004, IN

Abstract

Piparan Granite batholith, in the southwest of Pir Panjal, Jammu Lesser Himalaya, is exposed within the Older Metamorphics (Precambrian). The granite is Ieuco- to mesocratic composed of quartz (32%), perthitic K-feldspar (27%), plagioclase An_13-28 (23%), micas(13%), garnet, apatite, zircon and ilmenite (8%). It is of two mica monzogranitic composition. Its major and trace element concentrations are comparable to the average crustal granite. The differentiation of the rock favours a normal trend with a positive correlation of alkalies and a negative trend of magnesium against silica. The granite is S-type (ilmenite series) and peraluminous, produced as a result of syntectonic crustal anatectic process at a temperature range of 650°-690°C, 3-5 kb PH₂O and at a depth of approximately 20-30 km.

Keywords

Petrology, Piparan Granite, Lesser Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir.

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A. K. Raina ¹, A. K. Chakraborty ¹, C. Bandopadhay ¹

Affiliations
1 Central Mining Research Institute, Regional Centre, 3rd Floor, MECL Complex, Seminary Hills, Nagpur-440 006, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

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A. K. Raina ¹, P. B. Choudhary ¹, M. Ramulu ¹, A. K. Chakraborty ¹, A. S. Dudhankar ¹, V. Udpikar ², N. Ghatpande ³, D. D. Misra ¹

Affiliations
1 Central Mining Research Institute, Regional Centre, 54-B, Shankar Nagar, Nagpur - 440 010, IN
2 Wavelett Group, Unit No. 1, Plot No. 59, Amchi Colony, Survey No.1, Bawdhan, Pune - 41 1 021, IN
3 Wavelett Group, Unit No. 1, Plot No. 59, Amchi Colony, Survey No.1, Bawdhan, Pune - 411 021, IN

Abstract

Grain size analysis is important in many fields such as sedimentology and mining. In blasting, quantifying size and distribution of fragmented rock poses a great problem to the blaster. Grain size and its distribution have a direct effect on the economy of the mining operation. The analysis may be easily done with sieve if sample is of small size. However, extensive sieving is not possible in either of the cases and particularly in blasting, where the amount of muck is quite large, With application of the digital image analytical techniques, the process has been simplified. Several such systems are in vogue throughout the world. Central Mining Research Institute (CMRI), Nagpur Centre in association with Wavelet Group of Pune, devised such a system (FRAGALYST V.l.0, 2.0) indigenously, to measure blast fragmentation. Major features of the system are discussed with its utility. Application of the same has been proved effectively in improving the efficiency of some mines in India. The system is 50 to 60 percent cheaper than imported ones. Future developments and application of the system to sedimentological calculations is also discussed. Few exercises conducted by the authors have shown that the results of sieve analysis and data provided by the FRAGALYST are comparable to reasonable degree of accuracy.

Keywords

Digital Image Analysis, Grain Size, FRAGALYST Software, Blast Fragmentation, Sedimentary Analysis.

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A. K. Raina ¹, V. M. S. R. Murthy ²

Affiliations
1 CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Regional Centre Unit-I, MECL Complex, Seminary Hills, Nagpur 440 006, IN
2 Department of Mining Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad 826 015, IN

Abstract

Rock breakage by explosives is followed by throw or heaving the broken material and occasional flyrock. Heaving is a desired feature of blasting for efficient mucking. However, flyrock is a rock fragment that travels beyond the designated distance from a blast in surface mines, and poses a threat to adjacent habitats. Here, we decipher the importance and sensitivity of the variables and factors used to establish the predictive regime of throw with more emphasis on flyrock. The data collected were modelled using artificial neural network approach. The importance and sensitivity of variables and factors were delineated so that they are in tune with the rationale of the outcome of the blast. A combinatory approach was devised to arrive at minimal variables and factors to reduce the statistical redundancy, and to propose a rational predictive regime for throw and flyrock in surface mines.

Keywords

Artificial Neural Network, Blasting, Flyrock, Throw, Surface Mines.

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A. G. Sangode ¹, A. G. Sangode ², A. K. Raina ³, M. N. Bagde ⁴, K. Ram Chandar ²

Affiliations
1 CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Nagpur Research Centre, 440001, India;, IN
2 National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Mangalore – 575 025, India ., IN
3 CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Nagpur Research Centre, 440001,, IN
4 CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Nagpur Research Centre, 440001, India, IN

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a comprehensive monitoring carried out to study the extent of blast-induced damage experienced by rockmasses extracted by cut and fill stoping in a manganese mine. Damage is related to strain generated by the blasting and it is found to correlate well with the particle velocity. The particle velocities were measured in the studied mine with seismographs. The attenuation equation for extrapolation of vibration to the near field was derived from the data thus acquired. The site-specific damage model for designing the safe blast parameters was thus devised to minimize the extent of the blast-induced damage to protect the hanging wall, footwall and friable orebody and thus overall improving the stoping environment. The presented work aims at improving the understanding of the influence of blasting on the backfilled area and hard rock in the stoping environment. The damage predicted by different methods and the final strategy for blasting for wall control and productivity are documented in the paper  .

Keywords

Blast-Induced Damage, Cut and Fill Stoping, Peak Particle Velocity

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