Influence of sowing time and crop geometry on carbon sequestration pattern through high value medicinal plant Valeriana jatamansi underforest ecosystem

Abstract

The current study was carried out in lava range (Kalimpong Block II) of forest of Darjeeling Himalayaduring the year 2010–14 under the aegis of Regional Research Station (Hill Zone), Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalay with an altitude of 1550 m a.s.l.Main objectiveof this experiment was to increase the soil carbon pool with improved cultivation aspect of Valeriana jatamansi - A high value threatened medicinal plant of Darjeeling Himalaya. Significantly more sequestration of carbon registered with June transplanting at 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 month stage with spacing of 30 × 45 cm.Assimilation of total underground part on fresh weight basis produced noteworthy response at 12 and 18 month stageof Juneplanting. Utmost underground carbon storage was recorded with 30 × 45 cm, and was at par with the spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm. Date of transplanting failed to produce any significant effect on carbon storage through rhizome biomass at all the stage of observation, except at 9, 21 and 24 month stage where July transplanting produced significantly more assimilation of carbon compared to June transplanting of seedlings. More underground carbon accumulation through rhizome production was recorded with maximum spacing, and was at par with 30 cm × 30 cm spacing at 12, 15, 18 and 21 month stage. More root carbon assimilation was recorded with June transplanting with 30 cm × 30 cm and 30 cm × 45 cm spacing. We can conclude that early planting (i.e. first week of June planting) along with wider spacing (30 cm × 45 cm) of Valeriana jatamansi gave more biomass yield, which help to more confiscation of atmospheric carbon. This has benefit with respect to soil fertility, increased income, increased carbon stock, reduced vulnerability, increased productivity and help to reduced impact of climate change on forest microhabitate.