Search

The aim of the present study was to analyse the species utilization pattern and their relative prevalence in homegardens varying in size and altitude. Four sites were selected along an altitudinal gradient viz., very low (up to 350 m), low (350-700 m), mid (700-1500 m) and high altitudes (above 2000 m) in Kumaun Himalaya, India. At each altitude, homegardens were categorized into three size classes viz., large (above 0.007 ha), medium (0.004-0.006 ha) and small homegardens (up to 0.003 ha). Maximum species richness was recorded in large sized homegarden at all altitudes except mid altitude where maximum species was observed in medium sized homegardens. Across altitudes, maximum plant species (39) was recorded at mid altitude whereas minimum species (24) were present in high altitude homegardens. Amaryllidaceae was the most important family followed by Oxalidaceae across all the altitudes. In case of plant utilization pattern, maximum species were utilized as a medicine (44.23 %) followed by vegetables (26.66 %), fodder (18.1 %), miscellaneous (15.97 %), spices (13.97 %) and fruits (12.34 %). Among the species, A. cepa (1380) and C. annuum (1026) showed most prevalence whereas S. cumini (278) was the least prevalent species. Across the altitudinal gradient, mid altitude showed most (2341, 1330) relative prevalence whereas high altitude showed least (876, 0) relative prevalence for A. cepa and M. indica, respectively. Management practices and conventional activity could show a higher effect on species composition and their utilization pattern to improve food security and conserving plant genetic diversity in altitudes.

Monitoring resilience in Himalayan forest ecosystem requires an understanding of community structure, regeneration, and anthropogenic disturbances. Four classes of temperate broadleaf forest dominated by different species of oak viz., Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora), Rianj oak (Q. lanuginosa), Moru oak (Q. floribunda), and Kharsu oak (Q. semecarpifolia) were assessed between 1700-3000 m asl in Askot wildlife sanctuary, western Himalaya. A total of 300 quadrats of 10x10 m size were placed randomly in 30 forest sites at different altitudes using standard phytosociological methodologies. The tree density ranged from 503±33.8 to 694±75.9 indi. ha-1 with a basal area of 45.0±6.5 to 60.4±6.8 m2 ha-1. Across the forest communities, the sapling density was 590±54.9 to 755±63.4 indi. ha-1 and seedling density was 175±88.5 to 770±208.8 indi. ha-1. Principal component analysis was used to examine the impact of anthropogenic pressures on regeneration of different oak communities. The study reveals that despite the extractive pressures on oak forests in the study area, the regeneration of Q. leucotrichophora and Q. lanuginosa was fair. However, the regeneration of Q. semecarpifolia and Q. floribunda was poor which needs to be protected from livestock grazing. In addition to appropriate management inputs, sustainable forest harvesting practices must be implemented in the region.

Seasonal variation in inorganic N-pool and Net N-mineralization rate was investigated in relation to site characteristics in sub-tropical Sal forest in Central Himalaya, India. Two sites, viz. Fatehpur (FP) located at a latitude of 29°19'23.69''N and longitude of 79°18'05.34''E at 430 m asl and Ranibagh (RB) at a latitude of 29°17'10.03''N and longitude of 79°32'49.19''E at 580m asl were established. Ammonification, nitrification and Nmineralization rates were significantly (p

This study was conducted in a temperate mixed oak–pine forest of Central Himalaya, India to (i) evaluate altitudinal and seasonal variations in the microbial biomass carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and (ii) analyse the relationships between soil microbial biomass C, N and P and physico-chemical properties of soil. Three permanent plots were established in natural forest stands along an altitudinal gradient, three replicates were collected seasonally from each site, and microbial biomass (C, N and P) were determined by a fumigation extraction method. Microbial biomass C, N and P decreased significantly (p < 0.01, correlation coefficient 0.985, 0.963, 0.948, respectively) with increasing altitude having maximum values during rainy season and minimum values during winter season. Microbial biomass C, N and P showed positive correlations with silt particles, water holding capacity, bulk density, soil moisture, organic C, total N and P and negative correlations with sand particles, porosity and soil pH. Microbial biomass C was strongly associated with soil microbial N (r = 0.80, p < 0.01) and P (r = 0.89, p < 0.01) content and soil microbial biomass N and P also showed a strong linear relationship (r = 0.92, p < 0.01). Soil microbial biomass exhibited weak seasonality and was highly influenced by altitude and abiotic variables. The significantly high microbial C, N and P during the rainy season (p < 0.01) and low microbial biomass during the winter season may be due to higher immobilization of nutrients from decomposing litter by microbes as the decomposition rate of litter and microbial activity are at their peak during the rainy period. The microbial C:N ratio indicated that soil fertility is influenced by species composition. Our findings suggested that high microbial biomass and low C:N ratios during the rainy season could be considered a nutrient conservation strategy of temperate mixed oak–pine forest ecosystems.

Understanding the spread intensity and population dynamics of invasive plant species is a prerequisite for developing management strategies in the Himalayan Forest ecosystems that are experiencing an accelerated rate of climate change. Although there are studies on the occurrence of few invasive species in the Himalayan ecosystems, systematic information on their intensity of spread and species association is still missing. Considering existing data gaps, we aimed to assess the intensity of spread and distribution pattern of A. adenophora, one of the high-concern invasive species (HiCIS) of India that is causing havoc in the Himalayas, across an elevational gradient. Field data were collected in 2018 and 2021 in the Indian federal state of Sikkim, located in the Eastern Himalayas. We analyzed the population status and species association of A. adenophora along an elevational gradient ranging from 600 m to 2700 m above sea level, which was divided into seven gradients of 300 m width, and each gradient was further randomly sampled. Overall, 81 species were present in association with A. adenophora, including 58 herbs, 19 shrubs, and 4 climbers, belonging to 30 families and 67 genera in the region. No other species continuously co-occurred along with A. adenophora throughout the elevation ranging from 600 m to 2700 m. The species observed increased frequency (100%), density (40.51 ind./100 m

This study assessed the periodic fluctuations among microbial biomass Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P), and the consequences of variations in altitude and abiotic factors on the soil microbial biomass (C, N and P) in a temperate mixed-oak pine forest of Central Himalaya. This research was directed at three forest stands along an altitudinal gradient. Samples were collected in triplicates, seasonally from each selected site and microbial C, N and P were determined through the fumigation extraction method. Microbial biomass C, N and P decreased significantly (P

To access the process of nitrogen mineralization in soil, the buried-bag technique was used among traditional agroforestry systems in the Bhabhar belt of Kumaun Himalaya. The present study, determined the relationship between various parameters of N-mineralization with agroforestry systems, seasons and soil depths. Season and soil depth have significantly (p

The present study has been performed among Central Himalayan agroecosystems (AGEs) to analyze the changes in some physico- chemical properties of soils along four altitudes viz. very low (VLA), low (LA), mid (MA) and high altitude (HA). The AGEs were categorized into three size classes i.e. small, medium, and large based on the regional availability of landholding sizes. Results revealed that the size of the AGEs significantly affected only physical parameters of the soil while chemical parameters remain unaffected, this may be due to the regional similarity in management practices of AGEs which governed by the identical seasonal cropping patterns, local food selectivity and economic status of the peasant. The soil bulk density was recorded maximum at VLA (1.00 g cm-3) and decreased with increasing altitude and sizes of agroecosystem thus the correlations were significant. Water holding capacity depicted positive relation with porosity (r= 0.229, P HA (37.85 t ha-1) > LA (33.00 t ha-1) > VLA (30.16 t ha-1). Suitable management practices of higher altitudes reflected as the high fertility of the soil in those regions (SQI= HA> MA> LA> VLA) which must be followed by the farm managers of lower altitudes.

In present study, profitability of the prevailing different agricultural land use systems cultivated by Tharu tribal community of Uttarakhand was studied. Total five different land use systems i.e., sole cropping system (SCS), silviculture system (SS), agrisilviculture system (ASS), agrihorticulture system (AHS) and homegarden system (HS) were selected to analyse agroecosystem of the tribal community of Central Himalaya. Total 70 plants belonging to 35 families were listed across the studied systems. The tree density ranged between 60 individuals ha−1 (HS) and 666 individuals ha−1 (ASS) and tree biomass from 33.51 ha−1 (ASS) to 463.54 t ha−1 (SS). Carbon stock followed the trend of biomass in different land use systems. Herb density varied in between 4.2 (AHS) and 150.3 individuals m−2 (SS) among the different land use systems. The energy output input ratio along with the monetary budget was recorded maximum for AHS and minimum for SS. Hence, we concluded from the present study that AHS is most beneficial system, providing a good source of energy and income therefore, particularly important for Tharu tribal community.

The present study is an attempt to access the effect of two different silvicultural tree species on the process of nitrogen mineralization. Seasonal and depth wise variation in nitrogen mineralization of Populus deltoides (PAS) and Tectona grandis (TAS) based agrisilvicultural systems were studied using buried-bag technique. N-mineralization and nitrification rates differ significantly across the sites and seasons. Net N-mineralization rate varied from 5.88 ± 0.41 to 7.46 ± 1.44 µg g−1 month−1. Ammonium and nitrate concentration decreased with increasing soil depth at both the sites. The annual N-mineralization and nitrification rates were high in PAS than TAS system. The results suggested that variations in rate of N-mineralization and nitrification in the studied agrisilvicultural systems are related to differences in soil moisture content, nutrient status and vegetation cover in combination with other environmental factors.

Variation in fine root biomass (FRB) and turnover rate (TOR) were examined in four land use systems at two altitudes by using ingrowth core method. The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of altitude, depth and distance from tree stem on FRB and TOR. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were observed among land use systems, over seasons, depth and distances from the tree stem. The FRB varied between 47.09 and 528.59 kg ha–1. It was maximum in agri-horticulture (AH) system in bhabhar region and in homegarden (HG) system in hill region. In each land use system at both the altitudes FRB was maximum at uppermost layer (0‒20 cm) during rainy season at 50 cm distance from tree stem while, TOR did not showed any particular trend with soil depth and distance from the tree bole. FRB and turnover rate showed significance correlation with distance from tree bole at both the altitudes i.e. (r2 = 0.898 for low and r2 = 0.899 for high altitude).

Homegarden agroforestry system has potential to sequester carbon while simultaneously producing agriculture yield and tree products. This study analyzed relationship between homegarden size and soil organic carbon stock (SCS) along an altitudinal gradient in Central Himalaya, India. Homegardens were selected at four altitudes (very low, low, mid and high) and categorized into three size classes viz. small, medium and large. Soil samples from surface (0–15 cm) and sub surface soils (15–30 cm) were collected seasonally and analyzed. Results indicated that SCS ranged between 22.56 and 81.51 t C ha−1 and increased with increasing altitude for small homegardens. For medium and large homegardens, it increased up to mid altitude and then decreased in high altitude homegardens. At each altitude, maximum SCS (38.56–66.16 t C ha−1) was recorded for medium sized homegardens except at high altitude where it was maximum (66.01 t C ha−1) for small homegardens. Seasonal variation in SCS showed inconsistent pattern along the altitudinal gradient. The differences in SCS due to size and altitude recorded in the present study are possibly caused by distinct quality of plant material and management practices.

Ageratina adenophora is a perennial herb of family Asteraceae expanding as a serious threat to ecological integrity and biodiversity. This study aims to assess the allelopathic potential of fresh and dry leaf and root aqueous extracts of this invasive species on germination, early seedling growth, seedling biomass and seed vigor of two rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties namely 6444 and 2245. The result revealed that with increasing concentration of extract, inhibition effect also increases. Leaf extract was more inhibitory than root extract and dry plant extracts had higher allelopathic impact in comparison to fresh plant extracts. Among the two investigated rice varieties 6444 was more resistant to the fresh and dry leaf extract while 2245 was more resistant to fresh and dry root extract. This study will be helpful in assessing the effect caused by A. adenophora to rice crop and could be used in devising weed control strategy.

Ageratum conyzoides L. is an invasive weed that has severely infested cultivated lands and interferes with the growth of crops. In this study aqueous extracts of 50 and 100% concentration were prepared from fresh and air dried plant parts (Leaves and roots) of A. conyzoides and their allelopathic effect was observed on seed germination and seedling growth of two rice varieties namely Sava and Geru. In Sava variety, a significant reduction in seed germination, seedling length and dry weight was recorded under dry leaf extract while under fresh leaf extract seed germination and seedling length was increased at 50% concentration as compared to control. In Geru variety both fresh and dry leaf extracts resulted in decreased seed germination and seedling growth with increasing concentration. Similar patterns were recorded for fresh and dry root extracts. The inhibitory effect of leaf extracts was more pronounced than root extract and overall dry aqueous extracts of leaf and root were more inhibitory than fresh aqueous extracts. Among varieties, Sava was least affected as compared to the Geru. This study indicated that A. conyzoides exert allelopathic effect towards rice crop by releasing water soluble phytochemicals.

Carbon stock assessment in various ecosystems is vital for monitoring the health of these ecosystems and national accounting for the United Nations convention on climate change. The influence of various anthropogenic drivers on carbon stock in different ecosystems has not been examined comprehensively. This study aims to determine the impact of anthropogenic pressures (lopping, cutting, grazing) on soil physico-chemical properties and carbon stock in four temperate broadleaf forests dominated by different species of oak, viz., Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora), Rianj oak (Quercus lanuginosa), Moru oak (Quercus floribunda) and Kharsu oak (Quercus semecarpifolia) along an elevation gradient from 1700–3000 m asl in Gori valley, western Himalaya. Biomass data were collected from 120 quadrats of 10 × 10 m size at three distinct altitudes (4 forest sites × 3 altitudes × 10 quadrats) and analysed for carbon stock, whereas soil samples were randomly collected in triplicate from three depths of each altitude of the forest site and further analysed for their physico-chemical properties. A total of 767 individual trees with a diameter of ≥31 cm were measured at twelve sites and standing biomass was estimated following the growing stock volume equations. Mean carbon stock was highest in Moru oak (396.6 ± 29.5 Mg C ha−1) and lowest in Banj oak forest (189.3 ± 48.6 Mg C ha−1). We also found soil to be the largest pool of forest carbon (43.0–59.7%) followed by aboveground biomass (31.5–45.0%), belowground biomass (8.4–11.7%) and litter (0.4–0.5%). The basal area showed significant effect on altitude and carbon stock, whereas disturbance showed significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation with the total carbon stock. Soil nitrogen exhibited a significant positive correlation (R2 = 0.60) with the basal area, indicating that nitrogen enhances tree growth and forest carbon stock. However, anthropogenic disturbance showed a significant negative impact on the basal area, soil nutrients and carbon stock of oak forests. This concludes that forest structure, anthropogenic pressure and soil parameters contribute to the carbon stock of the area. Considering the significance of these overexploited oak forests, it is recommended to conserve the old-growth forest species in the study area, since they have the highest carbon accumulation potential.

Fine roots (≤ 2 mm of diameter) contribute diminutive fractions of the overall tree biomass but are highly zestful and functionally remarkable component for assessing forest carbon and nutrient budgets. This study assessed how tree girth influenced fine root biomass (FRB), production (FRP) and turnover rate (FRT) in sub tropical sal forest.Four sites (S1, S2, S3, S4) were established in the bhabhar region of Nainital district, Uttarakhand, India within an elevational range of 405m and 580m. On the basis of girth size, sal trees were categorized in five girth size classes. Fine roots were sampled seasonally to a depth of 60 cm and divided into 3 layers (0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm).FRB was significantly affected by tree girth size (p< 0.05) while FRP and FRT showed insignificant effect. FRB was higher in lower girth classes (A-C) as compared to higher girth classes (D-E).Seasonal variation of FRB in all girth sizes showed a keen resemblance as the standing FRB reached pinnacle during rainy season and reached bottom-line in the winter season. Maximum FRB was reported for uppermost organo-mineralic soil depth (0-20 cm) at 1 m distance from tree bole and decreased with increasing soil depth and distance from tree bole while FRT showed a reverse trend. The present study will provide a holistic outlook on variations in FRB, FRP and FRT and the impact of edaphic characteristics and tree girth on fine root dynamics with respect to the studied forest stands.

This study evaluated the impact of predominant land uses on the physico‐chemical and biological properties of soils along an altitudinal gradient in Indian Central Himalaya to enhance the scientific knowledge and identify suitable land use pattern. Soil samples were collected from six predominant agricultural land uses including (a) open cropland, (b) cropland with multiple tree species (C + mT), (c) cropland with single tree species, (d) crop near rhizosphere of trees, (e) home gardens (HGs), and (f) agriculturally discarded land (ADL). The physico‐chemical properties showed the significant differences with land use systems and altitude. Soil texture varied from sandy loam to clayey loam with altitude. The minimum bulk density and higher porosity were recorded for the HG system whereas water holding capacity, moisture, pH, C, oil carbon stock, N, soil nitrogen stock, and P in the C + mT system. Soil microbial biomass carbon (16–397 μg g⁻¹) and soil microbial biomass nitrogen (28–68 μg g⁻¹) were significantly higher in C + mT and lowest under open cropland. The highest microbial biomass was recorded in the lower altitudinal region of Tarai, and the lowest was recorded in the higher altitudinal region. Across the seasons, soil microbial biomass was maximum during the rainy season and minimum during the winter season. Interestingly, ADL also showed significant contribution in soil microbial biomass carbon and soil microbial biomass nitrogen and could be used for crop production in the future. This study concludes that good soil health, higher amount of microbial biomass, and better soil qualities occurred in tree planted soils than in open crop lands, mainly attributed to the greater availability of organic matter, litter diversity, and fine roots.

Herb layer contributes significantly to the species diversity of forest ecosystem and reacts rapidly to changes in the soil characteristics. Composition, structural parameters and productivity of the herbaceous vegetation of five forest stands in the Central Himalaya of India, situated at Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India were investigated. At each site, 1 ha plot was established and herbaceous vegetation was analysed by placing 30 random quadrats of 50x50 cm at each site. To determine the soil moisture and soil nitrogen, soil samples were collected from each site and analysed in the laboratory. The aim of the present investigation was to comprehend the dependency among herb density, diversity, biomass, soil moisture and total soil nitrogen. Results showed that chosen sites contrasted in terms of soil moisture, total soil nitrogen, herbaceous diversity, and biomass. In this study, 70 genera, 73 species from 31 families of herbs were recorded. Total number of herbaceous species recorded in the stands varied from 28 (PI and HG) to 50 (TA).Total individuals of all herb species were 110, 114,141, 164 and 188 plants m-2 in RU, HG, PI, BP and TA forest stands, respectively. Index of similarity and species turnover ranged from 34.48 to 62.50 and 0.31 to 0.54 respectively. Herb density, diversity and biomass showed positive correlation with soil moisture and soil nitrogen. These findings suggested that the soil moisture and nitrogen enhanced the herbaceous diversity by ameliorating soil conditions. This study also demonstrated a straight relationship between herbaceous diversity and biomass indicating the significance of species diversity for ample generation of biomass in forest ecosystem.

Soil microbial biomass is an important component of soil organic matter constituting from 2 to 5% of the soil organic carbon and play a significant role in the cycling of nutrients and overall organic matter dynamics. The present study assessed the effects of three forest types (Banj-oak forest, Chir-pine forest and Mixed oak-pine forest) on the soil physico-chemical properties and microbial biomass Carbon in Central Himalaya, India. The soil microbial biomass carbon was determined by chloroform fumigation extraction method. In the 2 year of study period, the soil microbial biomass carbon (Cmic) was significantly higher in Mixed oak-pine forest (681 ± 1.81–763 ± 1.82 μg g−1) than in the Banj-oak (518 ± 1.50–576 ± 1.73 μg g−1) and Chir-pine forest (418 ± 1.42–507 ± 2.05 μg g−1). Though insignificant, all the forest types showed distinct seasonal variations in microbial biomass carbon with a minimum value in winter season and maximum value in rainy season. The soil microbial quotients (Cmic to Corg) were higher in Chir-pine (2.52–4.18) and Banj-oak forest (2.26–4.02) than those reported in Mixed oak-pine forest (1.44–2.24). These results indicate that Mixed oak-pine forest is better in sustaining the soil microbial biomass and soil nutrients than Banj-oak and Chir-pine forest. It recommends that nutrients rich Mixed oak-pine forest should be preferred as a forest management practice to promote microbial diversity, their activities and soil quality enhancement in Central Himalayan forests.

In the present study, the status of energy efficiency and economy of existing agroecosystems in the Shiwalik range of Kumaun Himalaya were assessed. A large number of plant species were cultivated/maintained by the local inhabitants to conserve the diversity in agroecosystems. Agriculture was the main source of economy of the villagers. The agroforestry system provides many ecological services to enhance the socio-economic condition of the farmers. In addition, home garden is another land use system, which is very common in the area. All collected data from agricultural (inputs and outputs) were calculated and converted to energy values by using constants. In the present study, average consumption of annual energy inputs in agroforestry system (103646 MJ/ha) was approximately three times more as compared to home gardens (43056 MJ/ha). Uses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides increased the inputs manifolds. Average annual energy outputs obtained from agroforestry system (434116 MJ/ha) which was seven times more to the home gardens (57008 MJ/ha). Energy output/input ratio in agroforestry varied from 2.26 to 9.06 while in home gardens range speckled between 1.20 and 1.47. In terms of monetary budget, annual return from agroforestry and home garden systems were ₹ 95077/ha and 4201/ha, respectively. From the present study, it can be concluded that agroecosystems provides the good monetary benefits and source of employment to the villagers. The possible benefits of agriculture are raising income and thus improving status of livelihoods in Bhabhar region of Kumaun Himalaya.

This study evaluated impacts of Coriaria nepalensis Wall. colonization on soil characteristics, vegetation structure and composition, regeneration status and expected future compositional changes, biomass and carbon stock in tree species of a mixed conifer forest of Central Himalaya. Three sites (1 ha each in an old landslide area) differing in Coriaria density (low: 20 individuals ha−1; medium: 120 indiv. ha−1; high: 190 indiv. ha−1) were used to enumerate the tree species. A total of 9 tree species and 2830 individuals were recorded from the three study sites that represented a gradient of Coriaria density. Number of species varied from 3 to 7 and the individuals from 690 to 1270 per site with lowest numbers at low Coriaria density and highest at medium Coriaria density. The number of seedlings increased with increasing Coriaria density, and the sites were unique in their seedling composition, indicating marked temporal dynamics. Site wise regeneration analysis showed that regeneration was poor at the site with low Coriaria density and good at the high-density site where many species emerged as seedlings. These results indicate that the ameliorative effects of Coriaria in terms of soil buildup, and accumulation of nutrients and organic matter helped more species to colonize the area. This facilitative ability of Coriaria can be used to restore degraded forest ecosystems of Indian Central Himalaya.

Among abiotic stresses, drought and salinity are two major determinants due to high magnitude of their impact and wide occurrence. Salinity considerably limits the productivity of crops and thus, considered as the most destructive abiotic factor. In the present study, response of Macrotyloma uniflorum and Vigna mungo to salt (NaCl) stress imposed at germination and seedling growth stages was investigated. The aim of the study was identify the physiological and morphological responses of selected leguminous crop. Seeds were obtained from the healthy plants, surface sterilized and placed under six salt stress levels (0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 dsm-1). Complete randomized design with three replicates was used for this experiment and the experiments were conducted during the year 2015 in the glasshouse of Department of Botany, DSB, Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital. In comparison to Macrotyloma uniflorum (77%), higher germination percentage was observed in Vigna mungo (99%) at all salinity levels. In both the species, germination percentage and seedling growth decreased with the increase in salinity stress. Though Vigna mungo showed higher values for root (0.17 g) and shoot dry mass (0.27 g) the dry weight percentage reduction was higher in this species as compared to Macrotyloma uniflorum. Decrease in biomass of seedling with increasing salt stress indicated that the stress not only affected germination but also the growth of seedlings, which indicates that the synthetic ability of seed and biomass of the seedlings was also affected. Seed vigor index declined with the increase in salt concentrations. Outcomes from the study could be helpful in understanding the plant’s nature against different levels of salt stress and that could be economically exploited by various able agencies. At each salinity level, M. uniflorum showed higher salt tolerance index as compared to V. mungo so it can be cultivated in fields with salty soil.

Homegardens with trees are one of the agroforestry practices known to be ecologically sustainable and diversifies livelihood of local community. The main objective of this study is to understand th...

Herbaceous layer remains an underappreciated aspect of forest ecosystem, which serves a special role in maintaining the structure and functioning of forests. It provides important information regarding the site characteristics of forests. Present study examined the effects of site on herbaceous vegetation in an oak-mixed cypress forest in Central Himalaya, India. The study sites are located near Nainital town between 29o36’56”-29o36’79” N latitude and 79o46’03”-79o46’19” E longitude between 1600- 1850 m above mean sea level in the Central Himalaya. Both lowly and highly disturbed sites were further subdivided into three sub-sites (hill base, hill slope and hill top). A total of 35 species represented by twenty families were recorded from the studied sites. Maximum herb species belongs to the Asteraceae family. The lowly disturbed site was more diverse than the highly disturbed one. Total herb density was 344.4 ind.m-2 at highly disturbed site, whereas 481.2 ind.m-2 at lowly disturbed site.

Vigna is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae with worldwide distribution. In the present study, effect of salt stress was investigated in four species of Vigna viz. V. mungo (urd), V. angularis (rais), V. radiata (moong) and V. aconitifolia (moth) at germination and seedling growth stages in a glasshouse experiment. Seeds of selected crops were surface sterilized and placed under three salt stress levels of 0 (control), 50mM and 100mM using NaCl solutions. Three replicates for each treatment was used for this experiment. The results indicated that increase in salt stress levels caused a reduction in germination percentage, germination rate, shoot length, root length and seedling dry weight of each Vigna species. The overall results indicated that among the four species, V. aconitifolia was the most sensitive, whereas V. mungo was the least sensitive species to the salinity in almost every aspect of growth.

Kumaun Himalaya is one of the unique systems rich in indigenous traditional knowledge and culturally strong. In the present study, qualitative and quantitative data were on agro-biodiversity through field and literature survey. Altogether, 160 plant species belonging to 117 genera and 57 families were recorded. In addition, a large number of land races, varieties and wild relatives are also being used. Cultivation of these crops is mainly of subsistence in nature rather than for commercial purposes. Due to a number of reasons, the area under traditional crops is declining in Kumaun Himalayan region but many of the crop varieties are still conserved because of their socio-cultural and religious values. The human population has increased over time forcing farmers to change their cropping patterns, for example, replacement of mixed cropping to mono-cropping and switching over to cash crops. This has adverse implications on traditional agro-biodiversity of the region. There are both local and global advantages in supporting a dynamic traditional system of agro-biodiversity management. Therefore, promotion and conservation of agro-biodiversity should be done through sustainable use and on- farm and off- farm management.

In this paper, growth and storage of carbon and nitrogen in seedlings of banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) and chir pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) have been compared across different levels of nutrient and water availabilities. Four nutrient (144, 264, 384 and 504 mg of NPK fertilizer per kg soil) and three watering (21 days,14 days and 7 days interval) treatments were applied to seedlings. At low watering levels, seedling dry mass of both the species decreased towards higher nutrient level. However, at high watering level, dry mass increased with increasing water availability. When water availability was increased in a constant nutrient environment, dry mass of seedling increased with increase in water availability. Both the species showed a similar pattern of storing nitrogen instead of increasing biomass particularly at low watering levels. However, at each nutrient level, growth and storage increased with increasing moisture availability. As compared to Q. leucotrichophora, seedlings of P. roxburghii favoured growth over storage (according to its more competitive strategy), although this species accumulated more carbon and nitrogen towards the higher nutrient level.