Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1
5.1.1
Section 5: Task C: Plan for prevention of further degradation of catchment Chapter 1: Guidelines for Forestry Introduction:
•
Ethno forestry
Forests constitute an important component of watershed resources and need to be conserved and managed properly. It is now well recognized that well stocked forests, well terraced farm lands are not major contributors to soil erosion. It is also well known that Northern aspects are moist and generally well covered with good forests and vegetation and soil erosion problem is much less. However, southern aspects are dry, desiccated and devoid of good vegetation. Scarcity of fodder and fuel wood leads to lopping, chopping and cutting of trees. Grazing and browsing by domestic and migratory animals lead to removal of protective vegetation cover thus leading to soil erosion problem. Involvement and sensitization of village communities which is lacking at present can play an important role towards protection of forests.
•
Improvement of Tree Cover
•
Bamboo Plantation
•
Improvement of Pastures/ Grass lands
•
Raising of medicinal plants
•
Agro Forestry
•
Participation of stakeholders through Incentive Scheme
•
Introduction technology
Treatment Proposal: The CAT Plan supports a combination of locally proven site specific technologies that would reduce soil erosion, conserve water and improve vegetal cover in the catchment. Unstable terrain, decreased forest cover, excessive biotic pressures are responsible for depletion of forest resources at a fast rate resulting in increased rate of siltation. The components that would retard the rate of siltation in our catchment are as under:
of
Modern
1.1 Ethno forestry: Advance Closure, which is a Specific sub discipline of Ethno Forestry Advance Closure, can reduce the cost of afforestation upto 40% and surplus can be used for maintenance for longer period. Advance and effective closure by fencing in order to take advantage of natural regeneration of Acacias, Albizias, Dilbergia, Melia, Poplars, Salix, Alnus, Celtis ‘ustralis, Ficus species, Juniper, Lanea spp, Prunus spp, Oaks, Jamuna, Cheel, Kail, Deodar etc. This is be possible as Root stocks, stumps and mother trees of the species already exist in the area. Earth work, cleaning of rank growth, singling, spacing and fencing should be done in the year preceding the plantations. Rainy season is advantageous before planting and two growth periods as a large number of species regenerate from dormant root stocks, stumps and
Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1 seed. As far as possible, planting should be done on staggered contour trenches. Seeds of Acacias, Albizias, Melia, Neem, Ulms, Kainth should be Sown on berms of the trenches. Furthermore, species to be planted should be preferably leguminous and fast growing and mixture of fuel, fodder and timber trees would be valuable. The main species recommended are Robinia, Ailanthus, Walnut, Aesculus Laucaena, Poplar, Ritha, Drek, Ban Oak, Shisham, Chuli, Siris, Kunish, Beuhl, Maple, Bird Cherry, Kail, Deodar, Chil, Khair, Terminatia, Toon and Salix which is planted depending upon site conditions. After plantation various intercultural operations like, weeding and hoeing, replacement, removal of suppression and fertilizing should be undertaken. For improving moisture regime of the area trenching may be done. Size of gradoni trenches is be 1x0.30x0.30 meter and 300 to 500 plants per ha. Are to be planted.
5.1.2
monsoons. Fencing should be done with 4 strands of Barbed wire, interlaced with thorny bushes at vulnerable points. Wherever stone is available in abundance stone fencing may be done. Live hedge fencing can be done in lower hills where slopes are gentle and soil is not rocky, but this type of fencing has to be done one year before planting. In this case too Barbed Wire fencing is needed at strategic places i.e. where cattle damage is more. The plantation should be supplemented with species like Neem, Darek, Albizia, Shisham, Khair, Terminalia, Alnus, Kail etc. Maintenance will be done for five years in lower area and 7 years in upper Kinnaur and Spiti. For raising successful plantations involvement of local habitants is a must. This may be done by providing some incentives through P.E.S. (Payment for Environment Services) Scheme. Various intercultural operations during the year of plantation is same as under Ethno forestry. 1.2.2 Filling up Gaps:
The plantation will be maintained for 5 years in lower areas and 7 years in upper Kinnaur.
1.2 Improvement of tree cover: 1.2.1 Afforestation Scheme or New Plantation Model: Blank areas devoid of tree growth shall be taken up for afforestation. Choice of species depends on the site. 1100 plants per Ha. in case of Conifers and 850 in case of Broad Leave are to be planted. Wherever possible trenches are to be dug, otherwise planting will be done in pits. Earth work should be done well in advance. Size of plants to be planted should be 50 to 60 cms for Broad Leaved varieties while 25 to 30 cms in case of Conifers. Plants should be healthy with strong stems. Planting should be done with first shower of
In most of the old plantations, there is about 50% failure which has resulted in big gaps which need fresh planting. The gaps should be filled up with broad leave hardy species like Robinia, Alnus, Poplar, Chuli, Ficus, Ailanthus, Celtis australis etc. Planting stock should be healthy and tall. Fencing is needed at many places. 600 to 800 plants per Ha. may be planted. All other operations are same as under new plantation. 1.2.3 Enrichment Planting Model: In areas where natural trees exist but their density is below 0.3, enrichment planting are undertaken. On an average, 500 to 600 plants per Ha. Are planned to be planted. Selection of species is done after thorough study of sites and the natural trees growing in the area. Mostly broad leaved species
Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1 are planted but at places Conifers are also be planted. 1.2.4 Irrigated Planting Model (Afforestation in Pooh & Spiti Sub Divisions): In cold desert areas i.e. Upper Kinnaur (Pooh Sub Division) and Spiti the plantation cannot survive without watering. At present vegetation is exists only along Nalas with perennial flow. New plantation is raised in areas where hand watering can be done with pipes. Water is stored in specially constructed tanks of about 50000 litres capacity i.e. having size of 7x5x1.5 meter. This costs about Rs. 1.5 lakhs. The species planted are mainly willow, poplar, sea buck thorn, wild rose etc. In Upper Kinnaur at suitable sites Neoza plantations are raised through irrigation. 1100 plants are planned to be planted per Ha. All other inter cultural operations are to be carried out. SPECIES RECOMMENDED VARIOUS ZONES:
FOR
Low Hills (Zone I): Khair, Kachnar, Shisham, Silver Oak, Bamboo, Anogeisus latifolia, Morus spp, Ficus spp, Terminalia spp, Amla, Mango Maharukh, Soap nut, Neem, Darek, Subabul, Siris. Mid Hills (Zone II): Chil, Ban Oak, Terminatia, Daru, Amla, Bamboo, Poplar, Beul, Silver Oak, Salix, Khirk, Kachnar, Terminalia species Maharukh, Toon, Ficus spp, Robinia, Simbal, Albizia Thinensis (Ohi) Morus spp.
5.1.3
High Hills- Cold Desert (Zone IV) Chilgoza, Robinia, Poplar, Salix, Khirk, Sea buck thorn.
1.3 Bamboo planting: Bamboo is versatile, strong and environment friendly material. It is the fastest growing woody plant on earth. It can be grown quickly and easily and sustainably harvested on 3 to 5 years cycle. It grows on marginal and degraded lands, elevated ground along field bunds and river banks. It adapts to most soil & climatic conditions. It acts as an excellent soil binder and effective carbon sink. It has multiple uses. Average yield is 10 tons per /Ha/year. In China well managed Bamboo plantations yield upto 50 tons per/Ha/year. 1.3.1 Cultivation: Bamboos are generally propagated vegetatively although they are best raised through seeds. Seedlings are raised in nursery beds and allowed to develop for a year in polypots after which they are transplanted in field. As Bamboo seeds are rarely available they are raised through rhizomes or culm cuttings. In rhizome planting one year old culms with roots are dug up, cut to about a metre high and planted during rainy season. While planting extra care should be taken not to injure the junction of culm and rhizome. Irrigation is necessary after planting. Planting is done at 4x4M spacing.
High Hills (Zone III) Deodar, Kail, Moru Oak, Walnut, Fir, Spruce, Kharsu Oak, Poplar Kosh, Kunish, Tut, Horse Chestnut, Moharukh.
Bamboo plantation
Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1
heavy pressure of grazing. The present level of production of most of these pastures is one fourth of their actual potential.
1.3.2 Nursery Technique: Seed is sown in germination beds during July - September. Germination takes place in 10 days. Transplant seedlings develop 3 to 5 leaves. 8 month old seedlings are separated into rhizome having root and shoot. Separated material is planted in 9” x 4” p bags. Plants will be ready for planting in July next year.
5.1.4
•
Low Lying Pastures:
Conditions like low lying pastures near village are worse. The pressure on these pastures is very acute and calls for urgent rehabilitation measures to restore their production status.
1.3.3 Harvesting & Yield: 1.4.1 Alpine Pastures: Harvesting can be done from fifth year onwards. However, commercial production harvesting should start from 6th year. In 6th year 6 culms per clump, in 7th year 7, 8th year 8 and so on till ninth year onwards 9 culms per clump will be harvested. One or 2 year old culms are left for regeneration. From ninth year onwards average yield is about 35 tonnes per ha.
Owing to traditional grazing rights of the graziers, it is difficult to restrict the number of animals grazing there. Thus the only alternative left is to increase the productivity.
1.3.4 Species: Most commonly planted species is Dendoroclamus strictus as it has ready market and grows in varied type of soil and Agro climatic conditions. However, for Agro forestry tall bamboo like Dendroclamus hamiltonic is most suited because of its fast growth and high return. This species thrives in deep fertile soil with very good moisture.
1.4 Improvement of pastures: Pastures are of two type viz. Alpine and Low lying. •
Alpine Pastures: Alpine pastures have their own significance in geographical, environmental and socio economic conditions of an area. They are spread over natural slopes and form considerable portion of the catchment area. They are the main source of forage/herbage for cattle, sheep and goats. Soil erosion is rampant in these areas due to continuous
The treatment consists of eradication of obnoxious weeds, application of some manure/fertilizer and strip sowing of improved grasses. The areas are protected with help of thorny bushes. If the rainwater is allowed to be retained in the area, recovery is quick. This is possible in areas having gentle to moderate slope. This is not satisfactory on loose and rough broken soil. i)
Water Spreading:
Grasslands may be improved by water spreading. The water from natural water courses should be directed to adjacent slopes where it can be spread on productive grass lands. Most common type of spreader is a small dam placed in water course with gradient ditches or terraces leading the water out to gentle slopes where it is released through openings in the ditches or terraces.
Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
5.1.5
Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1 ii) Reseeding: It is done by sowing of seed or by transplanting seedlings or vegetal segments. The primary handicap in reseeding is insufficient moisture in high mountains. If the rain water is allowed to retain in the soil, the recovery is quick. This is best obtained by means of contour farrows and ridges which are possible on gentle to moderately sloping areas. The best time of reseeding is July-August. Seeds should be sown on the contour. Small seeds should not be placed more than ½ inch deep and large seeds not deeper than 1 inch. 800 patches of 60 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm are prepared for grass sowing. Legumes should be introduced in the areas.
Bromus intermis, Lobium italicum, Poa pratensis, Festuca elatior, Phalaris tuberose. v) Legumes recommended: Phaseolus atropurpareus, trifolium pretense (Red Clover) T. resupinatum (Shaftal clover) T. repense (white clover) Medicago sativa (Lucern) Lupins. vi) Introduction of Fodder Trees: In areas having gentle to moderate slope, 50 fodder trees per Ha. may be planted in temperate zone upto 10000 ft. altitude. Species recommended are Poplar ciliata, Salix spp. Betula alnoides, quercus dilitata. vii) Soil and measures:
iii) Grass Species: a. Existing: Agrostis spp, Poa alpine, Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratensa, Festuca pratensis, Danthonia Chemyriana.
Water
Conservation
Some small check dams and vegetative barriers are needed in badly eroded areas. Species like Rosa macrophylla, Desmodium tiliaefolium and Indigofera pulchela is planted for vegetative barriers.
Rosa macrophylla 1.4.2 Low lying pasture: Phleum pratensa b. Species recommended Improvement:
for
Digitaria decumbens, Dactylis glomerata (Orchard grass), Festuca arundinaceau (Tall festucca). iv) Exotic species recommended:
The focus should be to produce more grass and leaf fodder under silvipastoral model. About 200 Fodder trees per Ha. are planted in addition to plantation of grass & legumes under the trees. The various measures to improve these grasslands are as under:i) Weed Control: Grasslands are often invaded by woody, semi woody or
Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
5.1.6
Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1 herbaceous plants of low fodder value, which even at times are dangerous to live stock-shrubs and tree sprouts can be best controlled by cutting weeds by mowing at proper time i.e. generally at time of bloom. ii) Control of noxious plants: Many areas have been invaded by noxious shrubs like lantana. It can be eradicated manually. iii) Fencing: Area may be properly fenced with 4 strands of barbed wire. Strategic points may be interlaced with thorny bushes. iv) Earth Work: Silvi- pastoral model is adopted for treatment. About 400 running meters of trenches of 30 x 30 cms. Size is dug per hectare. v) Sowing of grasses: Grass seed should be sown on berms of trenches. They can also be raised by seedlings. vi) Existing Grasses: Chrysopogan, Heteropogan, Cenchrus, Dicanthium etc. vii) Proposed Improved Grasses: Cenchrus ciliaris, C- setigerus, Chlorus gayana, Napier-bajra, hybrid (Panicum maximum) Guinea grass, Pennisetium spp. Setaria anceps, Napier Bajra Hybrid, Cynodon dactylon, Festuca spp can be propagated by cuttings and nursery raised seedlings easily.
viii) Legumes recommended: Neonotonia wightii, Macroptilium atropupureum, Macrotyloma ‘axi’llare, Leucaena leucocephala, stylosanthes hamata and S. Scabra. Legumes can be raised from seeds, cuttings or seedlings. ix) Fodder Trees recommended: Bauhinia variegate, Acer pictum, celtis australis, Grewia spp, Morus serrata, Devdroclamus strictus, Albizia lebbek, Robinia, Oaks, Toon, Darek, Anogeisus latefolia, Ficus spp, Terminalia, species, Poplar, Salix Albizia Odoratissima, Subabul. Trees are planted in intervening spaces of trenches dug for grass sowing. x) Soil & Measures:
Moisture
Conservation
Many areas are badly eroded with gullies and small nalas due to excessive biotic pressure and utter neglect over long period. Water goes waste as run off causing erosion. Measures to be adopted are as under: a. Ground Cover: A permanent Cover of grass is best way of preventing water loss. b. Terracing: This is the standard method practicable in hilly areas. Carefully designed benches following the contours of the land are formed. c. Water spreading: It is an interesting method of utilizing the rain water for improvement of grasslands. Water from natural water courses is directed to adjacent slopes where it can be spread on productive grass lands.
Cenchrus ciliaris d. Check dams: Check dams may be necessary on slopy lands Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1 where water erosion is active and causing gully formation. e. Vegetative barriers of species like Vitex negundu, Arundonax, desmodium, Robinea, Ficus, Willow, Poplar are useful.
5.1.7
1.5.1 Problems: Marketing is a major concern, with the middle man often reaping the greatest return from the wholesale price, with only comparatively small return to the Collector. The cultivation of medicinal plants is avoided by new farmers because of lack of training and market support. 1.5.2 Steps to increase productivity
Vitex negundu f.
Drainage: Land can be brought into productive pasture use by providing better drainage.
1.5 Raising of medicinal plants: Propagation of medicinal plants is an innovative land use strategy to address the livelihood issue of local people on sustainable basis as it provides alternative income generating activities. Moreover, this helps in unsitu conservation of medicinal plants, Medicinal herbs like Karoo, Dhoop, chora, Salam panja, Bankakri, Ratanjot, Nihani, Mushkwala, Dioscorea, Patish, Harar, Bahera, Amla, Reetha, Bacopa monierii (Brahmi), Tejpatta, Shingli, Mingli, Kasmal, Kakarsinghi, Banafsha, Kapoor, Kachri, Bellona Kalajeera, Rakhal, Gucchi, Kijth, Kashmiri Patta, Seski Thijith etc. are found and most of these are collected by local residents.
Productivity of NFTPS including medicinal plants could be increased by reducing shade of dominant species, reducing forest fires, avoid premature and un controlled harvesting and overgrazing, maintaining nurseries of N.F.T.P.S for supply to interested cultivators. Provision of extension services and development of possible and organized marketing channels. As women are the main collectors of medicinal plants, harvesting and marketing awareness programme should be directed at them. 1.5.3 Role of Forest Department: There is a considerable interest both in the cultivation of medicinal plants in Agro forestry systems and also in enriching the population of wild plants on forest land. Forest Department has been taking an increasing interest in naturally occurring medicinal plants found on forest land; but has not coordinated with Horticulture Department for the commercial production of selected species on private land as a further means of reducing pressure on the forests. Medicinal plants are an important component of NFTPS and their collection on forest land is regulated by the forest department. Over exploitation and the extinction of some species has necessitated the introduction and enforcement of regulations. Forest ranges are closed periodically and during closure no
Bacopa monierii Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1
5.1.8
permits for collection are issued by forest department. 1.5.4 Collections: The medicinal plants with high market value are sourced mainly from the alpine pasture, although some species are also found in lower tracts of Deodar forests. Generally sheep and goat herders having grazing rights in pastures collect these herbs and sell them to local merchants. Some other villagers also collect medicinal plants. Recently there has been an interest by pharmaceutical houses to engage farmers to produce medicinal plants under contract as a horticultural crop. NGOs are taking a greater interest in medicinal plants as a potential source of income. 1.5.5 Role of NGO: Lok Vigyan Kendra (LVK) an NGO body formed has developed a village programme to cultivate medicinal plants on degraded land in the Changar area. LVK seeks to assist the communities involved with processing and value addition. It also plans to help the participating communities with marketing of medicinal plants and possibly value added processing into ayurvedic products. LVK is interested in following plants because of ease of production and value in the market:Gloriosa superba, Rauwolfia serpentina, withania somnifera, Contrathrum anthelminticum, Aloe Vera, psoralea corilifolia, Mucuna prureins, chlorophytum- borivillianum, Abrus precatoricus, Lemon grass,Cucumalonga, Silybum marianum, Asparagus racemosus, and Plumbago Zeylanoca.
Silybum marianum 1.5.6 Plantation of NFTPS: Nearly 2000 plants per Ha. Are planned to be planted. Nursery raised plants are planted in patches (60 x 60 x20 cm). Area is demarcated, cleared of unwanted rank growth and fenced with 4 strands of barbed wire- Fence is interlaced with thorny bushes, obtained from the area. Earthwork is done well in advance. Planting is done with onset of summer monsoons. Weeding and hoeing is done 2 to 3 times. If necessary, cleaning may also be done. Some of the species which can be raised by sowing are- Aconitum, Swertia Chirayita, Viola serpens, Velorina wallichii. Species which can be raised by planting rhizomes areDioscorea deltoide, Podophyllum emodi, Velorena Wallichii. Viola serpens can also be raised through root suckers. 1.5.7 Aromatic grasses yielding plants:
and
oil
Aromatic grasses on sloppy lands have wide potential. Cymbopogom martini, Lemon grass, Lavender, Rosemary, Tajetus minor are recommended. 1.5.8 Medicinal Recommended:
Plants
Species
Zone I (Low Hills): Harar, Bahera, Amla, Reetha, Kasmal, Brahmi. Zone II (Mid Hills): Shingli, Mingli, Tejpattar, Kasmal, Morchella esculenta (Kakarsinghi), Banafsha Brahmi
Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1
Morchella esculenta Zone III (High Hills): Kapoor, Kachri, Bellona, Chora, Rakhal, Gucchi, Mushkabala, Bichli Buti Zone IV (Cold Desert): Patish, Dhoop, Salam panja, Salam Mishri, Karoo, Aphedra, kijth, Bankakri, Seski, Thijth Kashmal, Kashmiri patta.
1.6 Agro forestry: The problems of fuel wood, fodder and small timber have become so serious that there has arisen a need to evolve such systems that integrate Agriculture and forestry on the same unit of land so that the villagers are able to meet their day to day demand of fuel, fodder and small timber and thus further destruction of forests is stopped which helps in maintaining an ecological balance. Agro silvipastoral system is the most commonly encountered in Himalayas. In this system elements of perennial and annual crops are combined with animals or pastures. The crop/ trees/ livestock are typically found around homesteads. The practices like grazing of animals on fallow croplands, establishment and retention of fodder trees around fields and use of woody shrubs and hedges for mulch, browse, and green manure point to the multipurpose uses of this diverse system. However, with growing human and cattle population, the increasing pressure has been accompanied by a gradual depletion of tree crops from farmlands, and in turn this has increased pressure on forests to supply
5.1.9
these needs. The integrated approach to farming has largely disappeared in many areas and almost all indigenous trees which were once an integral part of the agroforestry system have been removed. Fuel wood was a major product of traditional agroforestry system, but today only 30% of this demand can be met from private lands, thus there is a huge gap in supply which can be met only by illicit removal from forests. The production of fodder is the other main output of Agro forestry systems. Maximum availability from fields is about 60% and the remainder has to be met with from forests. Trees also form the major source of green fodder during winter, when grass and other vegetation dry up. The following systems are recommended for Agro forestry in the areas. i) Need based System):
system:
(Agriculture
Under this system scattered trees are grown on farm bunds or on fallow land yielding fuel, fodder, small timber fibre, etc. This is most suitable for small land holding. Normally 50 to 100 trees are planted over an area of one Ha. ii) Economy based system Agricultural System):
(Horti-
This is the most dominant system prevalent and determines the land use parameters. The most common management system is the HortiAgricultural one, as either the fuel & fodder resources are available or may be made available through procurement, besides, the land holdings are comparatively large. The horticultural trees provide cash return to growers. In stone fruits and Apple producing zone, horticultural trees are dominant. In citrus producing zone, the Agricultural crops dominate. This system also represent an index of
Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1 optimum land use practices when the land holdings are more than one Ha, then in between the horticultural trees, cash crops like pea, cabbage, tomato, cauliflower, chilli beans and ginger are also grown along with cereal crops like wheat and maize. In bigger orchards (5-10 Ha or 2-5 Ha) the combination of fruits, crops and trees yielding fodder, fuel and timber is recommended. iii) Silvipastoral System (Environment based system): This system in the form of natural grass lands and pastures with or without trees is a consequence of the ecological succession is common in the region. The bio fertility of this system was once sustainable but has degraded now because of increased number of animals. Ghasnies which once sustained cattle grazing are also highly eroded and today only shrubs or euphorbias or other xerophytic species are observed here.
v)
5.1.10
Horti-silvi-pastoral system:
The packaging of horticultural produce is dependent on softwood for packaging. This system makes the farmers self sufficient for packaging fruits and conserve the ecosystem as a whole. Species recommended for Agro forestry in different zones: A)Low Hills (Zone I): Silver oak, Kachnar, Bamboo, Beul, Shisham, Shatoot, Wild fig, Harar, Bahera, Dheu, Siris, Amla, Ritha, Neem, Darek, Subabul, Moringa, Sesbania, Vitex, Agave. B) Mid Hills (ZoneII): Daru, Amla, Maggar, Poplar, Salix, Beul, Silver Oak, Khirak, Kachnar, Chuli, Darek, Maharukh, Toon, Wild fig, Robinia, Simbal, Ohi, Indigofera, Desmodium, Sesbania. C) High Hills (Zone III): Poplar, Kosh, Kunish, Maple, Tut, Horse Chestnut, Moru, Kharsu, Khanor, Indigofera, Robinia.
There is a great scope of improving the pastures by introducing improved grass species, legumes and fodder/fuel trees varying from 50 to 200 plants per ha. The dependence of local villagers and nomadic graziers on pasture cries for their urgent rehabilitation.
D) Cold Desert (Zone IV) Chilgoza, Robinia, Poplar, Willow, Khirk, Ephedra, Artimesia, Quercus ilex, Sea buck thorn.
iv)
Extension Needs:
Hedge row Intercropping System (Alley Cropping System):
It is land use cropping system where arable crops are grown in the interspaces between rows of fruit, fuel and fodder trees or woody shrubs. Woody species are pruned periodically during cropping season to prevent shading effect over annual crops, and branches and leaves remover are used as fodder, fuel or mulch. It helps in increasing over all fertility, particularly when leguminous trees are used. It is important in highlands with rolling topography and steep slopes which are brought under cultivation.
Efforts to popularize newer Agro forestry practices have mainly rested on extension activity. Extension had been limited largely to promoting Agro forestry models developed elsewhere and involving fast growing exotic species. Moreover economics of traditional agroforestry models have been inadequate. Women must be involved in a bigger way. The main requirements of the farmers are supply of good quality healthy plants at reasonable rates, technical knowhow through small leaflets in Hindi, economics of various models and guidance/ help in marketing of
Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1 produce. Farmers prefer hardy type of fruit species. Bamboo (Maggar) is very paying and should be encouraged. Harit Bilaspur programme may be tried in Sundernagar, Karsog and Ani Forest Divisions.
1.7 Participation of Stake Holders through incentive Scheme: Development projects are designed and implemented for the benefit of people. However, evidence shows that many a times development programmes, besides best efforts could not bring desired improvement. The main reason for this is lack of community participation in the planning and implementation of these programmes. Therefore, the most crucial aspect for sustaining and maintaining a development programme is to initiate community participation right from beginning. Effective joint forest management has to be developed for active involvement of the stakeholders. 1.7.1 Incentive Scheme: For protection of plantations involvement of beneficiaries is a must. Even best of the plantations get damaged due to grazing and browsing. To involve people in a real sense incentive scheme may be introduced. The incentive will be paid in cash for those sites where survival index is more than 66%. The incentive is used to provide social benefits to the village through a J.F.M. or Village Forest Committee or a Gram Panchayat. Only those villages will be given incentive that have an establishment and growth index of above 66% in case of plantations and complete protection of vegetative rehabilitation sites as assessed by Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. For calculating success index undamaged and surviving plant is taken as ‘I’ and browsed and surviving
5.1.11
plant as ‘0.5’ and dead or missing one as ‘0’. Rate of Cash incentive should be Rs. 250, Rs. 200, Rs. 150, Rs. 100, Rs. 50/- per ha at the end of 1st , 2nd, 3rd, 4th,5th year respectively. This payment is made under P.E.S (Payment for Environment Services) Scheme. This amount will form basis for village development funds to which villages may make matching contribution. The village forest committee in consultation with Project Management can spend this money for development works of common interest as approved by the Committee. This programme will go a long way in achieving people’s participation in the project activities. This has worked successfully in the afforestation of the Aravalis under the OBC project in the state of Haryana. 1.7.2 Costa Rica model: In Costa Rica Govt. has succeeded to increase the forest cover from about 27% to 55% by following a simple scheme. Farmers were compensated for maintaining trees on their land. Due to adequate compensation given for growing trees, farmers adopted alternative locations. They are getting fixed income for their forest cover from Govt. and also making income from alternative vocation. In our country Govt. spend crores on afforestation without involving farmers. If portion of that money is paid directly to farmers, they could take better care of trees on their land. In this region large numbers of farmers have abandoned their fields due to reasons like damage by wild animals to their crops. It is proposed that Himachal Pradesh Government should pay some fixed amount of about Rs. 3000/- per acre per annum to farmers for maintaining green cover on their private land which should be afforested by Government under some scheme. Monitoring and evaluation should be carried out by a Committee headed by Forest Official every year. Compensation should be paid directly
Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1 to farmers. The ownership of trees should remain with farmers. Trees should be allowed to fell under 10 year felling programme. It goes without saying that forest cover cannot be increased without active participation of land owners.
1.8 Introduction Technologies:
of
verim compost pits increased or decreased
5.1.12 can
be
x) Most popular varieties of earthworm used are Eisena foetida and Lumbricas rubellus.
Modern
1.8.1 Vermi Compost: Use of Vermi Compost may be made for fertilization particularly in nurseries. It may also be used to boost the growth of plants.
Vermicomposting pits
Brief method of making Vermi Compost is given below:-
Precautionary Measures for preparing Vermi compost:
i)
Pit of 1.8m x 0.6m x 0.9m (L&W can be changed but height should not be more than 0.9m. Pit should be covered.
i)
Temperature 15 to 30째C, humidity 55 to 60% and value 6.5 to 7 should be maintained inside the pit.
ii) Place a thick layer 5-7 cm of good porous soil
ii)
Earthworms should not be fed with metals, foils, plastics, chemicals, oils, solvents, insecticides, soap, paints, medicines, rubber, glass and poisonous plants etc.
iii) Place a thick layer of 5 to 7 cm of small dry stones or concrete at the bottom; iv) Provide a thick layer of 15 to 20 cm of dung
iii) Earthworms should be protected from snakes, birds, lizards, ants, rats, frogs and other animals
v) Pour 500 to 1000 1mx1mx0.3m size pit
iv) Fresh warm dung should not be used in pit
worms
in
vi) Fill the pit with organic biodegradable wastes, which should not be more than 2 inches thick in size vii) Cover the pit with dry leaves and provide regular watering to moist the pits viii) Vermi compost is ready within 45 to 60 days depending upon the season and the type of raw material used ix) Depending upon the availability of area and raw material number of
v)
Regular maintenance of Vermi Compost farmhouse is essential.
1.8.2 Bio Fertilizers: Seedlings raised in the nursery, under favourable nutrient and water regime often exhibit microbial deficiency and such seedlings when transplanted in the field fail to establish, leading to plantation failures, particularly on problematic or stress sites. Many tree species need these beneficial microbes such as Rhizobium, Frankia and Mychorrhiza, commonly known as bio fertilizers.
Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1 i.RhizobiumIt is rhizobium which lives in the roots of leguminous trees and fixes nitrogen for the plant. Seedlings with Rhizobium are healthier and grow better. It is needed for Shisham, Acacias, Albizias, Prosopis, Seshbania etc. Use of Rhizobium is species specific and has to make sure the use of right kind of Rhizobium is sold as fine black powder packed in plastic bags and must be stored in cool and dry place. ii. Frankia: It is another microbe that can fix nitrogen. It is found in roots of species like Casuarina spp in form of brownish red coloured 1 to 5 cm diameter nodules which are still solid and firm. Remove the nodules and dry them in shade, pound them to dry powder and store in plastic bags under dry and cool conditions. iii.Mychorrhiza: Most of the tropical species develop symbiotic relationship with fungi. The vesicular arbuscular mychorrhiza (VAM) fungi are widely distributed in all types of soils. VAM association help the plants in increased nutrient uptake VAM also increases plant resistance to harsh conditions such as drought, frost and soil acidity. VAM applications have been observed to increase the growth and development of plants substantially. Also VAM inoculated plants exhibit much better survival. The innoculum of the VAM consists of rizosphere soil, root bits and spores, which are cultured in the root zone of plants in sand and soil mixture. Inoculation Method:
5.1.13
covered with black powder. The seeds should be sown immediately. Seedling Inoculation: Mix 1.5 teaspoons of rhizobium powder with 10 litres of water in rose can and water these seedlings. This solution can inoculate 10,000 seedlings. To avoid settling of rhizobium keep stirring. To inoculate Alnus spp mix 2 table spoons of Frankia in water in a rose can and water the seedlings. Always keep on shaking the mixture. The inoculation of seedling with VAM is done all around the root zone of seedlings in a 4 to 6 cm deep circle. About 10 gm of innoculum is used per seedling. Watering is done immediately after inoculation. Sometimes seeds are sown directly on the innoculum so that the roots get infected before transplanting. 1.8.3 Production of clonal plants: In order to improve the productivity clonal technology is a viable option. Clonal plants have higher production rate due to genetic quality. One of the most successful clonal plantation projects in India is based on populus delloides (Poplar. Clones in irrigated plains of Punjab, Haryana, U.P and Uttarakhand, where up to 50 cum/ha/year yields have been achieved. Similarly substantial gains in yield of Eucalyptus have been achieved in many parts of India through clonal plants. Clonal technology: Superior trees established after field trials are cloned commercially through rooting of its juvenile coppice cuttings in controlled conditions in mist chamber (80 to 90% humidity and 28o to 30o c temperature).
Seed Inoculation: After seed pretreatment discard the water and mix 1 Clonal seedling production: or 2 table spoons of cooking oil and Area: - For producing 1 lakh saplings some of rhizobium powder with the annually, 1 Ha area is needed. seed. Mix thoroughly so that seed gets Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
Volume I: Part I: Section 5: Chapter1 Location: i)
immediately kept inside the shade house for hardening purpose for 2 to 3 weeks.
Having plenty supply of water
ii) Site to be sunny i.e. shade free, iii) Good permeability drainage
and
5.1.14
site
iv) Free from dampness and disease v) Protected from wind. Power Supply: uninterrupted power supply required, if not available power back up is a must. Mist Chamber: It is covered with ultra violet stabilized poly carbonate sheets. Floor should be pacca with proper slope. Misting nozzles should be 5 to 6 ft. above the branches inside the mist chamber, which should discharge about 25 to 30 litres of water per hour. Cooling system and heating system containing exhaust fans and hot blowers respectively are essential. Temperature should be maintained between 32 to 36oC and humidity at 80 to 90% which is ideal for rooting of cuttings. Cuttings are placed inside the mist chamber for 30 to 45 days. Maintenance of Mist Chamber: Before shifting cuttings inside the Mist Chamber check all the electronic gadgets and leakages. Clean motor filters, pad line, misting nozzles etc. and then fumigate all root trainers properly and this process should be repeated every 4 to 5 days- check all appliances regularly. The temperature of mist chamber is maintained at 33,34,35,36 during 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th week respectively.
Open Area: It is open nursery with sprinkler system for hardening the plants. Plants are kept here for hardening for 3 to 6 months before transporting to planting site. Hedge Garden/ Vegetative multiplication Garden (VMG): The clonal seedling bank is called VMG and is defined as collection of superior genotypes, which are hedged to get the juvenile shoots for continuous supply of cuttings. It has to be as close as possible to the mist chamber. For 100 sq.m mist chamber 1500 plants of tested clones could be accommodated to its maximum capacity. 2 to 3 year old clonal plants are hedged during dormant season (Dec-Jan). Hedge plants should be irrigated frequently. Stock plants should be pruned regularly to maintain height of 10-12 cm from ground level. The stumps of hedged plants should be coated with a mixture of red lead and linseed oil (1 gm in 1250 ml) or 1 gm copper carbonate and 1 gm lead in one litre blue copper to protect from fungal attack- while taking juvenile shoots one shoot must be left to grow.
Shade house: It consists of tubular structure covered with nylon net offering 50 to 75% shade. The floor is kept kaccha. Hanging nozzles for frequent irrigation should be fitted inside the shade house. It is also called hardening chamber as the plants after taking out from mist chamber are Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin