N. K. Sharma , G. S. Rawat , A. K. Tiwari

Abstract

The present study deals with the computation of compositional pattern diversity in Kalsa watershed, Kumaun Himalaya. Compositional pattern diversity, which is a measure of complexity of the landscape, has been measured as mosaic diversity using affinity analysis. A total of four forest types were classified using satellite remote sensing data which include temperate broadleaf forest, temperate conifer forest, pine forest and degraded forest. The results of affinity analysis showed maximum value (6.53) of mosaic diversity for temperate conifer forest followed by the temperate broadleaf forest (6.49), degraded forest (5.72) and pine forest (5.58). Pooled data from all the forest types when was taken for stratawise analysis showed maximum value (4.63) for herb layer followed by the shrub layer (3.51) and tree layer (2.50). High values (<3) of mosaic diversity indicated the presence of many underlying ecological gradients controlling the vegetation and high sensitivity of shrub and herb layer towards landscape complexity.

Keywords

Kumaun Himalayas, Kalsa Watershed, Nainital District, Pattern Diversity, Affinity
Analysis, Landscape Complexity

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N. K. Sharma , K. S. Dadhwal

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important rabi (winter ) crops being grown with association of boundary plantations of poplar. Growth environment of wheat may be modified and differ from that of pure agricultural system due to shading, competition for nutrients as well as moisture when grown with association of poplar. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of poplar (Populus deltoides M.) boundary plantations on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under irrigated condition. The adverse effect of poplar trees on wheat growth increased with advancement in tree age. No significant adverse effect was noticed on wheat grain yield when grown with association of 3 year old boundary plantations of poplar. Whereas, decline of 15.5% was recorded up to a distance of 3 m from the tree base due to 4 year old plantation. Among growth parameters, plant population of wheat suffered heavily up to a distance of 9m. However, relative proportion of effective tillers, dry matter production, 1000 grain weight, straw yield and leaf area index increased significantly between 3-9m distance from tree line, depending upon the age of plantation. Thus, it is inferred that the age of trees was found one of the important factors which influenced both growth and yield of wheat grown adjacent to the tree line.

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N. K. Sharma , J. S. Samra , K. S. Dadhwal

Abstract

Poplar plantations, grown in association with wheat, are getting popularized with the farmers in India. Poplar is a deciduous tree and its leaf fall occurs before wheat sowing. Its leaves are buried in field during field preparations. Therefore, a pot study was conducted for two years to study the changes in growth parameters and yield of wheat due to presence of Poplar leaf litter (no litter; 10 g pot^-1 and 15 g pot^-1). Further, two levels of fertilizers (M_n , no fertilizer and M₁, application of full recommended dose of fertilizer, @ 120, 60 and 40 kg ha^-1 N,P,K, respectively) were kept to see the influence of mulch on the performance of wheat in combination with nutrients. Leaf litter used as a source of mulch during first and second year were from the 3 and 4 year old plantation, respectively. Growth and yield response of wheat to fertilizer were significantly superior than those of without fertilizer. Grain yield increased significantly when 15 g pot^-l of 3 year old Poplar leaves were incorporated into soil. On the other hand, straw yield increased significantly when low dose (l0g pot^-l) of 3 year old Poplar leaf was used. Better growth and higher grain yield were recorded when leaf litter was incorporated in combination with fertilizer and as well as with the higher doses of leaves. Results of pot experiment revealed that better growth and higher grain yield can be obtained by incorporating the Poplar leaf in combination with chemical fertilizers.

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N. K. Sharma

Abstract

In the present study disturbance gradient of Kalsa watershed was analyzed using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System. A total of ten landuse and vegetation classes were mapped for the area using IRS-ID LISS III data. Disturbance Index map was derived by using fragmentation, patchiness, porosity, interspersion, juxtaposition and biotic zoning (distance from habitation and roads) as input. The disturbance gradient was mapped into four discrete classes' viz., very low, low, medium and high disturbance using geospatial modelling in GIS domain. Disturbance gradient has been compared with all the forest types in the study area.

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N. K. Sharma , J. S. Samra , H. P. Singh

Abstract

Poplar with high productivity in 6-12 years rotation is being preferred, particularly as boundary plantations, in various agroforestry systems in northern part of India. A quantitative approach is an important step in the quest for a better understanding of the complex mechanisms of tree-crop interaction, which should offer scientific basis for designing more productive and sustainable agroforestry systems. This paper reports on the quantitative estimations of various interactions occurring at the tree line/crop interface of Poplar and wheat grown on irrigated alluvial soil in Western U.P. No significant adverse effect was noticed on wheat crop when grown with association of 3 year old boundary plantation of Poplar. However, a significant decline of 15.5 per cent was recorded only up to a distance of 3 m from the tree base due to 4 year old plantation. Water use of the system increased upto 6 m from the tree line which caused moisture stress to the wheat crop. At the same time boundary plantation of Poplar had favourable effect on the micro-climate which improved the status of soil moisture between 6-9 m distance and increased the water use efficiency. Competition for natural resources was reduced between weeds and wheat due to reduction in weed population and biomass in the system. Litter production averaged 1103 kg ha^-1 in 3 and 4 year old plantation and this returned 12,2.5,8,21.3 and 8.6 kg ha^-1 ofN, P, K, Ca and Mg to the soil. Addition of leaflitter near the tree line tended to change the physico-chemical properties of the soil.

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P. C. Tyagi , B. P. Joshi , N. K. Sharma , A. K. Khullar

Abstract

To evolve a promising cropping system which reduced run-off, soil loss and increases total production under marginal rainfed lands of Doon Valley and lower Himalayan region, ragilentil and kodomillet-lentil systems with and without vegetative barriers were constructed and tested at 2% sloping experimental field. The treatments were monitored for run-off, soil loss and productiou parameters. It was observed that incorporation of perennial Pigeonpea hedge rows in the cropping systems reduced the run-off and soil loss but significantly increased total production and net returns.

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N. K. Sharma , H. P. Singh , K. S. Dadhwal

Abstract

Field study was carried out to assess the leaf litter production and quantity of nutrients returned to the soil through litter fall of Populus deltoides (boundary plantation) based agroforestry system under irrigated condition. Litter fall was restricted upto a distance of 9m from the tree line and total amount of 913.8 and 1291.8 kg ha^-1 was estimated with 3 and 4 year old plantation, respectively. Maximum amount of leaf fall (46-57%) was collected from 0-3 m distance and reduced with increase in distance from tree line .. On an average, 557.4, 367.6 and 177.5 kg ha^-1 leaflitter was collected between 0-3, 3-6 and 6-9m distance, respectively. Considerable amount of nutrients was recycled to the soil through leaf fall. The return of nutrients through leaf litter into the soil decreased in the order ofCa > N > Mg> K > P. It was estimated that highest calcium of 18.3-24.3 kg ha.1 , followed by nitrogen of 11.2-12.5 kg ha^-l, magnesium of 7.8-10.0 kg ha^-1 , potassium of 6.9-8.9 kg ha^-1 , and phosphorus of 2.45-2.59 kg ha^-1, was added/returned to the soil during winter leaf fall of Populus deltoides.

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Charan Singh , N. K. Sharma , M. K. Vishwanatham , P. Joshie , S. C. Mohan

Abstract

The present study was carried out under bouldery riverbed lands to study the effect of depth of holes on biomass production and distribution pattern in Grewia optiva. The study indicated that the shallower soil working (50 cm deep) has better rcsponse on total biomass production as compared to deeper soil working (75 and 100 cm). It was recorded that about 1.91 kg leaves and 5.66 kg twigs/tree (average of 4th to 9th year old plantation), can be obtained every year. Among twigs of different categories, the highest quantity was contributed by the twigs of2-5 cm diameter. It was also observed that under degraded lands the biomass production started declining at the early age of rotation.

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N. K. Sharma

Abstract

Rajasthan is the second largest in area, 3/5th of its area lying on the West of Aravalli hills is covered by shifting sands and sand dunes known as Thar Desert. Forest area is about 9% of its geographical area. State has about 25% area as available Wastleland. Therefore, there is vast scope for development of forestry and pasture development. Government of India, Department of Wasteland Development sanctioned as Integrated Wasteland Development Project in Bandi Basin in Jaipur District. 2939 ha of Wasteland was tackled in 1994 and 1995 under various models of treatment. This work has been evaluated by the author. Out ot the area evaluated, about 78% area planted was found to be good to very good.

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Kamal Sharma , I. M. Sharma , N. K. Sharma

Abstract

Mango plants growing in the vicinity of Eucalyptus, used as wind break showed substantial decrease in height, girth, spread, leaf area and yield. However, the plants growing at a close distance from Leucaena leucocephala gave, in general, higher growth and yield.

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Kamal Sharma , Sanjeev Thakur , S. D. Badiyala , N. K. Sharma

Abstract

No abstract

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N. K. Sharma

Abstract

The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary was declared in 1991 over a stretch of 50 km from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon. To protect and preserve this vulnerable species, management is essential.

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Richa , M. L. Sharma , N. K. Sharma

Abstract

Himachal Pradesh is blessed with extraordinary vegetation and floral assemblages, which can be attributed to the wide altitudinal range coupled with local variations in edaphic and climatic factors. Eight species belonging to 5 genera of bamboo are distributed in the state, occupying an area of 60 sq km. This paper presents a brief account of these bamboos together with a key to their identifications in the field.

Keywords

Himachal Pradesh, Bamboo, Uses, Identification

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N. K. Sharma ¹

Affiliations
1 Agricultural Research Station, Keshwana, Jalore-343001, Rajasthan, IN

Abstract

erformance of two woody perennials Dichrostachys nutans and Leucaena leucocephala and five seasonal rabi crops viz., isabgol (Plantago ovata), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), asaliya (Lepidium sativum) and taramira (Eruca sativa) was studied under agroforestry system at Agricultural Research Station, Keshwana, Jalore (Rajasthan). Woody perennials were planted at 5.0m x 1.0m spacing. Seasonal crops were sown between two rows of woody perennials. Dichrostachys nutans attained a plant height of 280 cm and provided 100.6 q/ha green fodder leaves and 180.6 q/ha fuel wood with 93.5 per cent survival after 8 years of plantation. However, Leucaena leucocephala attained a height of 498 cm with 71.2 q green fodder leaves and 201.6 q/ha fuel wood with 86.9 per cent survival after 6 year. Seed yield of all five intercrops recorded under agroforestry system was lower than the open field. The levels of yield reductions of seasonal crops were higher under L. leucocephala based agroforestry system.

Keywords

Agroforestry, Dichrostachys nutans, Fodder leaves, Fuel wood, Leucaena leucocephala.

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