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Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan
Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, was established on 1st December, 1985 with the objective to promote education, research and extension education in the fields of Horticulture, Forestry and allied disciplines. Late Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, the first Chief Minister and the architect of Himachal Pradesh perceived the importance of Horticulture and Forestry to develop and improve the State economy which led to the establishment of this University. Its history lies in erstwhile Himachal Agricultural College, Solan, established in 1962 and affiliated to the Panjab University. It became one of the campuses of Agriculture Complex of Himachal Pradesh University on its formation in 1970. Consequent upon the establishment of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in 1978, this campus became its Horticulture Complex and finally in 1985, assumed the status of a State University, being the only University in the country engaged exclusively in teaching, research and extension in Horticulture and Forestry.
The University is located at Nauni in Solan District of Himachal Pradesh, 13 km from Solan on Solan-Rajgarh Road, at an elevation of 1300 metres above mean sea level. Solan town is situated on national highway (NH-22) and is well connected by train and bus services.
The University has four constituent colleges, out of which, two are located at the main campus Nauni, one for horticulture and the other for forestry, having 9 and 7 departments, respectively. The third College i.e., College of Horticulture & Forestry is located at Neri in Hamirpur District on Nadaun-Hamirpur state highway, about 6 Km from Hamirpur town and is well connected with bus service. The college offers three Undergraduate Degree Programmes i.e. BSc (Hons.) Horticulture, BSc (Hons.) Forestry and B. Tech. Biotechnology and MSc degree programme in a few subjects. The fourth college i.e. College of Horticulture and Forestry, Thunag (Mandi) is located at Thunag District Mandi. This college offer BSc (Hons.) Horticulture and BSc (Hons.) Forestry degree programme. In addition, there are five Regional Research Stations, 12 Satellite Stations and five Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) situated in different zones of the State.
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ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON IDENTIFICATION AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF EXISTING AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS IN SHIMLADISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2019-05) SINGH, RANJEET; PANT, K SABSTRACT The present investigation entitled “Studies on identification and socio-economic status of existing agroforestry systems in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh" aimed to study and analyze the socio-economic status of farmers, identification of existing agroforestry systems, estimation of their biological yield, economic returns and to find out technological gaps in the systems was conducted during 2015-2017 at Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. District was divided into five altitudinal zones viz., altitudinal zone-I (<1000 m amsl), altitudinal zone-II (1000-1500 m amsl), altitudinal zone-III (1500-2000 m amsl), altitudinal zone-IV (2000-2500 m amsl) and altitudinal zone-V (>2500 m amsl). Four panchayats of each zone were selected randomly and each panchayat was further divided into three farmers categories on the basis of their land holdings viz., marginal farmers category (<1 ha), small farmers category (1-2 ha) and mediumfarmers category (2-5 ha). During study, five farmers from each category were taken as ultimate unit of study. Average family size and sex ratio of households were to the tune of 6.67, 6.07, 6.33, 6.18, 6.56 and 930.50, 927.97, 928.86, 950.58,955.31 in the altitudinal zone-I, II, III, IV and V respectively. The overall literacy rate varied from 79.29 to 81.94 per cent among different altitudinal zones, however it was recorded highest in marginal farmers category (83.47%) in altitudinal zone-IV, while it was recorded lowest in the altitudinal zone-I under same farmers category (77.85%). Seven types of agroforestry systems viz., AS, AH, HA, HP, PHS, PS and SP have been identified in five altitudinal zones among all the farmers category. However five AFS were prevalent in each zone. In altitudinal zone-I and zone-II, most predominant AFS was AS, followed by AH and SP. Whereas, in altitudinal zone-III, IV and V, most predominant AFS was AH followed by HA and HP. Highest above ground biomass was recorded under HA system (22.16 t ha-1) in altitudinal zone-IV, while among three farmers category, it was recorded highest under marginal farmers category (18.40 t ha-1) in altitudinal zone-IV. Among five altitudinal zones highest net return was recorded under HA system (Rs. 108786.62 ha-1 yr-1) in altitudinal zone-IV while among three farmers category, it was recorded highest (Rs. 119955.09 ha-1 yr-1) under medium farmers category in altitudinal zone-V. Highest benefit cost ratio under different agroforestry systems was recorded under HA system in altitudinal zone-V (2.36), while among three farmers category, it was recorded highest in AH system under medium farmers category (2.22). Technological gaps identifying the socio-economic and other constraints have highlighted the inherent weakness of existing AF systems. The most prominent among these constraints includes disproportionate applications of insecticides/pesticides and fertilizers, occurrence of fragmented land holdings, lack of efficient marketing channels, communication gap between lab to land and ineffective implementation of government sponsored schemes for the benefits of farming communities. Relevant agroforestry solutions include conducting locality specific diagnostic survey, strengthening of agro-processing facilities, voluntarily adoption of some villages by state agriculture universities and other related institutions and opening of govt. authorized sale centers at accessible places etc. From the above study it is concluded that HA system type found to be one of the best AFS for enhancing the farmers economy, hence such type of systems may be recommended for large scale adoption by farmers of the district.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF NATURAL REGENERATION DIVERSITY OF MAJOR FOREST COMMUNITIES OF TEMPERATE FORESTS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2019-02) VIPASHA; BHARDWAJ, D RABSTRACT The present investigation entitled “Assessment of natural regeneration diversity of major forest communities of temperate forest in Himachal Pradesh” was carried out in Kullu and Kinnaur districts of Himachal Pradesh during the year 2015-17 with the aim to assess floristic diversity, regeneration status, carbon stock and soil physico-chemical properties. In the present study various forest types that profusely existed in temperate region of Kullu and Kinnaur district were classified into different forest communities type viz., C1- Chir Pine forest community [9/C1b-Upper Himalayan Chir Pine forest], C2- Ban Oak forest community [12/C1a-Ban Oak forest], C3- Deodar forest community [12/C1c-Moist Deodar forest], C4- Blue Pine forest community [12/C1f-Low level Blue Pine forest], C5- Fir / Spruce forest community [12/C1d-Western Mixed Coniferous forest] and C6- Chilgoza Pine forest community [13/C2a-Neoza Pine forest]. In each forest, 9 quadrates of size 31.62 m × 31.62 m for trees, with in it three sub-quadrates of size of 5 × 5 m for shrubs and 1 × 1 m for herbs were laid out. To study the regeneration status, 9 sub-quadrates of 2 m × 2 m within each quadrat of size 31.62 m × 31.62 m were laid out. To estimate the biomass, quadrat size was same as floristic diversity studied. To convert biomass into carbon it was multiplied with a factor of 0.5 (IPCC default value). Surface litter was collected in nine quadrates of 1 m × 1 m. Samples were weighed, sub-sampled and oven dried at 65 + 5 oC to a constant weight, grounded and ashes. Corrected dry ash was assumed to contain 50 per cent of carbon. In all, the plant vegetation found under different forest communities comprised of 165 plant species which includes 21 trees, 44 shrubs and 100 herbs belonging to131 genera and 64 families. Maximum floristic diversity (Trees + shrubs + herbs) was found under Fir/Spruce forest (60) and Deodar forest (60) followed by Blue Pine forest (54), Chir Pine forest (50), Ban Oak forest (45) and Chilgoza Pine forest 32) in descending order. The tree density varied from 191.11 N ha-1 (C6) to 441.11 N ha-1 (C2) whereas tree basal area varied from 20.01 m2 ha-1 (C6) to 47.59 m2 ha-1 (C5). Shrub and herb density varied from 506.37 N ha-1 (C6) to 4431.26 N ha-1 (C5) and 153365.56 N ha-1 (C6) to 302568.42 N ha-1 (C5), whereas their basal area varied from 0.78 m2 ha-1 (C6) to 7.06 m2 ha-1 (C5) and 1.88 m2 ha-1 (C2) to 4.49 m2 ha-1 (C5), respectively. Among different forest communities, Deodar forest observed maximum established stocking per cent (58.94 %) and regeneration per cent (73.15 %) whereas the lowest established stocking per cent and (24.49 %) regeneration per cent (29.63 %) was noted in Chilgoza Pine forest. Maximum growing stock (543.55 m3 ha-1) was observed in C5 and lowest (103.14 m3 ha-1) was in C6. Maximum total vegetation biomass 492.21 t ha-1 was observed in C2 and least 107.29 t ha-1 was observed in C6. Maximum value 246.10 t C ha-1 of total vegetation carbon density was reported in C2 and least 53.65 t C ha-1 total vegetation carbon density was observed in C6, than other forests. Ban Oak forest showed maximum (133.12 t C ha-1) total soil carbon density whereas Chilgoza Pine forest reported least (46.26 t C ha-1). Fir/Spruce forest noted maximum total detritus biomass (2.30 t ha-1) and least was observed in Chilgoza Pine forest (0.90 t ha-1). Highest ecosystem carbon density (vegetation + soil + detritus) was displayed for Ban Oak forest (381.04 t C ha-1) followed by Fir/Spruce forest (324.25 t C ha-1 ), Blue Pine forest (278.87 t C ha-1), Deodar forest (260.25 t C ha-1), Chir Pine forest (175.97 t C ha-1) and least total ecosystem carbon density was observed in Chilgoza Pine forest (100.81 t C ha-1), in descending order, respectively. Soil pH under different forest types followed the trend Fir/Spruce forest > Deodar forest > Blue Pine forest > Chir Pine forest > Chilgoza Pine forest > Ban Oak forest. Ban Oak forest and Fir/Spruce forest soils had maximum concentration of soil nutrients (N, P, K, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) whereas, Chilgoza Pine forest soil were poor in nutrients availability than other forests soil. Our present study provides relevant information on flora, regeneration, live tree biomass, live tree C stocks and total ecosystem carbon density stocks of a representative temperate forest and this type of ecological knowledge is fundamental for conservation, sustainable utilization, which also may provide important information to the policy makers at both national and international level and also to find effective solutions to problems that are threatening the similar ecologically fragile regions.ThesisItem Open Access FLORAL DIVERSITY AND CARBON STOCK ASSESSMENT OF HIMALAYAN DRY TEMPERATE AND ALPINE FOREST OF HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF, NAUNI, 2018-11) KUMAR, RAKESH; BHARDWAJ, D RABSTRACT The present investigation entitled “Floral diversity and carbon stock assessment of Himalayan dry temperate and alpine forest of Himachal Pradesh” was carried out in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh during the year 2015-16 with the aim to assess floristic diversity, regeneration status, carbon stock and soil physico-chemical properties in dry temperate and alpine forests area of Kinnaur (H.P.). Nine different forest types were selected viz., dry broad-leaved and coniferous forests (Quercus ilex – Pinus gerardiana), neoza pine forest (Pinus gerardiana), dry deodar forest (Cedrus deodara), west Himalayan high level dry blue pine forest (Pinus wallichiana), west Himalayan sub- alpine birch forests , west Himalayan sub- alpine fir forests , birch-rhododendron scrub forest, alpine pasture and dry alpine scrub. In every forest types 9 quadrates of size 20 m × 20 m for trees were laid out randomly across the slope distributed along the elevation gradient (lower, medium and high). Within each quadrate (20 m×20 m), three sub-quadrates of size of 5 m ×5 m for shrubs and 1 x 1 m for herbs were laid out. To study the regeneration status of dominant forest species, 9 sub-quadrat of 2 m×2 m within each quadrat of size 20 m x 20 m were laid out. To estimate the biomass, quadrat size was same as floristic diversity studied. To converted biomass into carbon it was multiplying with a factor of 0.5 (IPCC default value). Surface litter was collected in nine quadrates of 1 m × 1 m. Samples were weighed, sub-sampled and oven dried at 65 + 5oC to a constant weight, grounded and ashes. Corrected dry ash was assumed to contain 50 per cent of carbon.These forest types comprise of comprised of 139 species out of which 7 tree species, 26 shrub species and 106 herbs species were recorded that belong to102 genera and 44 families. The plant species (Trees + shrubs + herbs) found under different types were recorded maximum in dry deodar forest (40) followed by dry broad-leaved and coniferous forests (34), dry blue pine forest (33) , sub alpine fir forest and neoza pine forest (32), alpine pasture (23), sub-alpine birch forest (22), birch-rhododendron scrub (16) and dry alpine scrub (15). The Regeneration success was recorded maximum in dry deodar forest (58.33 %) whereas, it was minimum for neoza pine forest 27.78 per cent. Total vegetation carbon density varies significantly among different forest type. The maximum value is reported in dry deodar forest (126.12 t C ha-1) followed by dry blue pine forest (75.55 t C ha-1), sub alpine fir forest (65.05 t C ha-1), dry broad-leaved and coniferous forests (64.82 t C ha-1 ), neoza pine forest (48.96 t C ha-1), birch-rhododendron scrub forest ( 39.49 t C ha-1), sub alpine birch forest (24.43 t C ha-1), dry alpine scrub (0.65 C t ha-1) and alpine pasture (0.29 t C ha-1). Total detritus carbon density varied significantly among different forest type. While, maximum detritus carbon is found in birch-rhododendron scrub forest ( 3.00 t C ha-1) followed by sub alpine fir forest (2.62 t C ha-1), dry broad-leaved and coniferous forests (2.03 t C ha-1 ), sub alpine birch forest (1.54 t C ha-1), dry deodar forest (1.29 t C ha-1), dry blue pine forest (1.20 t C ha-1), neoza pine forest (0.82 t C ha-1) , alpine pasture (0.08 t C ha-1), and dry alpine scrub (0.06 t C ha-1).Total soil carbon density (humus+ soil (0-40 cm layer) varied significantly in different forest type. birch-rhododendron scrub (130.39 t C ha-1) showed maximum carbon density followed by dry broad-leaved and coniferous forests (111.18 t C ha-1 ), dry deodar forest (84.81 t C ha-1), sub alpine birch forest (74.76 t C ha-1), sub alpine fir forest (73.56 t C ha-1) , dry blue pine forest (56.55 t C ha-1 ), alpine pasture (51.06 t C ha-1), neoza pine forest (45.62 t C ha-1) and dry alpine scrub (37.73 t C ha-1). However, total ecosystem carbon density varied significantly among different forest type. The highest ecosystem carbon density was displayed by dry deodar forest (212.21 t C ha-1) followed by broadleaved and coniferous forests (178.02 t C ha-1 ), birch-rhododendron scrub forest ( 172.87 t C ha-1), dry sub alpine fir forest (141.22 t C ha1), dry blue pine forest (133.29 t C ha-1), sub alpine birch forest (100.72 t C ha-1), neoza pine forest (95.40 t C ha-1) , alpine pasture ( 51.42 t C ha-1), and dry alpine scrub (38.43 t C ha-1). pH in different forest type followed the trend dry broad-leaved and coniferous forests > dry deodar forest > sub alpine fir forest > neoza pine forest > alpine pasture> dry blue pine forest> dry alpine scrub>birch-rhododendron scrub forest>sub alpine birch forest. The maximum concentration of soil nutrient (N, P, K, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) was reported for birchrhododendron scrub forest whereas, minimum was reported in dry alpine scrub.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF FLORAL DIVERSITY AND CARBON STOCKS OF HIMALAYAN MOIST TEMPERATE FOREST IN HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2018-08) REDDY, MILKURI CHIRANJEEVA; GUPTA, BABSTRACT The present study was done to identify distribution of nine forest types viz., Quercus leucotrichophora (FT-1), Quercus semecarpifolia (FT-2), Cedrus deodara (FT-3), western mixed coniferous (FT-4), moist temperate lower deciduous (FT-5), Pinus wallichiana (FT-6), Quercus floribunda (FT-7), upper Abies-Picea (FT-8) and moist temperate upper deciduous (FT-9) forests, their structural and functional characteristics in Himalayan moist temperate forest of Shimla district of HP. 303 plant species were recorded in these forests of which 34 were trees, 96 shrubs and 173 forbs. The total number of plant species in different forests varied from 181 (FT-6) to 123 (FT-9). Shannon Weiner index for trees, shrubs and forbs in different forests varied from 0.97-1.57, 0.21-0.59 and 0.64-0.70, respectively. Simpson index for trees, shrubs and forbs in different forests ranged from 2.68-3.12, 0.05-0.09 and 0.40-0.45, respectively and Margelef’s species richness for trees, shrubs and forbs in different forests varied from 3.32-3.93, 0.02-0.05 and 0.32-0.37, respectively. Phytosociological attributes i.e. density and basal area of trees in different forests varied from 315.20 (FT-8) to 514.26 (FT-7) trees/ha and 48.59 (FT-2) to 66.44 (FT-3) m2/ha, respectively, in shrubs from 10.34 x103 (FT-5) to 7.46 x103 (FT-9) plants/ha and 14.74 to 19.12 m2/ha, respectively and in forbs from 1.95 x105 (FT-6) to 2.57 x 105 (FT-4) plants/ha and 42.12 (FT-2) to 113.29 (FT-3) m2/ha, respectively. Total biomass production of trees in different forests varied from 205.21 to 468.81 t/ha, total biomass production of shrubs ranged from 14.38 (FT-8) to 23.89 (FT-1) t/ha and total biomass production of forbs ranged from 204.00 to 409.16 g/m2. Carbon stock in trees of in different forests varied from 102.60 (FT-6) to 234.41 (FT-8) t/ha, in shrubs from 7.34 (FT-8) to 11.94 (FT-1) t/ha and in forbs from 102.00 to 189.30 g/m2. All the characteristics of vegetation in forests showed declining trend with increase in elevation. Soil bulk density, Soil organic carbon and carbon tock in soil at 0-15cm depth in different forests varied from 0.88 ( Ft-7) to 1.06 (FT-1) g/cm3, 1.14 (FT-5) to 1.42 (FT-1) %, 15.20 (FT-5) to 22.68 (FT-1) t/ha, respectively whereas, in 15-30 cm depth of soil their values were: 0.94 (FT-6) to 1.15 (FT-1) g/cm3, 0.95 (FT-5) to 1.22 (FT-1)% and 13.84 (FT-6) to 21.36 (FT-1) t/ha, respectively It is concluded that Oak forests in Himalayan moist temperate zone has slightly better potential in carbon sequestration than conifers. Both the types of forests should be given preference for any management plan.ThesisItem Open Access VARIATIONS IN PHYSIOGNOMY AND PLANT ASSOCIATIONS OF DIFFERENT LAND USES ALONG ALTITUDINAL GRADIENT IN SOLAN DISTRICT (HP)(UHF,NAUNI, 2018-04-28) BHUTIA, PEMPA LAMU; GUPTA, B.ABSTRACT The present investigation was carried out in Solan district (HP), located between latitude 30°40’ to 31°21’ N and longitude 76.35’ to 77°15’ E covering an area of approximately 1,936 sq km. The district was divided into five elevation zones viz., E1 (<850m), E2 (851-1150m), E3 (1151-1450m), E4 (1451-1750m) and E5 (>1751m). At each elevation, two land uses viz., Miscellaneous and Grasslands were studied for their floristic composition, phytosociology, biomass, carbon stock and soil properties. In miscellaneous land use two types of agroforestry systems were identified a) Agriculture based agroforestry systems viz., agrisilviculture (AS), agrihorticulture (AH), agrisilvihorticulture (ASH), agrihortisilviculture (AHS), and b) Silvipasture systems viz., chir pine silvipasture (SPCP), mixed-trees silvipasture (SPM) and ban oak silvipasture (SPBO). In the former, wheat, mustard, pea and garlic were the main rabi crops, whereas maize, tomato, capsicum, french bean were the main cereal crops in kharif season. Prominent trees in agroforestry systems were: G. optiva, C. australis, F. palmata, B. variegata, M. azadirachta, M. alba and T. ciliata whereas, pear, apricot, pomegranate, lemon, walnut, peach, apple and plum were the major fruit trees in these systems. In silvipasture systems, 121 plant genera with 136 plant species were recorded, whereas in grassland 86 plant genera with 97 plant species were noticed. In chir pine and mixed-trees silvipastures, density (tillers/m2) of herbage vegetation was highest at elevation E1 (712.78, and 717.50, respectively) whereas, in ban oak silvipasture and grasslands it was highest at elevations E3 (537.22) and E2 (947.28), respectively. The highest density of shrubs (plants/m2) in chir pine and mixed-trees silvipastures was recorded at elevation E2 (2583.33 and 3015.00, respectively) whereas, in ban oak silvipasture and grasslands it was highest at elevations E3 (2633.33) and E1 (2411.11), respectively. The aboveground biomass in agriculture based agroforestry systems decreased in the order: ASH (55.29 t ha-1) > AHS (53.54 t ha-1) > AS (44.04 t ha-1) > AH (41.67 t ha- 1). Similarly, belowground and total biomass in them was highest in ASH with their respective values as 20.19 and 75.49 t ha-1 followed by AHS (19.52 and 73.06 t ha-1), AS (16.56 and 60.60 t ha-1) and AH (14.72 and 56.39 t ha-1). In silvipasture systems aboveground biomass was maximum in SPBO (73.33 t ha-1) that decreased to 70.77 t ha-1 in SPCP and 65.02 t ha-1 in SPM, whereas, in grasslands it was 4.29 t ha-1. Maximum belowground biomass was recorded in SPM (22.20 t ha-1) which decreased in the order: SPBO (21.09 t ha-1) > SPCP (19.52 t ha-1), whereas total biomass was highest in SPBO (94.42 t ha-1) followed by SPCP (90.29 t ha-1) and SPM (87.21 t ha-1). In grasslands, belowground and total biomass was recorded as 2.20 t ha-1 and 6.49 t ha-1, respectively. Aboveground biomass carbon in agriculture based agroforestry systems was highest (24.88 t C ha-1) in ASH followed by AHS (24.09 t C ha-1), AS (19.82 t C ha-1) and AH (18.75 t C ha-1). In silvipasture systems it was maximum (33.00 t C ha-1) in SPBO followed by SPCP (31.85 t C ha-1) and SPM (29.25 t C ha-1), and whereas it was 1.93 t C ha-1 in grasslands. Belowground and total carbon stock in vegetation of agriculture based agroforestry systems and silvipasture systems followed the trend observed in belowground biomass and total biomass. In grasslands belowground carbon stock was 0.99 t C ha-1 and total carbon stock was 2.92 t C ha-1. There was increase in carbon stock with increase in elevation in agroforestry systems and silvipasture systems, whereas it was vice-versa in grasslands. In agriculture based agroforestry systems maximum soil carbon density (59.03 t C ha-1) was recorded in ASH that decreased to 58.82 t C ha-1 in AS, 58.32 t C ha-1 in AHS and 57.41 t C ha-1 in AH. In silvipasture systems highest soil carbon density (74.02 t C ha-1) was recorded in SPBO followed by SPM as 73.16 t C ha- 1 and SPCP as 69.76 t C ha-1. In grasslands soil carbon density was 68.64 t C ha-1. Soil properties viz., pH, EC, MC, BD, SOC and microbial population (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes) differed significantly with systems and elevations.ThesisItem Open Access STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS IN DRY TEMPERATE REGIONS OF NORTH WESTERN HIMALAYAS(UHF,NAUNI, 2018) SALVE, ANAND; BHARDWAJ, D.R.ABSTRACT The present study entitled “Structure and function of agroforestry systems in dry temperate regions of north western Himalayas” was carried out during 2014-2015. The three experimental sites were selected randomly from district Kinnaur and stratified in two climatic conditions viz., C1 (Dry temperate high hills) and C2 (High hills temperate dry and cold). Three agroforestry systems viz., agrihorticulture, agrisilvicultural and agrihortisilvicultural were selected, which were common in both climatic conditions. The plot size 10×10 m for trees, 05×05 m for shrubs, 0.5×0.5 m for grasses and 1×1 m for herbs and crops were used for enumeration of floral diversity, vegetation biomass and nutrient stock. For soil analysis samples were collected at two different depths i.e. 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm and samples analyzed for the bulk density, partical density, pore space percentage, pH, OC, total N, extractable P, available K, exchangeable Ca and Mg. The data regarding economics of each land use systems were collected by personal interviews with the farmers of agroforestry systems which were selected for study. The study revealed that herbage density and basal area was found to be maximum in agrihortisilviculture land use system (698.66 tillers m-2) and (305.39 cm2 m-2), respectively. Shannon Weiner index (H') of vegetation was found to be maximum (2.26) for agrisilviculture system whereas, Simpson Diversity Index (0.22) displayed maximum value in agrihorticulture system. The maximum value of aboveground biomass (97.31 t ha-1), belowground biomass (28.88 t ha-1) and total biomass (126.19 t ha-1) was recorded in agrisilviculture system. The maximum stock of total N (480.14 Kg ha-1), P (99.45 Kg ha-1), K (768.52 Kg ha-1) and Ca (579.00 Kg ha-1) in whole vegetation was found in AS system. The maximum P (17.96 Kg ha-1 yr-1), K (147.46Kg ha-1 yr-1), and Ca (114.03 Kg ha-1 yr-1) uptake by vegetation was observed in AH system whereas maximum but similar maximum amount of total N (104.58 Kg ha-1 yr-1) uptake was found in AH and AS system. Maximum addition of all nutrients by different sources was observed in AH system. The maximum annual turnover of P (5.72%), K (31.47%), and Ca (5.34%) percentage under soil pool was recorded in AH system, while maximum annual turnover of N (1.86%) percentage under soil pool was reported AS system. Under the physical properties, reverse trend was observed for bulk density. Maximum bulk density (1.47 g cm-3) was recorded at 15-30 cm depth whereas minimum bulk density (1.20 g cm-3) observed at 0-15 cm depth. Partical density (2.49 g cm-3) was higher in agrihorticulture system. The pore space (46.99%) percent was significantly higher in agrisilviculture system. Partical density (2.48 g cm-3) was significantly higher at 0-15 cm depth. The pore space (48.90%) percent was significantly higher at surface soil. Chemical parameters were found decreasing with increasing of soil depth. Organic carbon (1.26%) was significantly higher in agrihortisilviculture system. Organic carbon (1.26%) was significantly higher at 0-15cm depth in high hills temperate dry and cold C2 climatic condition. Similarly exchangeable Ca (5.52 mg/100g) was significantly higher in AHS system. Exchangeable calcium (6.03 mg/100g) was significantly higher at 0-15cm depth. Most of the soil samples were alkaline property. Maximum soil pH (8.21) was recorded in high hills temperate dry and cold C2 climatic condition which was significantly differ with C1 climatic condition. Deep soil layer (15-30cm) showed maximum pH. N (0.25%), P (0.97 mg/100g) and K (1.69 mg/100g) was significantly higher at upper (0-15cm) layer of soil. Study revealed that maximum expenses were and maximum gross return incur in the agrihorticulture (Rs 774526.32 and Rs. 2065230.07) system whereas, higher net returns, (Rs 1648322.21) was generated by AHS system. Benefit: Cost ratio under above study was recorded for agrisilviculture system (5.87).ThesisItem Open Access BIOMASS PRODUCTION, NUTRIENT CYCLING AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL OF BAMBOO PLANTATIONS IN MID-HILLS, SUB-MONTANE AND LOW HILLS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2017-12) YOURMILA, KUMARI; BHARDWAJ, D.R.ABSTRACT The present investigations entitled “Biomass production, nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration potential of bamboo plantations in mid-hills, sub-montane and low hills of Himachal Pradesh” were carried out at three sites of Dr YSP University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan, Himachal Pradesh viz., experimental field of Department of SAF at Nauni, comprising of 7 bamboo species under pure bamboo plantation and 3 bamboo species under bamboo based agroforestry system in mid-hill conditions, RHRS Jacch, Kangra comprising of 5 bamboo species under bamboo based agroforestry system in sub-montane conditions and RHRS Bajaura, Kullu comprising of 4 tree species in combination with Phyllostaychys pubescens, during 2015-2016. The results revealed that Dendrocalamus hamiltonii showed better growth and development in pure bamboo plantation under mid-hill conditions. Whereas, in bamboo based agroforestry system, Bambusa balcooa displayed better growth behavior than Dendrocalamus asper and Dendrocalamus hamiltonii. Under submontane low hill conditions, the growth was better in Bambusa bambos when planted in agroforestry system while, Phyllostachys pubescens showed better growth and development behaviour when planted under the canopy of Platanus orientalis. The biomass of different bamboo species was affected significantly due to variation in climatic conditions of HP. In pure bamboo plantation under mid-hill conditions, Dendrocalamus asper produced maximum biomass whereas, in bamboo based agroforestry system, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii produced maximum biomass. In bamboo based agroforestry system under sub-montane and low-hill conditions, Bambusa bambos showed highest biomass production while, Phyllostachys pubescens produced highest biomass when planted with Platanus orientalis. Irrespective of bamboo species, the biomass production enhanced with increasing culm age. Dendrocalamus asper, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii and Bambusa bambos showed better carbon sequestration potential under mid-hill and sub-montane conditions, respectively. Under mid hill conditions, Dendrocalamus asper showed better nutrient cycling in pure plantation as well as in bamboo based agroforestry system while, under sub-montane low hill conditions, Bambusa bambos showed better nutrient cycling under bamboo based agroforestry system. In temperate climatic conditions, better nutrient status was recorded in soil under Phyllostachys pubescens and Platanus orientalis. Except for soil pH, all the soil physico-chemical and microbiological parameters decreased with increase in soil depth.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT AND TREE SPACING ON WHEAT-MAIZE CROPPING SYSTEM UNDER POPLAR BASED AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM(UHF,NAUNI, 2018-01) GARIMA; PANT, K.S.ABSTRACT The present investigation entitled “Effect of integrated nutrient management and tree spacing on wheat-maize cropping system under poplar based agroforestry system” was carried out at the experimental farm of Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) for two consecutive years from May, 2015 to May, 2017. The experiment was designed with RBD factorial to analyse the impact of poplar tree spacing viz., S1 (6m × 4m), S2(4m × 4m) and S3 (control without poplar trees) and six fertilizer doses viz., T1 (RDF), T2 (FYM on N equivalent ratio), T3 (VC on N equivalent ratio), T4 (75% FYM and 25% VC on N equivalent ratio), T5 (50%FYM and 50% VC on N equivalent ratio) and T6 (50% (25%FYM + 25% VC) + 50% chemical fertilizers) on growth and yield performance of maize and wheat under poplar based agroforestry system. The study revealed that both poplar spacing and integrated nutrient management had a significant effect on growth and yield parameters of wheat as well as maize crop. Among different doses of fertilizers, T6 (50% (25% FYM + 25% VC) + 50% chemical fertilizer) reported maximum plant height (224.05 cm), cob length (13.94 cm), 1000 grain weight (258.61 g), grain yield (21.24 q ha-1), straw yield (67.72 q ha-1) and harvest index (24.34%) of maize crop. Similarly, growth parameters of wheat crop viz., plant height (87.15 cm), spike length (6.52 cm), 1000 grain weight (41.17 g), grain yield (28.78 q ha-1) and straw yield (48.67 q ha-1) were observed higher at T6 and showed its superiority over other fertilizer treatments. Growth and yield parameters of wheat and maize were also found to be higher in open condition as compared to beneath tree canopy. Among different tree spacings, S1 (6m × 4m) recorded 36.80 % and 18.76 % reduction of maize and wheat yield, respectively, whereas, it was recorded 43.70 % and 27.70 % in spacing S2 (4m × 4m) as compared to open condition i.e. without poplar trees. Soil physico-chemical and biological properties improved under agroforestry system as compare to open (tree less area). The availability of nutrients was high where, applied with organic manures in agroforestry system as well as in sole crop. The benefit cost ratio of growing field crops with poplar ranged from 0.68 to 3.72 whereas, it was 0.28 to 1.30 for sole condition. From the study, it is concluded that integrating maize and wheat crops with Populus deltoides offers an excellent opportunity for diversification and high income generating than the monoculture. Treatment T2 (FYM on N equivalent ratio) is suggested as cost effective nutrient module for getting direct and indirect benefits from maize-wheat cropping system under poplar based agroforestry system on sustainable bases with good soil health.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON IDENTIFICATION AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF EXISTING AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS IN SIRMAUR DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF,NAUNI, 2017-12) TIWARI, PRABHAT; PANT, K.S.ABSTRACT The present investigation entitled “Studies on identification and socio-economic status of existing agroforestry systems in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh” was carried out in Sirmaur district which is located between 30°22'30"–31°01'20" N latitude and 77°01'12"–77°49'40" E longitude in Himachal Pradesh. The climate in this area is sub-tropical to temperate depending upon the elevation. The inclusion of woody perennials within farming systems, has been practiced as a traditional land use and livelihood option since time immemorial. For the study, Sirmaur district were selected and in district three altitudinal zones were prepared, such as altitudinal zone I (<1000m amsl), zone II (1000-2000m amsl), zone III (>2000m amsl) and in each altitudinal zone, four panchayats were selected and in each selected panchayats, three farmers category were made namely, marginal (<1 ha), small (1-2 ha) and medium (2-5 ha). Finally from each farmer category five farming families were taken for the study. Socioeconomic status of farmers, vegetation composition, biomass, economic viability and technological constraints in the system have been studied during the research. The average family size of sampled households were 6.90, 5.67 and 7.35 persons/household with average literacy rate 85.09 to 88.29 per cent ranging from altitude zone I to altitude zone III. The results found that prevalent agroforestry systems in study area were AS, ASH, AH, ASP, PS, SP and PSH, among these system types most predominant were AS, ASH and AH systems. The maximum above ground biomass production in three altitudinal zones was noticed in ASH under zone I (25.82 t ha-1), while in three farmers category, it was maximum in ASH with small farmers (22.81 t ha-1). Higher above ground biomass production of pastoral agroforestry systems among three altitudinal zone was recorded in SP under zone III (22.86 t ha-1) whereas, in three farmers category was recorded maximum in SP under marginal farmers (23.11 t ha-1). Similar trends were also noticed in the below ground and total biomass production. Maximum net returns among three altitudinal zones was reported in AH under zone III (Rs. 3,37,716/-), while in three farmers category, it was recorded maximum in AH under small farmers(Rs. 2,46,070/-). In pastoral agroforestry systems highest net profit among three altitudinal zones was noticed in ASP under zone I (Rs. 82,675/-), on the other hand in three farmers category was recorded higher net profit was recorded in ASP under marginal farmers (Rs. 82,746/-). Benefit-Cost ratio of agroforestry systems among three altitudinal zones was noticed highest in AH under zone III (2.37), while in three farmers category was recorded maximum in AH under medium farmers (2.27). Pastoral agroforestry systems was observed highest BC ratio in PSH under zone II (2.20), on the other hand among three farmers category, it was found maximum in PSH under small farmers (2.21). Technological gaps identifying the socio-economic and other constraints have highlighted the inherent weakness of existing AF systems. The most prominent among these constraints includes disproportionate applications of insecticides/pesticides and fertilizers, fragmented landholdings, lack of efficient marketing channels, communication gap between lab to land and ineffective implementation of government sponsored schemes for the benefits of farming communities. Relevant agroforestry solutions include conducting location specific diagnostic survey, strengthening of agro-processing facilities, voluntarily adoption of some villages by state agriculture universities and other related institutions and opening of govt. authorized sale centers at accessible places etc. From the above study it is concluded that AH system type found to be best for economic point of view, hence these systems may be recommended to the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh.