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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]

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]

According to WMO (World Meteorological Organization), 2018 was the fourth warmest year on record and average global temperature reached approximately 1°C above pre-industrial level portraying climate change. Changing weather had an impact on lives and sustainable development especially in developing countries. Agriculture is the human enterprise that is most vulnerable to climate change. Large percentage of the population of developing countries depends upon agriculture for their livelihoods. Agroforestry, is an age old management system practiced by farmers to provide shade, a steady supply of food throughout the year, arrest degradation and maintain soil fertility, diversify, increase and stabilize income sources, enhance use efficiency of soil nutrients, water and radiation and provide regular employment thereby increasing system resilience. Agroforestry, thus provides an example of a set of innovative practices designed to enhance productivity in a way that often contributes to climate change mitigation and can also strengthen system's ability to cope with adverse impacts of changing climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]