Spiti Valley Research Articles

Formation of tributary junction fans of Spiti Valley cold desert, NW Himalaya: morphometric analysis of geomorphology and influencing factors

ABSTRACT Morphometric analysis of previously unresearched tributary junction fans (TJFs) of the Spiti valley cold desert, India, was conducted to understand the factors influencing their development. An integrated remote sensing and field approach was employed, including the development of multi-method morphometric indices viz. fan conicality (FCI), sweep angle (SA ), fan width-to-length ratio (W/L), feeder stream-order and valley floor width-to-height ratio (Vf ). Such TJFs, which are the most suitable cultivation and settlement sites in this region, were found to be largely polygenic and planimetrically confined, with many being multi-staged in terms of their development. The results of morphometric analyses reveal that the TJFs are relatively smaller but steeper than their counterparts in other settings, with high relative topographic confinement causing the construction of smaller and steeper fans. The competence of the feeder stream, along with associated processes, notably influences fan morphology using differential sediment transporting capacity. TJFs created by more competent streams are less steep, more influenced by topographic confinement and more vulnerable to truncation by the trunk stream. Furthermore, tectonically induced base-level fall and resultant downcutting in confined environments have caused the formation of truncated, multi-staged and entrenched fans and are primarily responsible for coupling between TJF catchments and trunk stream in the study area.

On a Botanical Tour to Lahul and Spiti (Punjab Himalayas)

This paper gives an account of the vegetation covering the area from Rohtang Pass to Shitikar ; of the Lahul and Spiti valley which the author visited in 1961. Collections made from Manali and Koti are also included in list of enumeration of plants.

Identification of hepatitis B virus genotypes detected in Lahaul & Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

Infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) results in acute or chronic hepatitis. Based on sequence differences of eight per cent or more, HBV is divided into 10 genotypes (A to J) and 35 sub-genotypes. Molecular characterization of the circulating HBV genome has helped in understanding the epidemiology and its clinical importance. Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh, which shares its border with Tibet, is one of the most HBV prevalent areas in India. Since information about the circulating genotype/s of HBV in this area is limited, this study was conducted to identify the circulating HBV genotypes. The surface and partial reverse transcriptase gene regions were sequenced using 14 hepatitis B surface antigen-positive samples. Out of the 14 hepatitis B surface antigen-positive samples 11 sample gave quality sequence for further analysis. All the 11 samples belonged to subtype ayw2. The phylogenetic and recombination analysis revealed that five out of 11 samples were of genotype CD1 and the rest six were of genotype D3. The CD1 recombinant sub-genotype might have immigrated during past or present transcontinental migration between the adjacent countries. Further studies using full-genome sequencing and high sample size will be helpful to understand this epidemiology and to combat the high prevalence of HBV in the area.

Traditional usage of plant resources in Ethnoveterinary practices in Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh, Northwestern Himalayas India

Background: To best of our knowledge it is first quantitative study of ethnoveterinary practices from Spiti valley of Northwestern Himalayas. Spiti valley lies in cold arid zone of Himachal Pradesh and most of the high-altitude villages in this region remains cut off from rest of the world during a major part of the year (November-May). Methods: A total of 48 respondents, 45-80 years old and including farmers, shepherds, housewives and herbalists familiar with livestock problems and use of conventional recipes, were interviewed and their responses recorded in detail. The data was analyzed by using three different quantitative indices viz. Use value (UV), Informant consensus factor (ICF) and Fidelity level (FL %). Results: A total of 26 species were used in ethnoveterinary practices, distributed among 17 families and 25 genera. The UV was found to be highest in Brassica campestris (UV=0.95) followed by Lactuca macrorhiza (UV=0.62). The FL was found to be highest (100%) in Bunium persicum, Oxytropis lapponica, Sassurea bractaeta, Lactuca macrorhiza and Cousinia thomsonii for its use in treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, wound healing, neck sore, as a galactagogue and for the treatment of local swellings. Highest ICF was found in case of anestrus, animal bite followed by galactagogue. Conclusion: Study concluded that 26 plant species used in ethnoveterinary practices to cure the various ailments. Scientific validation of different plant species with high UV and FL should be conducted in future for the optimum utilization of these species in animal health care. Keywords: Amchis, Cold desert, Ethnoveterinary, Medicinal plants, Spiti valley

Landscape use and co-occurrence pattern of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and its prey species in the fragile ecosystem of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh.

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the high mountain ecosystem by regulating prey populations and maintaining plant community structure. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the role of the snow leopard and its interaction with prey species. Further, elucidating landscape use and co-occurrence of snow leopard and its prey species can be used to assess the differential use of habitat, allowing them to coexist. We used camera trapping and sign survey to study the interactions of snow leopard and its prey species (Siberian Ibex- Capra sibrica and Blue sheep-Pseudois nayaur) in the Spiti valley Himachal Pradesh. Using the occupancy modelling, we examined whether these prey and predator species occur together more or less frequently than would be expected by chance. To understand this, we have used ten covariates considering the ecology of the studied species. Our results suggest habitat covariates, such as LULC16 (barren area), LULC10 (grassland), ASP (aspect), SLP (slope) and DW (distance to water), are important drivers of habitat use for the snow leopard as well as its prey species. Furthermore, we found that the snow leopard detection probability was high if the site was used by its prey species, i.e., ibex and blue sheep. Whereas, in the case of the prey species, the probability of detection was low when the predator (snow leopard) was present and detected. Besides this, our results suggested that both species were less likely to detect together than expected if they were independent (Snow leopard—Ibex, Delta = 0.29, and snow leopard—blue sheep, Delta = 0.28, both the values are <1, i.e., avoidance). Moreover, despite the predation pressure, the differential anti-predation habitat selection and restriction of temporal activities by the prey species when snow leopard is present allows them to co-exist. Therefore, considering the strong link between the habitat use by the snow leopard and its prey species, it is imperative to generate quantitative long-term data on predator-prey densities and the population dynamics of its prey species in the landscape.

Geologic, Geomorphologic, and Climatic Preparatory Conditions for the Evolution of the Dangkhar Landslide, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract With an estimated volume of approximately 15 to 20 km3, the Dangkhar landslide located in the Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh, India, is one of the largest landslides on earth. Its initiation is geochronologically constrained to have occurred during the late Pleistocene and may be related to glacial retreat following local last glacial maximum, which, depending on the source, occurred around 80 to 30 ka years ago. There is significant value in understanding the causative factors contributing to such an enormous and rare event. On the basis of comprehensive field studies and laboratory investigations, it is concluded that erosional, structural, and depositional features within and surroundings of the Dangkhar landslide are critical for understanding landslide initiation and its long-term behavior. The landslide developed as a block slide along a synformal flexure, and through-cutting lateral valleys fulfill the kinematic conditions for creating a massive removable block of earth. Deposits of weakly cemented and crudely bedded carbonate breccias in the landslide’s toe region represent depositional activity during recession of the main valley glacier, and cross-cutting structural relationships involving ground ruptures (lineaments) and rock glaciers in the head region record long-term, ongoing landslide deformations subsequent to its initiation. Stable isotope signatures of samples indicate presence of freshwater associated with the formation of breccia deposits. While many details concerning the timing and development of the Dangkhar landslide remain unknown, recent studies illuminate some very important aspects. The glacial history of the Spiti valley combined with structural kinematics are clearly important factors concerning landslide development. Also important are constraints concerning the minimum age of landslide initiation after recession of a valley glacier, and structural evidence documenting long-term ongoing slope deformations.

Socioeconomic status and livestock scenario of Spiti valley of Western Himalayas

Livestock rearing plays a cogent role in the economy of Himachal Pradesh, as it contributes about 28-30% ofthe total value of agricultural produce. In the study area, the majority of livestock farmers belonged to marginalcategory and were rearing sheep, goat, local cattle, Churu and Yak for their sustenance. The literacy rate in the areawas highest in semi-medium farmers followed by small and marginal farmers. Study revealed that contribution oflivestock sector to the gross farmer’s income was highest in case of marginal farmers. In the study area, inadequateexposure to improved breeding practices, scarcity of green fodder and poor marketing facilities were themajor constraints in livestock production. The majority of farmers in this region were adopting modern veterinarymedicines/vaccines for the treatment of their livestock; however, ethnoveterinary practices are still in progress.In the light of results obtained, it can be concluded that the socio-economic status of the livestock farmers in thealpine area of Lahaul and Spiti is appreciable, though there are multiple constraints in livestock production practiceswhich directly affect the animal health and thus the farmers livelihood.

Re–Os and Sr Isotopic Study of Permian–Triassic Sedimentary Rocks from the Himalaya: Shale Chronology and Carbonate Diagenesis

Sedimentary rocks from the Himalayas are well-preserved archives of the Neo-Tethys oceanic conditions. In this contribution, Re–Os isotopic systematics of black shales from the Gungri Formation, Spiti valley and siltstones from the Khunamuh Formation, Guryul Ravine have been investigated to constrain their depositional ages. The Re–Os isochron for the Gungri shales yields a depositional age of 255 ± 22 Ma (2σ; n = 8; MSWD (Mean Square Weighted Deviation) = 5.7), consistent with available biostratigraphic information. The initial 187Os/188Os ratio (0.60 ± 0.13) is similar to that reported for the Late Permian shales, indicating the connection of the Neo-Tethys with the global ocean. In contrast, the Re–Os systematic is found to be non-isochronous for the Guryul Ravine section, a proximal site with a strong influence of seismic/Tsunami events. Global compilation of 187Re/188Os ratios in Late Permian shales and bathymetric distribution of the Re/Os ratios point to strong role of Re/Os uptake by macroalgae, in addition to oceanic pH and redox state, in regulating the Re–Os systematic in shales. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios for the Induan carbonates from the Spiti (0.71551–0.71837) are higher than to that expected for the Lower Triassic ocean (~0.707). Co-variations of Sr and 87Sr/86Sr with Mn concentrations establish the diagenetic alteration of these carbonates.

Grazing and climate change have site‐dependent interactive effects on vegetation in Asian montane rangelands

Abstract Climate over Asian montane rangelands is changing faster than the global average, posing serious threats to the future of the region's livestock‐based economies and cultures. Effects of climate change on rangeland vegetation likely depend on grazing by herbivores but the potential responses of vegetation to such changes in climate and grazing regimes remain unclear. We examined vegetation responses to experimentally simulated climate change (warming, drought and increased rainfall) and grazing (clipping vegetation) between 2015 and 2018 at two mountain rangeland sites: Spiti valley, in the Indian Trans‐Himalaya and Tost, in the Gobi‐Altai Mountains in Mongolia. Clipping and climate change manipulations interactively reduced vegetation cover and biomass but did not affect species richness. Treatment effects and their interactions varied between sites. In ungrazed plots, vegetation cover and biomass declined sharply in response to warming (18%–35%) and drought (20%–50%) at the two sites, and, surprisingly also declined slightly in response to increased rainfall (20%) at Tost. While the effects of climate treatments were largely similar in the grazed and ungrazed plots in Tost, they were larger in the ungrazed plots in Spiti. The decline in vegetation cover was driven by a decline in the cover of both forbs and grasses. In combination, grazing and warming (Tost) or drought (Spiti) had sub‐additive effects, that is, the decrease in vegetation cover in response to grazing and warming/drought was less than the sum of their independent effects but greater than the effect of either manipulation alone. Of the two, warming had a greater effect than drought at the more arid site (Tost), whereas drought had a larger effect at the more mesic site (Spiti). Synthesis and applications. Our findings show that future changes in climate, including just over 1°C of warming, could undermine the sustainability of pastoral economies and the persistence of wildlife across Asian montane rangelands. Furthermore, grazing by herbivores will play an important role in mediating rangeland responses to climate change; thus, pasture management in concert with local pastoralists will be crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on rangelands, pastoral livelihoods and wildlife populations.

Qualitative characteristics analysis of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don (Seabuckthorn) populations in Himachal Pradesh

To determine the variation among different populations and growing plants for qualitative characteristics of plant, leaves, thorns, fruits (berries) and seeds, five female plants of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don at each site were selected at the time of fruit set i.e., during August-September, when male and female could be differentiated. The selected plants were used for the assessment the qualitative variation of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don in Spiti valley and Baspa valley. Variation in qualitative traits of different sites of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don within and between different populations were studied. All the qualitative characters showed significant variation among and between different populations. Based on qualitative characters of different population of different sites, the population of Badseri and Kupa sites were found more promising for growth habit, plant vigour, density of shoot, number of thorns and length of thorns. Due to tremendous variability in population, the population can be used for future variability approaches and breeding programmes and for preparation of DUS guidelines of this species. It is suggested that for further propagation programmes, genepools from Sangla should be used and it can be planted on wastelands to develop grazing areas for sheep and goats and harvesting of fruits for Seabuckthorn value addition chain.

Major ion chemistry and atmospheric CO2 consumption deduced from the Batal glacier, Lahaul–Spiti valley, Western Himalaya, India

This study mainly focuses on the source identification of various ions in meltwater and estimation of CO2 consumption rate by chemical weathering in the Batal glacier basin on the basis of 2 years of study (2015 and 2017). The glacier meltwater has been monitored as slightly acidic in nature having mean pH value of 6.6. Ca2+ was observed as the most dominant cation contributing about 76% of TZ+ (total cations), whereas SO42− was observed as the most dominant anion contributing about 70% of TZ− (total anions) in the stream meltwater. High ratios of (Ca + Mg) versus TZ+ (mean value: 0.89 ± 0.02) and (Ca + Mg) versus (Na + K) (mean value: 8.51 ± 2.07) elucidate that stream water chemistry of the Batal glacier is largely controlled by carbonate weathering. Concentration of total dissolved solid in the glacial stream water was higher during the low-melt season (September) and lower during the high-melt period (July). The average value of daily mean TDS flux of the study area was calculated to be 12.4 t/day. The mean values of CWR (carbonate weathering rate) and SWR (silicate weathering rate) for the Batal glacier basin were calculated to be 97.4 and 22.8 t/km2/year, showing higher contribution of CWR as compared to SWR in the investigation area. CO2 consumption rate by the combined silicate and carbonate (chemical) weathering was estimated to be 11.1 × 105, 28.8 × 105 and 35.5 × 105 mol/km2/year during the study period September 2015, June 2017 and July 2017, respectively. The annual CO2 drawdown by the Batal glacier basin on the basis of CO2 consumption rate by chemical weathering is much lower as compared to the Gangotri glacier, which may be due to bigger size and higher meltwater runoff of the Gangotri glacier as compared to the Batal glacier.

Physico-chemical and optical properties of aerosols at a background site (~4 km a.s.l.) in the western Himalayas

This paper presents first of its kind results on the aerosol mass concentrations and size distributions, their chemical properties and columnar aerosol optical depth (AOD) over a high-altitude background site of Lahaul and Spiti valley (32.4°N, 77.6°E, 4080 m a.s.l.) in the western Himalayas, obtained from collocated and concurrent measurements made during August (summer) to October (autumn) of the year 2017. The results depicted very low values of columnar AOD (mean ~ 0.07) with ~4% contribution of BC (mean BC ~ 168 ng m−3) to near surface composite aerosol mass. The total suspended particulate (TSP) matter showed significant variations between 5 μg m−3 and 40 μg m−3, having dominance of mineral dust components (~67%) during the entire study period. The ratio of organic carbon (OC) to elemental carbon (EC) varied over a wide range from 7.8 to 18.9, with a mean value of 12.5 ± 2.95. The higher fraction of water-soluble OC in the total OC component indicated the aged nature of the carbonaceous species. An enrichment factor estimated from the concentrations of trace elements also revealed the influence of anthropogenic source contribution. The regions located west and northwest of the measurement site, which includes the regional hot-spots of Indo-Gangetic Plains, west Asia and the Middle East are possible source regions to modulate the aerosols over the observational site through long range transport. These observations have far reaching implications in view of the role of aerosols on regional radiative balance and impact on snow/glacier coverage.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection in tribal population of Himalayan district Lahaul and Spiti, India

ABSTRACTHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important health issue across the world. With 4% to 7% prevalence of HBV, India is designated as an intermediate endemic country. However, HBV prevalence is significantly high in some pockets of the country, especially among tribal populations. HBV prevalence and associated risk factors in residents of far-flung two Himalayan valleys, Lahaul and Spiti of Himachal Pradesh (HP), were estimated. This was a community-based cross-sectional study. Blood samples were collected and tested for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using ELISA. Data was collected in a predesigned semi-structured format. Univariate and multivariate analyses of risk factors were done using software SPSS 25. Samples from 1,327 individuals residing in 32 villages were tested, of these 141 (10.6%) were found positive for HBsAg. High prevalence (17.2%) of HBV was recorded in Spiti valley but not in Lahaul valley (3.1%). Both sexes were equally affected. Positivity was higher in adults than in children. High risk sexual behavior (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1–3.6), having an HBV positive person in the family (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.4–4.3), being a student (OR: 11.2; 95% CI 3.9–32.1) and preacher (OR = 9.0; 95% CI: 3.6–22.4) were the most prominent risk factors associated with HBsAg positivity. Mass immunization for HBV along with information, education, communication and behavior change communication for curtailing risk behavior for avoiding risk factors is essential in the area.

Prioritization of habitats and communities for conservation in Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, Trans Himalaya, India

AbstractThe rapid degradation of habitats and communities throughout the globe has necessitated the need for conservation to avoid biodiversity crisis. For framing conservation and management plan for flora of any region, it is very necessary to prioritize species of that region, their preferred habitats and communities with reliable information. In the present study, prioritization of habitats and communities has been done in the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve. Ten habitats and 73 plant communities (45 shrubs and 28 herbs) distributed between 3,109 and 5,019 m were identified. Each habitat and community has been evaluated based on the ecological and socioeconomical parameters. Of the 10 habitats identified, the Moist alpine groove habitat showed highest conservation priority index (CPI), that is, 50 hence prioritized for conservation. The Ephedra gerardiana—Lonicera asperifolia mixed community showed highest CPI, that is, 62; followed by Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica—Caragana versicolor—Ephedra intermedia mixed, Rosa webbiana—Ribes orientale mixed and Salix denticulata‐ H. rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica mixed (CPI: 60, each) communities. Regular monitoring of the prioritized habitats and communities has been suggested. Also, mass propagation of native, endemic, economically important and threatened species following biotechnological approaches and their plantation in the natural habitats of Spiti valley have been suggested. This would help in the management of habitats and communities in particular and cold desert ecosystem in general.

Coda Q estimation for Kinnaur region and surrounding part of NW Himalaya

Spatial variation of coda wave attenuation is obtained for the Kinnaur Himalaya using the single backscattering model based on the data of 376 local earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 1.5 to 4.5. A frequency-dependent S-coda wave quality factor, Qc = 69f1.0 (Qc = Q0fn), is obtained at eight central frequencies between 1.5 and 24 Hz for epicenter distance ≤ 30 km. The “n” values are found to vary highly, maximum in the tectonically and seismically active High Himalaya, intermediate in the seismically active Kaurik-Chango region, and least in the Spiti valley. Q0 (Qc at 1 Hz) is high in the High Himalaya, with values ranging from 87 to 109 which matches with already published works. It decreases towards NNE, the value is lowest in the Tethys Himalaya which varies between 49 and 55. To investigate attenuation with increasing depth, the Qc is estimated at eight coda wave window lengths between 20 and 90 s. With increasing window length, equivalent to increasing lapse times, the Q0 increases from 46 ± 3 to 493 ± 34 and n value decreases from 1.07 to 0.58. Further by dividing the entire coda wave data into four groups of epicenter distances, i.e., 0–25, 26–50, 51–75, and 76–100 km, Qc relations are estimated to vary as 111f0.93, 183f0.80, 264f0.73, and 296f0.71, respectively, for four groups. The increase of Qc with increasing lapse time is interpreted as a decrease of heterogeneity with depth. The data is reasonably fit in the power-law decay of turbidity.

A Preliminary Evaluation on the Prospects of Hydrocarbon Potential in the Carbonaceous Shales of Spiti and Chikkim Formations, Tethys Himalaya, India

In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to explore the possibility of hydrocarbon prospects in the carbonaceous shale deposits of Spiti and Chikkim formations exposed in the Spiti valley of the Tethys Himalaya. Twenty samples, collected from successive levels of these litho-units, have been subjected to maceral analysis, Rock-Eval Pyrolysis and six samples to Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. The study reveals the presence of mainly kerogen-III type of organic matter but some of the shale samples have shown a good amount of total organic carbon (TOC) to the tune of 3.19% which is sufficient to produce hydrocarbon. The results indicate the presence of methane occurring as free and fixed hydrocarbon in the shale samples. Few levels are especially rich in hydrocarbon. They have shown encouraging results with potential for generating liquid as well as lighter hydrocarbon. The data is also supported by the FTIR and NMR studies.

Impact of land cover change on land surface temperature: A case study of Spiti Valley

Land surface temperature (LST) is the skin temperature of the earth surface. LST depends on the amount of sunlight received by any geographical area. Apart from sun light, LST is also affected by the land cover, which leads to change in land surface temperature. Impact of land cover change (LCC) on LST has been assessed using Landsat TM 5, Landsat 8 TIRS/OLI and Digital Elevation Model (ASTER) for Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India. In the present study, Spiti valley was divided into three altitudinal zones to check the pattern of changing land cover along different altitudes and LST was calculated for all the four land cover categories extracted from remote sensing data for the years of 1990 and 2015. Matrix table was used as a technique to evaluate the land cover change between two different years. Matrix table shows that as a whole, about 2,151,647 ha (30%) area of Spiti valley experienced change in land cover in the last 25 years. The result also shows vegetation and water bodies increased by 107,560.2 ha (605.87%) and 45 ha (0.98%), respectively. Snow cover and barren land decreased by 19,016.5 ha (23.92%) and 88,589 (14.14%), during the study period. A significant increase has been noticed in vegetation amongst all land cover types. Minimum, maximum and mean LST for three altitudinal zones have been calculated. The mean LST recorded was 11°C in 1990 but it rose by 2°C and reached to 13°C in 2015. Changes in LST were obtained for each land cover categories. The mean temperature of different land cover types was calculated by averaging value of all pixels of a given land cover types. The mean LST of vegetation, barren land, snow cover and water body increased by 6°C, 9°C, 1°C, and 7°C, respectively. Further, relationships between LST, Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI), and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were established using Linear Regression.

Status and distribution of available macronutrients in relation to physico- chemical properties under different land uses of cold arid soils of Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh

Global positioning system (GPS) based surface (0-15cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) soil samples were collected randomly from cultivated and pasture lands of cold arid Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh. These samples were analyzed for physico-chemical properties, available NPKS and exchangeable Ca and Mg. In surface soils mean available N contents (182 kg ha-1) were in low category whereas, P (37 kg ha-1) and K (127 kg ha-1) were found in medium category under different land uses. Sand did not show significant relation with any of the physico-chemical properties studied in all the three land uses.

Morphological Evaluation of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Populations Under Different Major Gene Pool Areas of Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh

Morphological evaluation in Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) was carried out among nine major gene pool areas and three growing conditions, within each major gene pool area of Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The performance of most morphological traits showed significant variations among different major gene pool areas as well as within different growing conditions. GPA-4 (Schilling) was superior than other major gene pool areas for plant and leaf morphological traits and GPA-3(Sheigo) for fruits parameters among different major gene pool areas. Over all, GC-3 (crop land) was found superior for all morphological traits among different growing conditions and in different major gene pool areas. It emerged from the present study that a large variability exists in the population of Hippophae rhamnoides growing under different growing conditions among different major gene pool areas in Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh, particularly for morphological traits, which can be harnessed for improved genetic gain. The variability of different characters could be utilized for selection of genotypes suitable for the plantation and utilization in making different non wood forest products and also for utilizing ecological and economical gains in cold desert of Himachal Pradesh.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Nutrients on Yield of Rajmash (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) in Dry Temperate Zone of Himachal Pradesh

Spiti valley is endowed with mild summers and cool winters. The valley remains snow bound from mid November to March. Intense sun, high wind velocity, low humidity, scanty rainfall and high transpiration rate are the other features of climate of Spiti valley. Use of bio-fertilizers is gaining momentum by the farmers of Himachal Pradesh in organic farming. The use of phosphate solubilizing bacteria as inoculants simultaneously increases P uptake by the plant and crop yield. Strains from the genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Rhizobium are among the most powerful phosphate solubilizers. Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a potential cash crop grown in dry temperate zone of Himachal Pradesh. Being a leguminous crop its phosphorus requirement is higher. Among the various components of production technology, fertilizers are the kingpin for improving the productivity of rajmash. The scarcity of organic material in the dry temperate zone indicates that the productivity depends on integrated nutrient management. Thus the present study with two inoculations (Rhizobium and Rhizobium+Phosphate solublising bacteria), four nitrogen levels (0,20,40,60 kg/ha) and two phosphorus levels (75% and 100% recommended) was undertaken. Rajmash yield increased by inoculation. Grain yield increased with increasing N levels. Substitution of 25% P did not increase the yield of rajmash significantly. Similarly straw yield of rajmash differ significantly by inoculation in both the years. Recommended level of P @ 60 kg/ha proved better than 75% of recommended P. After analyzing soil samples at harvest it was revealed that inoculation with Rhizobium+PSB gave more availability of N (222.8 kg/ha), P (26.6 kg/ha) and K (8.96 kg/ha) in comparison to Rhizobium alone.