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A well-designed tree-based culture provides multiple benefits, aiding in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG13 (climate action), and SDG15 (life on land). A split-plot field experiment near Solan, Himachal Pradesh, tested the following Grewia optiva tree spacings as main plots: S1 10 m × 1 m, S2 10 m × 2 m, S3 10 m × 3 m, and sole cropping (S0—Open) of pea (Pisum sativum L.). Pea cultivation included the following six fertilizer treatments as subplots: control (no application), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), Jeevamrut, FYM + VC, and the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDFs), each replicated three times. The results indicated that the leaves, branches, total biomass, carbon density, and carbon sequestration rate of G. optiva alleys at 10 m × 1 m were greater than those at the other spacings. However, peas intercropped at 10 m × 3 m produced the highest yield (5.72 t ha−1). Compared with monocropping, G. optiva-based agroforestry significantly improved soil properties. Among fertilizers, FYM had the highest yield (6.04 t ha−1) and improved soil health. The most lucrative practice was the use of peas under a 10 m × 1 m spacing with FYM, with economic gains of 2046.1 USD ha−1. This study suggests integrating pea intercropping with G. optiva at broader spacing (10 m × 3 m) and using FYM for optimal carbon sequestration, soil health, and economic returns, and this approach is recommended for the region's agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cold desert ecosystem of the north-western Himalaya in India's is considered to be the most vulnerable region to climate change. In this region, Juniperus macropoda Boisser grows across an altitudinal gradient and is highly sensitive to biotic, physiographic, and climatic factors. Keeping this in view, the present study aimed at ascertaining the response of Juniperus macropoda to changing climatic conditions. To achieve the target of the study, the area (elevation ranges from 3525 to 4150 m asl) was divided into thirteen elevation ranges in the cold desert of Lahaul valley (Himachal Pradesh). The NDVI change detection map from 1994–2017 revealed an increase in the area under the vegetation in the NDVI range of 0–0.15 (240%) and 0.15–0.30 (32%), which indicated the emergence of grasses and new recruits in the area. An increase in the minimum and maximum temperature during monsoon and post-monsoon season correlated positively with the emergence of the recruits in a significant manner. Furthermore, a decline in rainfall during the monsoon period was also recorded which bears a significant positive correlation with the establishment of recruits. However, the increase in the precipitation during winter resulted in a positive effect on the emergence of recruits. The biophysical parameters, like average height, diameter as well as the average age of the dominant trees showed a declining trend with the elevation. However, the age histogram revealed that the majority of the establishment occurred around 1900 and between 1975–2010. The tree ring analysis of J. macropoda revealed that the species is shifting upward at a rate of 3.91 m year−1. Besides this, the area is experiencing the impact of climate change resulting in an increase in the area under vegetation and migration towards the higher elevation, and many species of lichens were also found to invade the bare rock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multipurpose tree species are recognized as an important fodder source for livestock, but their potential remains untapped due to dearth of knowledge about their nutritive value. Therefore, 15 MPTs, i.e., Acacia catechu, Albizia chinensis, Bauhinia variegata, Celtis australis, Ficus roxburghii, Grewia optiva, Leucaena leucocephala, Melia composita, Morus serrata, Olea glandulifera, Ougienia oojeinensis, Pittosporum floribundum, Quercus glauca, Q. leucotrichophora and Salix tetrasperma were evaluated for nutritional characteristics, relative nutritive value index (RNVI), palatability index and farmers' preference on a seasonal basis in north-western Himalayas mid-hills. Most of the nutritive and mineral content decreased as leaves matured with the exception of ether extract, calcium, copper, organic matter and carbohydrate content, while cell-wall constituents and anti-nutritional contents increased. Overall, M. serrata had the highest RNVI in spring and summer, while G. optiva during autumn and winter. Similarly, L. leucocephala had the highest palatability (97.86%), while M. composita (38.47%) had the lowest one. Additionally, G. optiva was the most favored MPT for livestock among farmers, while M. composita was the least ones. The outcome of the study will help policy makers, planners and farm managers in establishing large scale plantations of highly nutritious and palatable species, like G. optiva, L. leucocephala, B. variegata, and M. serrata for year-round supply of green leaves and as a supplement to low-quality feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juniperus macropoda is the only tree species of a cold desert ecosystem that is experiencing high anthropogenic pressure and has a poor regeneration status due to harsh environmental conditions. Due to the limited distribution of Juniperus macropoda in this region, the species have remained largely unexplored in terms of understanding the distribution pattern along the elevation and soil fertility gradients. Therefore, the current research was carried out along the elevational gradient, starting from the base line at 3000 m above sea level (m asl) asl with an elevational plot distance of 180 m. The study revealed that the average density of J. macropoda declined gradually from the first elevation range, i.e., 3000–3180 m asl onward, and extended up to the elevation range of 3900–4080 m asl. However, the average seedling and sapling densities were highest at mid-elevation and extended up to an elevation range of 4080–4260 m asl. The J. macropoda population formed a reverse J-shaped structure only up to 3540–3720 m asl. The maximum total biomass and carbon density were recorded in the lowest elevational range, and decreased subsequently. The primary soil nutrients under study decreased sharply along the elevational gradient. Seedling, sapling and tree distributions had a significantly positive relationship (p < 0.05) with available N, P, K, SOC, silt and clay contents and were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with sand contents. The outcome of the study will form the basis for devising a plan for the management and conservation of J. macropoda forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry systems (AFS) and practices followed in India are highly diverse due to varied climatic conditions ranging from temperate to humid tropics. The estimated area under AFS in India is 13.75 million ha with the highest concentration being in the states of Uttar Pradesh (1.86 million ha), followed by Maharashtra (1.61 million ha), Rajasthan (1.55 million ha) and Andhra Pradesh (1.17 million ha). There are many forms of agroforestry practice in India ranging from intensified simple systems of monoculture, such as block plantations and boundary planting, to far more diverse and complex systems, such as home gardens. As a result, the biomass production and carbon sequestration potential of AFS are highly variable across different agro-climatic zones of India. Studies pertaining to the assessment of biomass and carbon storage in different agroforestry systems in the Indian sub-continent are scanty and most of these studies have reported region and system specific carbon stocks. However, while biomass and carbon stock data from different AFS at national scale has been scanty hitherto, such information is essential for national accounting, reporting of C sinks and sources, as well as for realizing the benefits of carbon credit to farmers engaged in tree-based production activities. Therefore, the objective of this study was to collate and synthesize the existing information on biomass carbon and SOC stocks associated with agroforestry practices across agro-climatic zones of India. The results revealed considerable variation in biomass and carbon stocks among AFS, as well as between different agro-climatic zones. Higher total biomass (>200 Mg ha−1) was observed in the humid tropics of India which are prevalent in southern and northeastern regions, while lower total biomass (<50 Mg ha−1) was reported from Indo-Gangetic, western and central India. Total biomass carbon varied in the range of 1.84 to 131 Mg ha−1 in the agrihorticulture systems of western and central India and the coffee agroforests of southern peninsular India. Similarly, soil organic carbon (SOC) ranged between 12.26–170.43 Mg ha−1, with the highest SOC in the coffee agroforests of southern India and the lowest in the agrisilviculture systems of western India. The AFS which recorded relatively higher SOC included plantation crop-based practices of southern, eastern and northeastern India, followed by the agrihorticulture and agrisilviculture systems of the northern Himalayas. The meta-analysis indicated that the growth and nature of different agroforestry tree species is the key factor affecting the carbon storage capacity of an agroforestry system. The baseline data obtained across various regions could be useful for devising policies on carbon trading or financing for agroforestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current era of global warming, the Himalayan forests are under tremendous pressure due to intensified anthropogenic activity, resulting in the loss of forest diversity. However, the potential of carbon (C) sinks for increasing carbon storage and/or sequestration is still uncertain. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to examine the C‐sequestration and mitigation potential of eight different tree plantations, namely: Pinus roxburghii, Quercus leucotrichophora, Acacia mollissima, Acacia catechu, Alnus nitida, Albizia procera, Ulmus villosa, and Eucalyptus tereticornis in the mid‐hills of the Indian Himalayas. The soil samples used in our study (humus, 0–20cm, 20–40cm, and 40–100 cm) were used to determine the soil and ecosystem C‐density. The analysis revealed that the maximum tree biomass (300.19 Mg ha−1), vegetation biomass (305.43 Mg ha−1), vegetation carbon (153.59 Mg ha−1), and total ecosystem C density (369.93 Mg ha−1) occurred under U. villosa plantation. Similarly, P. roxburghii plantations had the maximum detritus C‐density (7.25 Mg ha−1), whereas A. nitida (224.71 Mg ha−1) had the maximum soil C‐density. The highest C‐sequestration was recorded under U. villosa (183.0 Mg ha−1). A significantly higher and lower rate of C‐sequestration and CO2 mitigation was observed in Ulmus villosa (5.9 and 21.64 Mg ha−1 yr−1) and Eucalyptus tereticornis (3.9 and 14.3 Mg ha−1 yr−1). Our study found that indigenous tree species such as U. villosa, A. procera, A. nitida, and Q. leucotrichophora should be encouraged for afforestation on degraded lands to support climate change mitigation strategies in the sub‐temperate forest ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of the species for dendrochronological studies is of great relevance to understand various aspects of climate change. However, in the northwestern Himalayan region, dendroclimatological investigations are confined to conifer species, with broadleaved species being disregarded. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the growth response of seven multipurpose tree species (MPTs), namely Bauhinia variegata, Celtis australis, Grewia optiva, Paulownia fortunei, Toona ciliata, Ulmus villosa and Melia composita to local climate variables, viz. temperature as well as rainfall (seasonal, monthly, average) and CO2 level by evaluating the climatic signal in tree ring chronologies at Solan district, India (altitude 1 250 m) in the mid-hills of the northwestern Himalayas. The results indicated that only the maximum, rainy season temperature and CO2 level varied significantly (P < 0.05) between 1991 and 2017. Only G. optiva exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) tendency toward increased growth. C. australis has a remarkable negative correlation with temperature variables, viz. average, maximum, spring season, March temperature, whereas T. ciliata exhibits a positive correlation with temperature variables, such as rainy season, average and April temperature. Similarly, winter, total and December rainfall have a profound effect on P. fortunei, while March rainfall adversely affected the growth of B. variegata. On the other hand, G. optiva demonstrated sensitivity to both temperature (February and May) and rainfall variables (winter, February and May). U. villosa recorded a positive correlation with rainfall (autumn and October rainfall) but a negative correlation with temperature variables (maximum and April temperature). Elevated CO2 levels affected only two species (G. optiva, M. composita) out of the seven selected species. Our findings will contribute to a better understanding of the climate growth relationships of investigated tree species, as a result, to more accurate projections of the effects of climate change on these MPTs and directing future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Himalayan forest has been threatened by rapid anthropogenic activities, resulting in the loss of forest diversity and climate change. The present study was carried out on four aspects (northern, southern, western and eastern), at three different altitudinal ranges, namely, 1000-1300 m above sea level (m a.s.l.), 1300-1600 m a.s.l. and 1600-1900 m a.s.l., and at three diverse mountain ranges (Kalaghat, Barog and Nangali) of sub-temperate forest ecosystems of the mid Himalayan ranges, to elucidate their influence on vegetation, tree characteristics and ecosystem carbon density. The results revealed that Pinus roxburghii is the most dominant forest community of the mid Himalaya's forest, irrespective of altitudinal gradient and slope. The south-facing slopes are occupied by the xerophytic tree species frequently found in the lower Shiwalik P. roxburghii forest, whereas the north-facing ones are dominated by mesophyllic species, such as Cedrus deodara and Quercus leucotrichophora, which commonly grows in the northwestern Himalayan temperate forest ecosystem. The maximum stem density (211.00 Nha-1) northern aspect (211.00 Nha-1) The maximum stem volume (236.50 m³ ha-1 northern aspect at 1000-1300 m a.s.l., whereas the minimum (32.167 m³ ha-1 at 1300-1600 m a.s.l. The maximum carbon density (149.90 Mg ha-1 aspect and declined with increasing elevation from 123.20 to 74.78 Mg ha-1. Overall, the study establishes that the southern and western aspects are very low in carbon density, whereas the northern aspect represents higher biodiversity as well as carbon and nutrient stocks. Therefore, aspect and altitude should be given due importance for efficient managing of biodiversity and mitigating climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An on‐farm bamboo intercropping study was conducted near Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. It uses a split‐plot design with two bamboo species (Dendrocalamus asper and Dendrocalamus hamiltonii) and an open field condition as main plots, under which ginger (Zingiber officinale) was grown at five nutrient levels supplied through chemical fertilizers and organic sources (subplots). In the intercropping with bamboo species, ginger yield increased by 10.5–15.6% in comparison to the open field condition. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) based on N equivalent ratio showed the best (P ≤.05) yield response of ginger (rhizome length, 7.65 cm; yield, 4,028 kg ha−1). Photoactive radiation was reduced by 60% under the bamboo canopy. Simultaneously, higher soil moisture (%) content was noticed for D. asper. Various soil physico‐chemical properties (top 0–15 cm) were significantly higher in the FYM treatment under D. asper than under D. hamiltonii or sole ginger cropping. Maximum returns (3,595.67 US$ ha−1 yr−1) were realized when the ginger crop was raised under the canopy of D. asper and supplied with FYM on N equivalent ratio + plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria. Overall, the results establish that ginger production in the northwest Himalayan region of India is a viable use of land resources for improved economic returns. Core Ideas: Identification of the scientific designed bamboo based agroforestry systems is vital.Ginger in bamboo alleys has vast potential for increasing productivity and maintain soil health.Organic manures with biofertilizers can sustain bamboo‐based agroforestry systems in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses research on the association between polymorphism of keratin-associated protein gene and wool trait of Rambouillet sheep. Topics covered include population genetic indexes, the difference in the least square means of various genotypes of greasy fleece weight (GFW), and the emergence of KAP 3.2 gene as a potential molecular marker for genetic selection in Rambouillet sheep.