Akhlaq Wani | Sher E Kashmir University Of Agricultural Sciences And Technology Of Kashmir (original) (raw)

Papers by Akhlaq Wani

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 2021

Assessing biophysical variables are essential for evaluation of carbon dynamics due to anthropoge... more 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 was observed for north east (72.63 t ha −1) and east (44.30 t ha −1), respectively. NDVI expressed a fairly good relation with biophysical parameters including altitude, aspect, crown density, tree density, species, and location (forest division). NDVI using principal tree species composition (forest type) revealed a relation with aboveground biomass carbon for Cedrus deodara (R 2 = 0.63), Mixed I (R 2 = 0.61), Pinus wallichiana (R 2 = 0.57), and Mixed-II (R 2 = 0.48). NDVI demonstrates potential to understand biomass carbon variability through establishment of relations with forest biophysical parameters using spectral modeling approach. Varying NDVI can be ascribed to vegetation canopy density, number of stems, species, and altitude. The database and established relations would help indicate biomass carbon dynamics and enable to adopt site-specific management. The study further helps draw inferences on mitigation and adaptation perspectives in view of varying biophysical conditions that occur in a forest.

Urban soils are victimized hotspots of compaction and other anthropogenic pressures. Present stud... more 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...

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2020

The present investigation entitled, “Effect of IBA concentrations on rooting and growth of Ulmus ... more 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...

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 2020

The Indian Forester, 2017

This investigation was carried out during the years 2010-11 and 2011-12 in the willow plantations... more 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...

Crop research, 2013

Frontline demonstrations on rice variety Shalimar Rice-1 were conducted at farmers’ field in the ... more 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.

The Indian Forester, 2016

Realizing the importance of carbon monitoring and reporting in climate change, it becomes imperat... more 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...

Journal of Krishi Vigyan, 2012

White root rot caused by Dematophora necatrix is the major threat to apple in Kashmir valley espe... more 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 grasslan... more 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 valle... more 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 litt... more 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 tha... more 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...

Practice, Progress, and Proficiency in Sustainability

Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the swift waste streams and comprises of end of life electro... more 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.

Journal of Applied and Natural Science

Critical analyses of the perceptions on SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) h... more 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...

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences

According to Leakey (1996) the agroforestry is a dynamic, ecologically based natural resources ma... more According to Leakey (1996) the agroforestry is a dynamic, ecologically based natural resources management system that, through the integration of trees on farms and in the agricultural landscape, diversifies for increased social, economic and environmental

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Biophysical parameters affecting biomass carbon have been emphasized in the Paris Agreement for r... more 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.

Journal of Applied and Natural Science

People’s perceptions, attitudes and preferences in agroforestry have become fundamental elements ... more 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...

Remote Sensing

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) signals respond to the interactions of microwaves with vegetation ... more Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) signals respond to the interactions of microwaves with vegetation canopy scatterers that collectively characterise forest structure. The sensitivity of S-band (7.5-15 cm) backscatter to the different forest types (broadleaved, needleleaved) with varying aboveground biomass (AGB) across temperate (mixed, needleleaved) and tropical (broadleaved, woody savanna, secondary) forests is less well understood. In this study, Michigan Microwave Canopy Scattering (MIMICS-I) radiative transfer model simulations showed strong volume scattering returns from S-band SAR for broadleaved canopies caused by ground/trunk interactions. A general relationship between AirSAR S-band measurements and MIMICS-I simulated radar backscatter with forest AGB up to nearly 100 t/ha in broadleaved forest in the UK was found. Simulated S-band backscatter-biomass relationships suggest increasing backscatter sensitivity to forest biomass with a saturation level close to 100 t/ha and errors between 37 t/ha and 44 t/ha for HV and VV polarisations for tropical ecosystems. In the near future, satellite SAR-derived forest biomass from P-band BIOMASS mission and L-band ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 in combination with S-band UK NovaSAR-S and the joint NASA-ISRO NISAR sensors will provide better quantification of large-scale forest AGB at varying sensitivity levels across primary and secondary forests and woody savannas.

Acta Ecologica Sinica

Abstract A study on community structure was carried out along three altitudinal gradients viz., L... more 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.

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 2021

Assessing biophysical variables are essential for evaluation of carbon dynamics due to anthropoge... more 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 was observed for north east (72.63 t ha −1) and east (44.30 t ha −1), respectively. NDVI expressed a fairly good relation with biophysical parameters including altitude, aspect, crown density, tree density, species, and location (forest division). NDVI using principal tree species composition (forest type) revealed a relation with aboveground biomass carbon for Cedrus deodara (R 2 = 0.63), Mixed I (R 2 = 0.61), Pinus wallichiana (R 2 = 0.57), and Mixed-II (R 2 = 0.48). NDVI demonstrates potential to understand biomass carbon variability through establishment of relations with forest biophysical parameters using spectral modeling approach. Varying NDVI can be ascribed to vegetation canopy density, number of stems, species, and altitude. The database and established relations would help indicate biomass carbon dynamics and enable to adopt site-specific management. The study further helps draw inferences on mitigation and adaptation perspectives in view of varying biophysical conditions that occur in a forest.

Urban soils are victimized hotspots of compaction and other anthropogenic pressures. Present stud... more 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...

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2020

The present investigation entitled, “Effect of IBA concentrations on rooting and growth of Ulmus ... more 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...

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 2020

The Indian Forester, 2017

This investigation was carried out during the years 2010-11 and 2011-12 in the willow plantations... more 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...

Crop research, 2013

Frontline demonstrations on rice variety Shalimar Rice-1 were conducted at farmers’ field in the ... more 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.

The Indian Forester, 2016

Realizing the importance of carbon monitoring and reporting in climate change, it becomes imperat... more 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...

Journal of Krishi Vigyan, 2012

White root rot caused by Dematophora necatrix is the major threat to apple in Kashmir valley espe... more 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 grasslan... more 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 valle... more 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 litt... more 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 tha... more 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...

Practice, Progress, and Proficiency in Sustainability

Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the swift waste streams and comprises of end of life electro... more 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.

Journal of Applied and Natural Science

Critical analyses of the perceptions on SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) h... more 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...

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences

According to Leakey (1996) the agroforestry is a dynamic, ecologically based natural resources ma... more According to Leakey (1996) the agroforestry is a dynamic, ecologically based natural resources management system that, through the integration of trees on farms and in the agricultural landscape, diversifies for increased social, economic and environmental

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Biophysical parameters affecting biomass carbon have been emphasized in the Paris Agreement for r... more 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.

Journal of Applied and Natural Science

People’s perceptions, attitudes and preferences in agroforestry have become fundamental elements ... more 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...

Remote Sensing

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) signals respond to the interactions of microwaves with vegetation ... more Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) signals respond to the interactions of microwaves with vegetation canopy scatterers that collectively characterise forest structure. The sensitivity of S-band (7.5-15 cm) backscatter to the different forest types (broadleaved, needleleaved) with varying aboveground biomass (AGB) across temperate (mixed, needleleaved) and tropical (broadleaved, woody savanna, secondary) forests is less well understood. In this study, Michigan Microwave Canopy Scattering (MIMICS-I) radiative transfer model simulations showed strong volume scattering returns from S-band SAR for broadleaved canopies caused by ground/trunk interactions. A general relationship between AirSAR S-band measurements and MIMICS-I simulated radar backscatter with forest AGB up to nearly 100 t/ha in broadleaved forest in the UK was found. Simulated S-band backscatter-biomass relationships suggest increasing backscatter sensitivity to forest biomass with a saturation level close to 100 t/ha and errors between 37 t/ha and 44 t/ha for HV and VV polarisations for tropical ecosystems. In the near future, satellite SAR-derived forest biomass from P-band BIOMASS mission and L-band ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 in combination with S-band UK NovaSAR-S and the joint NASA-ISRO NISAR sensors will provide better quantification of large-scale forest AGB at varying sensitivity levels across primary and secondary forests and woody savannas.

Acta Ecologica Sinica

Abstract A study on community structure was carried out along three altitudinal gradients viz., L... more 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.