Nidhi Singh , A. K. Saxena

Abstract

Jatropha curcas was evaluated for its seed size variability and effect of seed size on germination, seedling growth and dry weight. Among the three seed size classes viz. small (13-15 mm), medium (15-17 mm) and large (17-19 mm), maximum proportion of seeds by number (62%) and dry weight (63%) was recorded in the medium seed size class. Germination and related parameters were positively correlated with seed size in laboratory as well as in nursery conditions. Large seeds showed remarkable increment in germination per cent (50%), germination value (210%), germination speed (100%) and germination energy (72%) over the small seeds in the laboratory. This increment in germination and related parameters for large seeds over the small seeds was even greater in nursery condition. Significant variations due to seed size were also observed for the growth and dry weight of J. curcas seedlings. Seed size showed a positive relation with growth and dry weight of seedling. Maximum height, collar diameter, number of leaves and total dry weight was found in the seedlings raised from large seeds, hence large seeds of J. curcas should be preferred to get better and uniform germination and quality seedlings.

Keywords

Jatropha curcas, Dry Weight, Germination, Seed Size, Seedling Growth

Full Text

     

A. K. Saxena , N. S. Bisht , C. J. Singh

Abstract

A study was undertaken in three villages of Bhiwani District in Haryana to assess the value of habitat function of planted forests. These villages were located at varying distance from a Blackbuck (Gazella gazella) Breeding Farm, which is a planted forest. Contingent valuation method was by asking the people to reveal their willingness to pay, both in terms of money as well as mandays, for the protection and improvement of the habitat for continued habitat function benefits. The total value of habitat functions provided by the farm was Rs. 15,71,641 per year for three villages out of which Rs. 12,24,112 per year came from the WTP in the form of labour mandays.

Keywords

Indian Gazelle (Gazella gazella), Habitat Function, Value, Haryana, India

Full Text

     

S. K. Verma , A. K. Saxena

Abstract

no abstract

Full Text

     

B. S. Rana , A. K. Saxena , S. K. Verma

Abstract

This paper deals with certain studies viz., plantation methods, nursery, growth and dry matter dynamics of Multipurpose Tree Species (MPTS) plantations, soil position and productive potential of agroforestry systems in sodic wasteland. In nursery studies, growth responses of one-year old seedlings of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. and Acacia nilotica (Linn.) Willd. ex. Del. seedlings showed that growth and dry weight decreased as the level of sodicity and salinity increased in both species. The response breadths in case of both species were comparatively higher under sodicity levels than under salinity levels. Amongst MPTS plantations, the stand biomass for different species ranged from 81 to 171 tha^-1 (Populus deltoides vs Casuarina equisetifolia). Total annual litter fall in different plantations ranged from 217 to 609 gm^-2 yr^-1. Under different agri-silviculture systems the grain yields of wheat and paddy were lower than that of open field condition. In case of 9-12 year old agroforestry systems, total carbon storage in biomass (above and blow ground components of trees and crops) ranged from 46.1 t C ha^-1 (P. deltoides based agri-silvicultural system) to 51.9 t C ha^-1 (C. equisetifolia based agri-silvicultural system). Carbon storage under C. equisetifolia- Psidium guajava based agri-silvi-horticultural system was 54.2 t C ha^-1, which was highest amongst all AF systems. Amongst grasses, Pennisetum purpureum showed maximum herbage yield under Dalbergia sissoo based silvipastoral system. In a mixed tree stand, the total herbage net primary production for Brachiaria mutica was greater than that of open area. On both stands, the production was maximum during rainy season and minimum during summer. In C. equisetifolia based agri-silvi-horticultural system the fresh rhizome yield for turmeric was 8.6 t ha^-1, which was greater than the yield (7.6 t ha^-1) obtained in open area. There was an overall improvement in soil physico-chemical properties under agroforestry systems.

Keywords

Agro Forestry Research, Sodic Wasteland, Dalbergia Sissoo, Acacia Nilotica

Full Text