Pinus Roxburghii Research Articles

Influence of canopy cover on vegetation in P. roxburghii sarg (chir-pine) dominated forests in Uttarakhand Himalaya, India.

Increasing anthropogenic pressure and dependence on plant products have led to widespread exploitation of natural forests in the Uttaranchal Himalaya. The present study was carried out to study the influence of canopy cover on tree, shrub and herb vegetation. For this three different canopy types, open canopy (<30%, cover), moderate canopy (30-60%, cover) and close canopy (>60%, cover) were identified in Pinus roxburghii (chir-pine) dominated forests. The study area is located between 290 20’and 290 30’ N latitude and 790 23’ and 790 42’ E longitude between 1350-2000m elevations in Uttarakhand a newly created hill state. Total tree density was high in close canopy sites basal area was greater in open canopy sites. Total shrub density varied from 26107 to 28560 shrub/ha. It was maximum for open canopy sites and minimum for moderate canopy sites. Total shrubs cover varied from 45.8 to 50.6%. Shrubs cover was maximum for moderate canopy sites and minimum for open canopy sites. Herbs density was greater in open canopy and total herbs cover was greater in close canopy. Tree and shrub diversity was high in close canopy sites and herbs diversity in open canopy sites.

Assessment of Above Ground Carbon Stock in Trees of Ponda Watershed, Rajouri (J&K)

Forest sequesters large terrestrial carbon which is stored in the biomass of tree and plays a key role in reducing atmospheric carbon. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to assess the growing stock, above ground biomass and carbon in trees of Ponda watershed of Rajouri district (J&K). IRS-P6 LISS-III satellite data of October 2010 was used for preparation of land use/land cover map and forest density map of the study area by visual interpretation. The growing stock estimation was done for the study area as well as for the sample plots laid in forest and agriculture fields. The growing stock and biomass of trees were estimated using species specific volume equations and using specific gravity of wood, respectively. The total growing stock in the study area was estimated to be <TEX>$0.25million\;m^3$</TEX> which varied between <TEX>$85.94m^3/ha$</TEX> in open pine to <TEX>$11.58m^3/ha$</TEX> in degraded pine forest. However in agriculture area, growing stock volume density of <TEX>$14.85m^3/ha$</TEX> was recorded. Similarly, out of the total biomass (0.012 million tons) and carbon (0.056 million tons) in the study area, open pine forest accounted for the highest values of 43.74 t/ha and 19.68 t/ha and lowest values of 5.68 t/ha and 2.55 t/ha, respectively for the degraded pine forest. The biomass and carbon density in agriculture area obtained was 5.49 t/ha and 2.47 t/ha, respectively. In all the three forest classes Pinus roxburghii showed highest average values of growing stock volume density, biomass and carbon.

Potential of pine needles for PLA‐based composites

The article describes the mechanical properties of biodegradable composites. The composites were made using biodegradable plastics like polylactic acid reinforced with Pinus roxburghii needles. The composites were characterized by their tensile strength, flexural strength, Rockwell hardness, thermal stability, and FTIR analysis as well as morphological and water absorption behavior. The composites possessed high tensile and flexural strength on addition of 8.77% fibers. The tensile and flexural strength increased 1.7 and 3.5 times, respectively, in comparison to virgin PLA. Biodegradation studies revealed that the composites have the capability to degrade in the natural environment. These results reveal that pine needles can be prospective candidates for use in natural fiber‐reinforced polymer composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1339–1349, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Enhancing durability of adobe by natural reinforcement for propagating sustainable mud housing

Abstract Low durability and compressive strength of adobe blocks leads to frequent maintenance problem associated with rural house wall construction. This forms the main reason of abandonment of vernacular mud housing building technology in rural areas today. The present paper presents an attempt to improve upon the low durability of adobe blocks by addition of natural reinforcement of Grewia Optiva and Pinus Roxburghii which otherwise are treated as waste material in rural areas. Experimental investigations were carried out for cylindrical and cubical stabilized and unstabilized soil samples. Durability tests conducted included wetting and drying test, water absorption and expansion test, sponge water absorption test, spray test, total absorption test, and water strength coefficient tests carried out as per Indian standards and international research. Results indicated that durability of stabilized soil samples increases by 72% and 68% for fibers of Grewia Optiva and Pinus Roxburghii as compared with unstabilized soil samples. The results recommend that fibers of Grewia Optiva and Pinus Roxburghii can be advantageously added in adobe blocks for improving durability. This would propagate durable mud housing on a large scale thereby reducing housing shortage especially in developing countries, economizing use of natural resources, reducing energy consumption during manufacturing of modern construction materials and most importantly provide sustainable way of living.

Variability studies for needle and wood traits of different half sib progenies of Pinus roxburghii Sargent.

Genetic variability studies for needle and wood traits were carried out for the different half sib progenies of Chir pine, raised in 1985 at the main campus of University. There existed a significant variation for these traits among the different half sib progenies, viz., needle length (18.1-24.6cm), needle thickness (0.53-0.71mm), number of stomata per mm of a row (7.3-12.0), specific gravity of wood (0.36-0.46), tracheid length (1.51-1.85) and moisture content of wood (47.76-58.81). This variability was found under genetic control, as all these progenies are growing under same environment, and are of same age. Traits having high heritability and genetic gain like, needle thickness, wood specific gravity, tracheid length and others, indicate high genetic control. This variability can be exploited in tree improvement programs through selection and breeding approaches for development of advanced generations. Correlation studies for different traits at genotypic and phenotypic levels provided the basic knowledge of association to chalk out efficient breeding strategy for higher productivity through indirect selection.

Evaluating the impacts of forest fire on the vegetation of sub-tropical Chir pine forest in district Mansehra, Pakistan

Evaluating the impacts of forest fire on the vegetation of sub-tropical Chir pine forest in district Mansehra, Pakistan

Performance Evaluation of Throatless Gasifier Using Pine Needles as a Feedstock for Power Generation

This paper deals with the performance evaluation of a throatless gasifier TG-SI-10E. Evaluation of the throatless gasifier was done in three streams, which were the thermal, design and economic aspects. It was tested with pine needles, derived from the Himalayan chir pine (Pinus roxburghii). A non-isokinetic sampling technique was used for measuring the tar and dust contents. The carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emission at the exhaust of engine was in the range of 12.8% and 0.1-0.5% respectively. The maximum temperature of producer gas measured at the outlet of the gasifier was 505 °C. The specific biomass consumption rate of pine needles was calculated to be 1.595 kg/kWh (electrical). Specific gasification rate for the given design was found to be 107 kg/m2h. Economic evaluation was based on direct tax incidence.

Spatio-temporal land use/land cover analysis of Murree using remote sensing and GIS

Land use land cover (LULC) patterns are significantly effecting the urban/rural spaces in the encompassing areas. Murree being tourist resort is always under pressure of tourists from all over the country. The population increase in peak season of tourism in summer season and extreme winter, causes a tremendous growth and expansion of urban area of Murree. So a relic of blue pine forest and Chir pine forest is expected to undergo tremendous change and to undergo expansion or degradation depending upon the tourist’s behavior. The present study uses Multi-Temporal Landsat (TM and ETM+ for year 1998, 2003, 2005, 2010) images to detect LULC change in Murree due to the enhanced activities of ecotourism. Change detection of three tourist hotspots of Murree region including Murree Mall, Bhurban and Patriata was evaluated through Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC) algorithm. The urban expansion has impacted the land use, as it has increased from 57.37% to 69.10%. Result indicates that the Built-up area have increased by 11.73%, reserve forest by 8.11% while grassland and dense natural forest decreases by 7.50 and 12.37 percent respectively. The results provided the better knowledge and understanding of former and current spatial dynamics of LULC change in Murree region along with its ecotourism hotspots.

Pinus roxburghii stand dynamics at a heavily impacted site in Nepal: Research through an educational fieldweek

The fieldweek associated with the 4th Asian Dendrochronological Association Conference was an excellent opportunity for education, networking, and research. The participants and group leaders worked together for five days in an area that was new to some of the group leaders and new to some of the participants which enabled us to learn about forest ecology around Kathmandu and Nagarkot, Nepal. The fieldweek was an excellent networking opportunity and the group leaders and participants bonded which strengthened international research in dendrochronology and continues to foster new research collaborations. All of the group leaders and participants had the opportunity to learn about tree-ring formation in Pinus roxburghii at 1500masl elevation, to explore its wood anatomy, and to examine specific research questions in our field area. In the end we developed a better understanding of the stand-age structure of a stand of trees in Nagarkot, explored the erosion history from exposed roots, and investigated tree health issues on closely related sites. We found that P. roxburghii poses some dating issues with false and micro rings at this elevation, but we were still able to develop a tree-ring chronology from this species and make preliminary assessments of stand dynamics and health.

Performance of Mucuna prurience under Chirpine (Pinus roxburghii) Plantation of Mid Hills of Western Himalayas

The performance of Mucuna pruriens under Pinus roxburghii (Chir pine) plantation has been studied for consecutive two years to assess the growth and yield for its commercial exploitation and conservation. It was grown on three topographical aspects viz Northern, North western and Western at a spacing of 30 cm x 30 cm, followed by three tillage depths viz minimum (0 cm), Medium (up to 10 cm) and deep tillage (up to 15 cm). The growth parameters viz. vine length, leaf area and leaf area index were statistically not affected by topographical aspects and tillage practices during harvesting stage in both understorey and open conditions. Higher yield was observed in crop growing in open conditions than understorey of Chir pine. However on the basis of positive Net returns Mucuna pruriens, under agroforestry system, seems to prove its economic viability as the gross returns was higher than the cost of cultivation. Hence Mucuna pruriens can be suggested as potential intercropping for developing Pinus roxburghii based silvi- medicinal system which will help utilizing an unutilized part of land and increase total productivity from such lands besides conservation of the species.

Land Use Change at Sub-Watershed Level

Land Use and Land Cover Change (LULCC) is a major driver of environmental problems like water pollution, decreased soil quality, and natural resource scarcity. Measuring LULCC is necessary to better understand the present condition of watersheds. Time series LULCC mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), high-resolution imagery, and field data collection are effective methods for examining LULCC trends. The Mahadev Khola watershed in Bhaktapur, Nepal, acts as a primary source of drinking water for people living within the Bhaktapur municipalitywhich is dominated by forest at higher elevations and agricultural lands and settlements at lower elevations. The purpose of this study was to observe LULCC dynamics within the Mahadev Khola watershed to better understand the social and environmental problems that can arise in consequence. Time series land use maps were created and analyzed using GIS methods. Responses from a survey of local people, as well as interviews from selected key stakeholders, contribute insight into how past scenarios of land use have influenced-and have been influenced by-LULCC. Significant changes in land use were quantified between 2005 and 2014. Results suggest that in this period, total forest area decreased by 6.25%, cultivation area decreased by 14.28% and settlements increased by 156.25%. Survey and interview responses suggest that much of this change is due to agricultural intensification and an increase in chemical fertilizer and pesticide use. Increased agricultural inputs have increased the potential for river and water pollution and long term soil degradation. Urban expansion and development have led to the contamination of rivers with sewage and solid waste, which has increased health risks for local communities. Although total forest area has increased, the species composition has changed-now primarily dominated by Pinus roxburghii. The result of this is a decrease in river water discharge and increase in soil and water acidity. The results of this study are timely and important for analyzing the dynamics between LULCC and watersheds in order to improve future management efforts in Nepal and the Eastern Himalayan region of South Asia.

Effect of Microwave treatment on longitudinal air permeability and preservative uptake characteristics of chir pine wood

Low permeability of many wood species due to their anatomical properties causes problems during timber drying as well as impregnating with preservatives and resins. Microwave (MW) treatment influences heartwood permeability and improves preservative uptake and distribution. In the present study, microwave treatment of chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) wood was done at 2,45 GHz frequency at different level of intensity and radiation time. The gas permeability of chir pine wood was measured in an in-house built apparatus. Preservative uptake was tested using acid copper chromate (ACC) preservative by a dipping process. The effect of radiation intensity and time on preservative uptake and air permeability were studied. The results revealed remarkable increase in longitudinal wood air permeability and preservative uptake with the increase of intensity and time of treatment. The results indicate that this technology can be tested and applied on pilot scale for application in wood preservation industry.

Riparian Phytodiversity Status of Pristine Bhilangana Valley of Garhwal Himalaya: An Undocumented Retrospective Hitherto

The present study was conducted for quantitative and qualitative characteristics of floristic diversity at the species level along environmental gradients of major and minor streams of the Bhilangana River in the Tehri District of Garhwal Himalaya. The stratified random sampling design was used for the study purpose. A total of 150 nested quadrats each with a size of 20 m×20 m for tree species and within each major plot, 5 m×5 m and 1 m×1 m sub plots were nested for shrubs and herbaceous species respectively. A total of 212 plant species belonging to 158 genera and 87 families were recorded. On the basis of important value index (IVI), Pinus roxburghii, Rhododendron arboreum, Quercus leucotricophora, Quercus semecarpifolia and Lyonia ovalifolia were dominant tree species within the entire basin area along the stream courses. The Shannon index and Simpson index values recorded for trees, shrubs and herbs were 2.64 (0.13), 1.04 (0.87) and 4.25 (0.019) respectively. This study provides comprehensive information on the species diversity of different vegetation life forms in the riparian zone of the Bhilangana valley.

Integration of Andrographis paniculata as Potential Medicinal Plant in Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) Plantation of North-Western Himalaya.

The integration of Andrographis paniculata under Pinus roxburghii (Chir pine) plantation has been studied to evaluate the growth and yield for its economic viability and conservation. It was grown on three topographical aspects, namely, northern, north-western, and western, at a spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm, followed by three tillage depths, namely, minimum (0 cm), medium (up to 10 cm), and deep (up to 15 cm) tillage. The growth parameters, namely, plant height and number of branches per plant, were recorded as significantly higher on western aspect and lowest on northern aspect except for leaf area index which was found nonsignificant. However under all tillage practices all the growth parameters in both understorey and open conditions were found to be nonsignificant except for plant height which was found to be significantly highest under deep tillage and lowest under minimum tillage. The study of net returns for Andrographis paniculata revealed that it had positive average annual returns even in understorey conditions which indicate its possible economic viability under integration of Chir pine plantations. Hence net returns can be enhanced by integrating Andrographis paniculata and this silvimedicinal system can be suggested which will help utilizing an unutilized part of land and increase total productivity from such lands besides conservation of the A. paniculata in situ.

A preliminary study of the ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with banj oak and chir pine in the Garhwal Himalaya, India

A preliminary study of the ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with banj oak and chir pine in the Garhwal Himalaya, India

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Potential of Pinus roxburghii Bark Extract in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

In the present study we investigated the possible anti-diabetic potential of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. in alloxan induced diabetic rat. Diabetes was induced in rats by injecting them with alloxan (120 mg/kg body weight). Control rats were either healthy untreated, or diabetes induced untreated rats which only received distilled water. The acute effect of ethanol extract was evaluated by administering 100, 300, 500 mg/kg body weight p.o. to normoglycemic rats. In the chronic model, the ethanol extract was administered to normal and alloxan-induced-diabetic rats at dose of 100, 300, 500 mg/kg body weight p.o. per day for 21 days. Blood glucose levels and body weights were monitored at specific intervals and different biochemical parameters were also carried out. The statistical data indicated the significant (p<0.01) increase in the body weight and decrease in the blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin levels, total cholesterol and serum triglycerides. HDL cholesterol level was significantly (p<0.01) increased when treated with the extract. Quercetin isolated from the bark of plant showed α-amylase inhibitory activity .Hence, it can be concluded that antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of ethanol extract of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. Bark may be due to the presence of phytoconstituents like flavanoids.

Ecofriendly phyto-pharmacological approach in Pinus roxburghii Sargent: a Plant review

Ecofriendly phyto-pharmacological approach in <i>Pinus roxburghii</i> Sargent: a Plant review

Plant Diversity and Floristic Composition of Three Forest Types in Mata Vaishno Devi Forest of Jammu and Kashmir, Western Himalaya, India

An investigation was carried out to study the plant diversity and floristic composition on three forest types namely, mixed - broadleaved forest (800-1000m), Pinus roxburghii forest (1400-1600m) and Quercus leucotrichophora forest (2000-2200m) in Mata Vaishno Devi forest of J and K, Western Himalaya. Total 58 families, 102 genera and 116 species were recorded in three forests along the altitudes. Mixed- broadleaved forest represented a total of 29 families with 42 genera and 48 species. Pinus roxburghii forest was comprised of 30 families with 44 genera and 45 species while Quercus leucotrichophora forest also represented 30 families with 41 genera and 42 species. It revealed almost similar number of families and genera with little variation in number of species at different forests along altitudes. Cassia fistula, Acacia catechu, Acacia modesta, Bauhinia variegata, and Dalbergia sissoo were the dominant tree species in mixed- broadleaved forest at lower altitude, Pinus roxburghii and Bauhinia variegata were dominant in Pinus roxburghii forest at middle altitude and Quercus leucotrichophora, and Rhododendron arboreum were the dominant tree species in Quercus leucotrichophora forest at upper altitude. Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Poaceae, Acanthaceae, Lamiacaea, Mimosaceae, Rosaceae, Urticaceae were the dominant families which were present in all the forest types along altitudes. Maximum numbers of species were characterized by clumped distribution. Stand density was higher in Pinus roxburghii forest whereas richness and diversity were higher in the mixed-broadleaf forests.

Individual tree basal area growth models for Chir pine (Pinus roxberghii Sarg.) in western Nepal

The individual tree growth models are important decision-making tools in forestry. Age dependent and age independent individual tree basal area growth models were developed for Chir pine ( Pinus roxberghii Sarg.) in one of the western districts, Rukum district, in Nepal. Data from thirty-five destructively sampled trees, which were representative of all possible stand densities, site productivities, age classes, and size classes of Chir pine forests in the district, were used. Sample trees were felled and diameters and ages were measured on the cut surface of the stump (at 30 cm above the ground). Since measurements from the same stump of a tree were strongly correlated, the autoregressive error structure modelling approach was applied while specifying the model in order to reduce bias. All parameter estimates of the models were significant ( P 0.86). Residual graphs showed no serious systematic bias for all observed age classes and diameter classes. The age independent growth model showed relatively better fit statistics ( R 2 = 0.8751, RMSE = 4.8494) than

Fuelwood consumption of dhabas (temporary hotels) along an altitudinal gradient in a pilgrim and tourist affected protected area of western Himalaya

ABSTRACTThe present study was carried out in a remote area of the Indian Himalayas to assess the biomass use patterns of dhabas (temporary hotels) along an altitudinal gradient in a pilgrimage and tourism affected protected area. The dhaba owners extensively collect fuelwood for various purposes such as cooking, boiling water, and space heating. The study examined factors affecting and resulting from fuelwood usage and collection—including preferred species, gathering patterns, emissions of green house gases due to combustion, and ecological parameters such as density and total basal cover. Open- and close-ended questionnaires were used for interviews with the study subjects. Firewood was reported as the only available energy source in the area. The average fuelwood consumption at three altitudinal sites was 19 kg dhaba−1 day−1 at Site I (1,500–2,000 m asl), 26.62 kg dhaba−1 day−1 at Site II (2,000–2,500 m asl), and 16.74 kg dhaba−1 day−1 at Site III (2,500–3,600 m asl). The five most preferred species for firewood reported by the respondents were: Alnus nepalensis, Lyonia ovalifolia, Quercus floribunda, Pinus roxburghii, and Rhododendron arboreum. The present findings could be used as a baseline for developing various conservation and sustainability measures for protected areas influenced by human populations.