Schima Wallichii Research Articles

Plant Extract-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Anticancer Potentials

Five plant extracts (Ardisia argentea, Aegiceras corniculatum, Polycarpaea corymbosa, Maesa perlaria, and Schima wallichii) were utilized as reducing agents in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through a green route. As the reducing power and total content of phenolic compounds in the extract increased, the absorbance of the surface plasmon resonance of the resulting AgNPs also increased. The characteristic surface plasmon resonance was clearly observed at 400∼500 nm. The AgNPs were spherical, as shown by field emission transmission electron microscopy images, with an average size between 10.4±0.3 nm and 22.2±0.8 nm. The cytotoxicity in A549 (lung cancer) and HeLa (cervical cancer) cells increased in a dose-dependent manner. Specifically, at the highest dose, the AgNPs synthesized with the A. corniculatum extract exhibited the highest cytotoxicity and induced high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Interestingly, it was observed that smaller AgNPs tended to generate higher levels of ROS. Cell death was clearly observed in the treatment with the AgNPs. A G2/M phase arrest occurred in cell cycle analysis, which induced cell death. The results obtained herein support the potential of natural product-mediated synthesis of AgNPs as a promising anticancer nanomedicine.

Photocatalytic degradation of chlorpyrifos using Fe-doped ZnO/activated carbon nanocomposite

The present research reports the synthesis of Iron-Zinc oxide nanocomposite supported on activated carbon synthesised from Schima wallichii biomass. The nanocomposite was produced using a hydrothermal process and its physicochemical characterization was carried out using several analytical methods such as Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR), Photoluminescence (PL), UV–Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) and BET analyser. The prepared material was assessed for its degradation efficiency on chlorpyrifos (CPs) under visible light irradiation. The photocatalyst demonstrated optimal conditions achieving 98 % CPs degradation with 0.05 g catalyst dosage, 150 ppm initial concentration, 60-min of irradiation, and pH 2. Furthermore, recycling studies indicated the material's promising reusability, maintaining 62.7 % efficiency even after multiple cycles.

Population Structure and Regeneration Status of Tree Species in Eastern Himalaya, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal

The study provides information on the tree diversity, stand structure, and regeneration pattern of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Tree diversity and its relation to habitat have been explored using 88 plots with dimensions of 50 × 20 m. A survey of 8.8 ha of the study area was conducted during the fieldwork. Plants with a circumference of 30 cm and above were enumerated as trees, while plants with a circumference between 30–10 cm were considered juveniles (saplings and seedlings). A total of 1677 tree individuals belonging to 67 genera of 43 families were recorded. Five species - Shorea robusta, Schima wallichii, Acer oblongum, Magnolia pterocarpa and Ficus benghalensis contributed to the maximum stand density and species richness. The total stand density per hectare was recorded as 2160 individuals/ha, with a total basal area of 8.86 m²/ha. The regeneration status has been evaluated as ‘Good’, with 4336 regenerating individuals/ha recorded during the study. Diversity indices were calculated: Shannon-Weiner index was 3.607, Simpson dominance index was 0.937, Margalef index was 11.45, and evenness was 0.428.

Tree root-mediated soil metabolome in agroforestry enhancing the growth and quality of Panax notoginseng

Abstract Purpose The ecological cultivation of Panax notoginseng under a forest canopy relies on the coupling of the P. notoginseng growth environment and the forest ecosystem Methods In this study, six tree species, such as Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco, were chosen to research the effects of species interactions on the growth, quality, and disease occurrence under intercropping with P. notoginseng, with single P. notoginseng serving as the control. Results Intercropping P. notoginseng with PO (Platycladus orientalis, a coniferous tree species) or with SW (Schima wallichii Choisy, a broad-leaved tree species) promoted the accumulation of P. notoginseng biomass, reduced the occurrence of root rot, improved the contents of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in P. notoginseng, and increased the saponin concentration. Then, 43 differentially abundant metabolites were screened in the P. notoginseng-tree intercropping system by soil metabolism analysis and compared with those in the monocropped system. Indole-3-carboxaldehyde showed a significant negative relationship with the occurrence of root rot disease and inhibited Fusarium oxysporum. In addition, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid was significantly positively correlated with biomass and increased the dry weight in the underground part of P. notoginseng in the pot experiments. Conclusions Thus, the coniferous tree species PO and the broad-leaved tree species SW are potentially good neighbours of P. notoginseng, and soil metabolic changes may be important mechanisms for the growth and disease resistance benefits observed in the understorey of P. notoginseng.

Antiparasitic activity of the steroid-rich extract of Schima wallichii against poultry cestode.

Schima wallichii Korth., commonly known as the needlewood tree (family Theaceae) has therapeutic uses in traditional Mizo medicine for human helminthiasis and serves as a balm against ectoparasites in animals. Although the medicinal properties have been studied experimentally, its use as a traditional anthelmintic remains unexplored. This study aimed to analyze the chemical components and antiparasitic activity of S. wallichii. The chemical analysis of S. wallichi bark extracts was conducted focusing on the secondary metabolites using petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the specific compounds. An anthelmintic susceptibility test was carried out against Raillietina tetragona, intestinal cestode parasite of fowl. The methanol extract yielded the highest concentrations of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, sterols, saponins, and tannins among all the extracts. Sterols were the most abundant compounds in all extracts, with flavonoids being absent. Secondary metabolites were largely absent in the petroleum ether and chloroform extracts. The GC-MS data identified cholest-22-ene-21-ol as the major steroid component. The cestode parasite was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the plant extract. The plant extract's anthelmintic activity was evident through observable damage to the parasite's outer structure. Phytosterols in S. wallichii bark are responsible for its anthelmintic properties. The mechanism and pharmaceutical properties of the anthelmintic molecule require further exploration.

Soil organic carbon fractionation, carbon index, and microbial activity under different agroforestry systems in North Eastern Himalayas, India.

The potential of soil organic carbon fractions for agroforestry systems (AFSs) is not well understood. Five distinct AFSs were tested for its impact on soil organic carbon fractionation, carbon index, and microbial activity in North Eastern Himalayas, India. The mean labile carbon (LC) ranged from 4.55 to 5.43kg soil-1 across the land use systems. Napier system observed the lowest very labile carbon (VLC) 12.36kg soil-1 in 60-75-cm depth. The mean non labile carbon (NLC) ranged from 15.67 to 16.83gkg soil-1 across the land use. Highest less labile carbon (LLC) was observed in agri-horti-silviculture (AHS) followed by agri-silvi-horticulture (ASH) land use system. The black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis land use recorded higher lability index (1.66) followed by maize + Schima wallichii (1.65) in 0-15-cm depth. Among the different land use systems, carbon pool index increased in all the depths over buckwheat + mandarin. The mean carbon management index (CMI) value ranged from 167.02 to 210.12 among the land use system. The mean CMI was highest in black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis (210.12) followed by soybean + Ficus hookerii + guava (191.56), maize + Schima wallichii (281.71), and lowest in buckwheat + mandarin (167.02). Among the AFSs, black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis showed greater amount of carbon pool index, lability index, and carbon management index and, hence, considered the best sustainable agroforestry system to sequester more carbon in the Sikkim Himalaya. Such system also retained more different organic carbon fractions. The mean CMI value ranged from 167.02 to 210.12 among AFSs. Acid phosphatase activity was more during the rainy season followed by winter and summer season. Similar trends were followed by the urease activity in all the three seasons. Overall conclusion from this investigation is that SOC fractions, carbon index, and microbial activity levels are strongly influenced by the prevailing agroforestry systems.

Patterns of forest community diversity, regeneration potential and carbon storages along an altitudinal gradient in Eastern Himalaya, India

This study showed changing patterns in the plant species composition, diversity, and carbon storage potential of different forests along altitudinal gradients (i.e. 100 – 1900 m) in Eastern Himalayan India. Different tree, shrub and herb species were sampled along the altitudinal gradients ranging from tropical to temperate forests through Nested Plot design. In each forest, vegetation sampling was made by establishing a permanent plot of 250 m × 250 m as per ISRO-GBP/NCP-VCP protocol. Individuals of trees ≥10 cm girth at breast height (GBH), shrubs and herbs were recorded in 4, 8 and 16 subplots of 31.62 m × 31.62 m, 5 m × 5 m and 1 m × 1 m, respectively. Community attributes such as species richness, density, basal area, diversity indices and biomass and carbon storages were computed for each study site. A total of 5 forest communities (2 each from tropical and subtropical and one from temperate forest) were identified. The woody species diversity was highest in the subtropical forest followed by tropical and temperate forest. Altitude played an important role in the Eastern Himalayan Mountains in the establishment and distribution of forest community. Forest community composition changes with elevation, for instance, the dominant communities like Dipterocarpus retusus–Phoebe goalparensis–Schima wallichii (D-P-S), Gmelina arborea–Schima wallichii-Duabanga grandiflora (G-S-D), Schima wallichii–Duabanga grandiflora–Alstonia scholaris (S-D-A), Alstonia scholaris–Terminalia myriocarpa–Bischofia javanica (A-T-B) and Acer thomsonii–Rhodendron arboreum–Quercus lamellose (A-R-Q) were present at elevational ranges of 100–300 m, 300–700 m, 700–1100 m, 1100–1500 m and 1500–1900 m, respectively. The study showed that about 41–57% of the tree species exhibited good regeneration followed by 23–30% as fair, 6–16% as poor, and 6–21% species did not show regeneration along the altitudinal gradient. The total biomass carbon (Mg C ha−1) varied from 84.74 to 163.56 in tropical, 103.12 – 156.41 in subtropical and 133.05 in temperate forest. In conclusion, community composition, regeneration pattern and biomass carbon storage changes along altitude because of altered biophysical characteristics. However, despite variations in elevation, factors for forest disturbance at different altitudes significantly contributed to the community attributes and overall accumulation of biomass carbon. Hence, the traditional management practices carried out by local communities also play a crucial role in shaping the structure, composition, and carbon dynamics of forest ecosystems. Understanding the impacts of these practices is essential for promoting sustainable forest management by conserving forests and preserving carbon stocks for mitigating climate change in future. This study emphasizes the importance of long-term forest monitoring to promote biodiversity conservation and formulate conservation strategies that support sustainable forest management policies to which ensure continuous provision of ecosystem services in the region.

“GC-MS profiling, sub-acute toxicity study and total phenolic and flavonoid content analysis of methanolic leaf extract of Schima wallichii (D.C.) Korth-a traditional antidiabetic medicinal plant”

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSchima wallichii (D.C.) Korth is traditionally used in Manipur, India for treatment of diabetes and hypertension. However, there is no data reported regarding safety profile of this medicinal plant upon repeated per oral administration over a period of time. Aim of the studyIn the current study phytochemical profile, toxicological profile and total phenolic and flavonoid compound content of Schima wallichii leaves extract were evaluated. Materials and methodsGas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was performed for chemical profiling by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), Shimadzu, TQ8040 system. A 28 days sub-acute toxicity study was carried out using albino Wistar rats by administering 3 different doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight per oral) of methanol leaves extract. Changes in body weights were recorded weekly. Serum biochemical parameters were estimated as well as blood-cell count was done to check the effect of extract on haematopoietic system. Histopathology of vital organs viz. kidney, heart, brain, liver was performed to find any pathological indications. Since, liver is main the site for xenobiotic metabolism, estimation of the level of glutathione, catalase and lipid peroxidation were done. Further, total phenolic and flavonoid compound content estimation was performed for the leaves extract. ResultsGC-MS revealed 14 major compounds with area percentage >1% of which quinic acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, (Z,Z,Z)-, Octatriacontyl trifluoroacetate, are three major compounds. No mortality was observed after the treatment with extract. Blood-cell count and biochemical parameters didn't show significant deviation as compared to control group. Histopathology study of vital organs viz. (liver, kidney, heart and brain) showed normal cellular construction comparing to control group. There was no sign of membrane lipid peroxidation, depletion of catalase level and glutathione level in liver. The result demonstrates that NOAEL (no-observed-adverse-effect levels) in the sub-acute toxicity was above 800 mg/kg. The leaves extract showed significant total phenol and flavonoid content. ConclusionThe present study revealed that Schima wallichii possessed important bioactive compounds with therapeutic values. The plant was safe for consumption after repeated high doses administration in rats and possesses significant amount of total phenol and flavonoid content.

Planting patterns in rubber agroforestry (Hevea brasiliensis) developed by the communities of Menggala Mas Village, Lampung Province, Indonesia

Abstract The agroforestry system provides important economic and ecological benefits for local communities, one of which is obtained from the application of planting patterns and plants species in it. This research aims to explain the planting pattern of rubber agroforestry developed by the community in Menggala Mas Village, Lampung Province, Indonesia. The approach in this research is qualitative. Data collection methods included observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. The planting patterns of agroforestry system on their rubber plants were analysed. The research results showed that there are three agroforestry planting patterns implemented by the community, namely, alley cropping, trees along border and random mixture. The dominant combinations in alley cropping were rubber/karet (Hevea brasiliensis) – pulai (Alstonia scholaris) and rubber–mentru (Schima wallichii) – kayu afrika (Maesopsis eminii). The dominant combinations in trees along border were rubber–akasia (Acacia auriculiformis), rubber–jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) – cempedak (Artocarpus integer) and rubber–petai (Parkia speciosa) – jati (Tectona grandis). The dominant combinations in the random mixture were rubber–jengkol (Pithecellobium lobatum), rubber–petai–jengkol–akasia, rubber–jackfruit–cempedak, rubber–pulai–mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia L.) – jengkol and rubber–banana (Musa paradisiaca) – gadung (Dioscorea hispida) – sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack). Forty-one plant species were found. The local community wants to develop this planting pattern because the rubber agroforestry planting pattern can provide direct and indirect benefits such as a greater variety of plants which can increase their income; also, the products can be sold or consumed by the family, as a fence, fire break or barrier to other farmers’ land, can provide shade to reduce hot temperatures when farmers are working, and can reduce the risk of flooding and soil erosion to support soil and water conservation within the ‘Omou’ (garden/forest). The government and agricultural extension workers need to carry out regular guidance and outreach programmes regarding rubber agroforestry development strategies to increase public knowledge.

Efficacy of Plant Extracts against Aphid <i>Lipaphis erysimi</i> (Kalt) in Brown Mustard <i>Brassica juncea</i> L

Brown mustard is one of the widely consumed leafy vegetables in Sikkim, India. The present investigation was an effort to find out an alternative approach to control aphid incidence organically, by using locally available plant extracts with high spray efficacy on mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (kalt) in the organic state of Sikkim. The experiment included six plant extracts viz. Schima wallichii, Datura stramonium, Athyrium filix-femina, Piper betle, Alnus nepalensis and Artemisia vulgaris along with cow urine and neem oil at two concentrations. Results revealed that maximum reduction in incidence was observed with Schima wallichii @5%. Growth, yield and quality components were also found to be significantly superior in the treatment with S. wallichii.

Adsorption of Crystal Violet with Magnetic Graphene Oxide Nano Adsorbent Synthesized from <i>Schima wallichii</i> Wood

The textile industry continues to experience production developments to reach a target for the country's economic development. The increase in production leads to an increase in the amount of waste generated. Dyes such as crystal violet (CV) in textile wastewater are toxic and difficult to remove by conventional treatment. Adsorption with nano adsorbent has been widely researched and developed to remove dyes in the environment because it has various advantages. Magnetic graphene oxide (GO-Fe3O4) as a006E adsorbent has been widely studied because it has a large surface area, strong chemical bonds and is easily separated from the aqueous phase. Puspa (Schima wallichii) wood has the potential to be used as a natural source of graphite. The characterization of the adsorbent was tested with FTIR, SEM-EDS, and BET. The equilibrium time for the adsorption process was 20 min, while the optimum adsorbent dose was 0.04 g. Adsorption isotherm and kinetics analysis showed that CV adsorption using MGO followed Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models, respectively. Thermodynamic studies displayed that the CV adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous. The results of this study suggested that the adsorption of CV using GO-Fe3O4 nano adsorbent from S. wallichii wood proceeds by chemisorption and physisorption.

Diversity of Wood Plants and Its Utilization as a Learning Source

This study aimed to determine the types of wood that used in the manufacture of a wooden house with knock down system and its benefits as a learning resource. The wooden house of knock down model is a potential local culture of the South Sumatra region which adapts the shape of the traditional house model in South Sumatra. The method was a qualitative descriptive method with data collection techniques through literature studies and interviews. The results showed that there were four types of wood used in the manufacture of disassembled wooden houses namely, Kulim (Scorodocarpus torneensis Becc.), Merawan (Hopea mengarawan Miq.), Meranti Payo (Shorea palembanica Miq.), and Seru or puspa (Schima wallichii (D.C.) Korth). The results of the study could be used as an alternative learning resources to facilitate students in studying and understanding biodiversity material in class X SMA/MA.

Importance of Bamboo for Immediate Earthquake Recovery: A Study from Nepal

This study was conducted in four districts of Nepal, Sindhupalchok, Gorkha, West Rukum and Jajarkot. It analyzed the importance of bamboo in immediate earthquake response and recovery. A total of 464 respondents were sampled from four districts struck by earthquakes. 83% of the households had bamboos on their own land, as well as trees such as Pinus spp., Castanopsis spp. and Schima wallichii. 85% of the households used bamboo for pillars, poles, and other supporting materials to hold and adjust roofing and wall materials during the time of the disasters. Moreover, 96% households believed that bamboos were highly useful and thus significant during the time of disasters such as earthquakes. People were aware of the importance of bamboo for coping with disasters; however, they were lacking appropriate knowledge about the socio-economic and environmental significance of bamboo species due to limited knowledge and research.

Exploring the Potency of Medicinal Plants in Central Nepal's Highlands: A Comprehensive Analysis of Antioxidant, Antibacterial Properties, and Toxicity

The current research study aimed to assess the antibacterial, antioxidant, and toxicity effectiveness of eight locally accessible medicinal plants found in the Kavre District of Nepal: Schima wallichii, Woodfordia fruticosa, Cuscuta reflexa, Bombax ceiba, Drymaria diandra, Psidium guajava, Myrica esculenta, and Urtica dioica. Plant extracts were prepared in absolute methanol. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of basic classes of secondary plant metabolites; saponin, sterol, , tannin, quinone, alkaloids, terpenoids, reducing sugar, protein, cardiac glycoside and carbohydrate was carried out. Further, antimicrobial activities, free radical scavenging potential, and toxicity bioassays of the crude extracts were performed. The basic secondary metabolites were detected in all plant extracts. Among the studied plants, W. fructicosa, S. wallichi, M. esculenta, and P. guajava showed noteworthy antimicrobial activities against inspected pathogens. A significant 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was found in P. guajava, M. esculenta, B. ceiba, W. fructicosa, and U. dioca. Likewise, the highest toxicity potential was observed in C. reflexa followed by U. dioca, B. ceiba, and S. wallichi against Artemia salina. These signifies the potential of plant extracts in herbal medicine. Further work on screening of other biochemical properties will enhance the potential of these plant extracts in modern phytotherapy.

Studi Populasi dan Distribusi Palahlar (Dipterocarpus hasseltii Blume) di Resort Gunung Salak I, Taman Nasional Gunung Halimun Salak

Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) is a conservation area that a habitat for rare and protected flora and fauna. Palahlar (Dipterocarpus hasseltii Blume) is a rare plant species found in the GHSNP area with an endangered species and had declining population trend. This study aimed to analyze habitat conditions, population and distribution patterns of D. hasseltii at Gunung Salak I Resort of GHSNP. Data were collected by purposive sampling method based on the presence of D. hasseltii. Vegetation analysis used the grid-lined method of 5 lanes measuring @ 100 m × 20 m, so that the total area of the observation plots was 1 ha. The observation plots were dominated by puspa (Schima wallichii), which had the highest Importance Value Index (IVI) at the seedlings (26,80%), saplings (24,04%), and trees (53,86%). The regeneration rate of D. hasseltii, showed an abnormal condition, because the number of seedlings was less than the number of saplings. A total of 28 individuals of D. hasseltii were found at the observation plots consisted of 4 individual seedlings, 15 individual saplings, 3 individual poles, and 6 individual trees. The results showed that the distribution pattern of D. hasseltii was clustered.
 Keywords: Dipterocarpus hasseltii, endangered species, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, palahlar

Unveiling Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITKs) Using Different Available Plants by the Local People of South Sikkim, India

Northeast India is biologically diverse regions, among which the South Sikkim district possesses unique rural landscapes enhanced with endless waves of farming areas and terraced hills. Within this region, three main indigenous groups—Nepali, Lepcha and Bhutia—coexist, contributing to the cultural diversity. Over the years, these communities have cultivated a traditional knowledge based on which they are greatly dependant on diverse plant resources for both protective measures and medicinal practices. These traditional practices encourages a strong local knowledge base. These practices include local plants namely utis (Alnus nepalensis), chilauni (Schima wallichii), wild fern, titepati (Artemisia vulgaris) and many more. However, despite the rich diversity of these cultural practices connected with nature, there is a lack of detailed exploration and documentation for better understanding traditional practices and ethno-medicinal knowledge upheld by these communities. The absence of such documentation underscores a significant gap in our understanding of their cultural heritage, as these ITKs can be further integrated with science to make contribution for adaptive management to many environmental and health issues. Therefore, this study is conducted with the aim to unreveal the potential of these traditional practices and ethno-medicinal knowledge preserve among the diverse communities of South Sikkim, which can help to shed light on their cultural heritage and to recognize their invaluable contributions.

Assessment of Carbon Sequestration in Private Forests across Two Different Physiographic Regions of Nepal: Implications for Conservation and Climate Change Mitigation

Private forests offer diverse ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation, which are crucial for Nepal. However, there is a notable absence of comprehensive research on these services. Assessing carbon sequestration in private forests can have economic advantages for forest owners by promoting resource conservation and contributing to greenhouse gas reduction. This study aims to estimate and compare carbon stocks in private forests located in two distinct physiographic regions of Nepal while also identifying the factors influencing these carbon stocks. The analysis focuses on 16 private forests (with 0.1 to 0.5 hectares) each from Chitwan district (Terai region) and Kavrepalanchok district (Hilly region). Field data collection involved direct measurements of tree and sapling diameter at breast height (DBH), as well as height and class of trees and poles, utilizing a total enumeration method. These collected values were utilized to calculate aboveground biomass (AGTB), aboveground sapling biomass (AGSB), belowground biomass, and carbon stock. Private forests of Terai region were dominated by Shorea borneensis, Tectona grandis, and Dalbergia sissoo, whereas the Hilly region was dominated by Pinus patula, Alnus nepalensis, Schima wallichii, and Quercus leucotrichophora. The aboveground biomass carbon in the Terai region’s private forests was estimated to be 83.53 t·ha−1, while in the Hilly region, it was 37.32 t·ha−1. The belowground biomass carbon in the Terai region’s private forests was found to be 21.72 t·ha−1, compared to 9.70 t·ha−1 in the Hilly region. Consequently, the estimated total carbon stock in the Terai and Hilly regions’ private forests was 105.25 t·ha−1 (386.26 t·ha−1 CO2-eq) and 47.02 t·ha−1 (172.57 t·ha−1 CO2-eq), respectively. Carbon sequestration in the Terai region’s private forests was discovered to be 2.24 times higher than that in the Hilly region. These findings underscore the significant potential of private forests, which can generate economic benefits through carbon trading and leverage mechanisms such as REDD+/CDM to promote sustainable conservation practices.

Early Growth of Seven Local Tree Species In The Reclamation Area of PT Bara Tabang

Revegetation of post-mining land with local species has been carried out by coal mining companies in East Kalimantan. However, the information about plant species that can adapt to post-mining land environments is still limited. Therefore, PT Bara Tabang, as a coal mining company, has established a demonstration plot for planting local species in post-coal mining areas. The purpose is to add information on local species that can adapt to the post-mining environment. There were 7 species planted, that is Vitex pinnata, Syzygium polyanthum, Schima wallichii, Shorea balangeran, Melaleuca cajuputi, Syzygium sp., and Hopea mengarawan. 100 plants were planted for each species with the addition of 1 kg of compost for each plant. Observations for six months showed that the survival rate of local species was still above 90%, except for H. mengerawan that only 13%. The species of plants that showed the best growth in height and diameter at 6 months of age were M. leucadendron with 8.08 cm and 0.16 cm respectively. Sc. wallichii showed the lowest growth in height and diameter of 1.60 cm and 0.05 cm respectively at 6 months of age.

Stability of organic carbon pools and sequestration potential as affected under different agroforestry systems

There are few data on the possibility of soil organic carbon sequestration for agroforestry systems (AFSs). Rarely are the effects of AFSs established for the regeneration of carbon in degraded soils of the Indian North Eastern Himalayas (susceptible to soil erosion, carbon and nutrient loss) examined. The effects of five different AFSs on the stability of organic carbon pools and sequestration potential were evaluated at the ICAR-Sikkim Centre. Black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis had the lowest bulk density at all depths. The highest oxidizable carbon was observed in the black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis system, followed by soybean + Ficus hookerii + guava, maize + Schima wallichii, and soybean + Ficus hookerii + guava, followed by Napier. Regardless of soil depth, the buckwheat + mandarin system had a noticeably lower SOC than the other systems. The total soil organic carbon gradually decreased with increasing depth of the soil profile. According to the results, there was little difference in the total active carbon pool in the 0–90 cm depth among the various systems; however, when compared with Buckwheat + Mandarin, it varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05). The mean passive carbon pool in soils ranged from 22.4 to 25.1 Mg ha−1 across the land use in the 0–90 cm depth. The least soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was observed during the winter season in all systems at different soil depths. The maximum MBC was recorded at 0 to 15 cm depth (476.2 – 302.5 µg dry soil−1). By simultaneously cultivating kinds of trees with several uses and agri-horticultural crops, a large-scale adoption of AFSs may replace carbon lost via the development of the crop in degraded soils and offer a viable choice for livelihood.

Utilization of Pinus kesiya and Schima wallichii Biomass-Derived Activated Carbon for Methylene Blue Removal: Adsorption Performance and Mechanistic Insights

Utilization of Pinus kesiya and Schima wallichii Biomass-Derived Activated Carbon for Methylene Blue Removal: Adsorption Performance and Mechanistic Insights