Browsing by Author "Vidyasagaran, K"

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Anatomy of selected woody mangroves in the west coast of Kerala
(2014) Vidyasagaran, K; Nibu, K; Anoop, E.V
Biomass and carbon sequestration in silver oak (Grevillea robusta A.cunn) stands in the midlands of Kerala
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2013) Geo Basil Paul; Vidyasagaran, K
Biomass production and nutrient accumulation in an age series of caesalpinia sappan Linn. plantations
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2006) Imrose Elias Navas, E; Vidyasagaran, K
The present study was conducted at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara on biomass production and nutrient accumulation in an age series (5, 6 and 7) of Caesalpinia sappan plantations in three districts of Kerala. The study reveals that diameter, height, biomass, productivity and volume increased with increasing age. The above ground biomass and biomass components also increased with increasing ages. The above ground biomass produced was 23.81 t ha-1 at 5 year, 37.80 t ha-1 at 6 year and 44.36 t ha-1 at 7 year. The productivity at age 5 year was 4.77 t ha-1yr-1, at age 6 year 6.30 t ha-1 yr-1 and at age 7 year was 6.34 t ha-1 yr-1. The increase of the productivity between 6 and 7 years were very low (0.04 t ha-1yr-1), which indicated that no further increase in the productivity of the trees. It highlights that a levelling off the productivity beyond 6 year. This consideration suggests 6 year as the optimum harvesting period of C. sappan. The percentage contribution of various components to above ground biomass was in the order: bole > branch > twig > fruit > leaves> bark. The biomass components were also showed an increasing trend. The prediction equations were prepared for above ground biomass as well as biomass components with respect to dbh and height. Even though some equations were proved more fit with combination of dbh and height, R2 value and Furnival index were relatively similar to equations with dbh alone could not be selected, it is difficult to measure height of the standing trees with definite accuracy. Hence, equations with dbh alone were selected for predicting the biomass. With respect to the dbh alone as independent variable, the total above ground biomass, the best fit equation was W = b0 +b1 D+ b2 D2. In leaves also this model proves as best fit. The components like bole, bark, branch and fruit, the best fitted equation was ln W =b0 + b1 ln D. But in twig, it was W=b0 + b1 D2. Weight table prepared for bole (UB) and total above ground biomass based on the best fit equation using diameter at breast height The nutrient concentration was increased with increasing age except in bole and branches. Concentration in bole and branches increased from 5 to 6 year and decreased from 6 to 7 year. Leaves had the maximum concentration of the nutrients and bole the lowest. The nutrient accumulation of the above ground biomass as well as biomass components increased with the increasing age of plantation. The maximum nutrients accumulated in bole and minimum in bark. Among the nutrients, N accumulated maximum followed by K and P. Nutrient use efficiency increased with increasing ages. The maximum nutrient use efficiency observed for P followed by K and N. It was found to be maximum in bole and minimum in leaf.
Biomass production and nutrient accumulation in anage series of Caesalpinia sappan L. Plantations
(2014) Vidyasagaran, K; Imrose Elias Navas, E; Nishad, E.S
Dependence on non timber forest products (NTFP) for the sustainable livelihood enhancement of tribals of western Attappady
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Ashish Alex; Vidyasagaran, K
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) play a crucial role in the daily life and welfare of people all over the world. The livelihoods of the people living close to the forest and within the forests are inextricably linked to the forest ecosystem. In Kerala, out of 4000 tribal settlements, 671 settlements are forest settlements, which depended on NTFPs for meeting their various requirements. The present study was conducted in the Western part of Attappady among the three tribal groups namely; Irula, Muduga and Kurumba. The main objective of the study was to document the NTFPs collected and utilized by the tribes for their sustainable livelihood and explore the various marketing mechanisms followed in Western Attappady. A pre-tested questionnaire survey and semi structured interviews were conducted in fifty houses from each community. Secondary data were collected from the cooperative societies, SC/ST Federation and Silent Valley National Park Wildlife Warden’s Office etc. The Irula community who are basically daily wage workers settled on the lower plains of the valley had the highest literacy rate and obtained one per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The Mudugas settled on the midlands had the least literacy rate and derived 9 per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The particular vulnerable tribal group Kurumba settled in the interior areas of the forests obtained 44 per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The tribes of Western Attappady depended on 17 plant species for food, 19 for medicine, 8 for construction and firewood and 6 for religious purpose. The Irulas collected 9 commercial NTFPs, whereas Mudugas and Kurumbas collected 14 and 18 NTFPs respectively. The Irula and Muduga were mostly involved in the collection of honey, whereas Kurumbas involved in the collection of Acacia concinna. The NTFPs have contributed an annual income of Rs. 5755, Rs. 27220 and Rs. 46255 to the Irulas, Mudugas and Kurumbas households respectively.The Irulas got maximum income (Rs. 2880/annum) from honey, whereas Mudugas and Kurumbas got the highest income from Canarium strictum (Rs. 4800/annum) and Solanum torvum (Rs 5880/annum) respectively. Honey was collected only by men and roots were collected by women. In Irula, both the genders made equal contribution to their income from NTFP, whereas in Mudugas the men and women contributed 65 and 35 per cent respectively. The Kurumba women contributed 56 per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The most of the medicinal plants whose roots were the exploitable part were harvested during November to February. The Irulas made 30 trips/ year for NTFP collection, whereas Mudugas and Irulas undertook 78 and 123 trips/year respectively. The three institutions involved in the marketing of NTFPs were Kurumba Cooperative society, Eco shop of EDC and private traders. The Kurumba was marketing most of the NTFPs through the Kurumba society, whereas Irula and Muduga marketed NTFPs through the private shops. The private traders gave better price to the collectors than the society. For Irulas and Mudugas NTFP collection was a subsidiary source of income, whereas for Kurumbas, it was the major source of income. The private traders maintained a constant link with the tribes and ensured the private marketing channels are always active.
Diversity and distribution of polypores in the moist deciduous forests of Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary, Kerala
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2015) Muhammed, Iqbal A; Vidyasagaran, K
The study entitled “Diversity and distribution of polypores in the moist deciduous forests of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala” was carried out with the objectives to find out the diversity, distribution and host preference of polypores in the moist deciduous forests of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary during three different seasons. An attempt has also been made to find out the effect of substrate features like diameter, type and decay class on the diversity and abundance of polypores. Three fixed size permanent sample plots of 100 m×100 m were established in three different locations and these permanent plots were enumerated during three different seasons to collect information on influence of seasonal fluctuation in fruitbody production and details on substratum. Apart from the plot based sampling, opportunistic sampling method was also adopted to maximize the documentation of polypore fungal diversity and distribution. A total of thirty six species were recorded from the sanctuary and among this Pycnoporus cinnabarinus and Datronia mollis were the first report from South India. Out of this, white rot fungi contributed 94.44 per cent and 5.56 per cent were brown rot fungi. The density and frequency of occurrence have been varied significantly during different seasons and the community structure and species composition during monsoon and post monsoon season were distinct from pre-monsoon season. However, fungal diversity analysis showed that species richness was higher during monsoon season and revealed the influence of seasonal variation on fungal diversity. The high species similarity was observed between monsoon and post monsoon season compared to pre-monsoon and monsoon. A total of 17 host tree species were identified in ten different families and Terminalia paniculata was found to be highly preferred by polypores. Polypores like Fulvifomes nilgheriensis and Fuscoporia senex were found to be host specific and were found only on Xylia xylocarpa. The maximum fungal density has been recorded in host trees with 21-<30 cm diameter class. Among the substrate types, maximum number of individuals was observed on trunk and living trees supported only very few polypores. The newly emerged species during monsoon season showed more association with decay class 2 and the decay class association of some species remained unchanged during all the seasons. The conceptual framework on primary ecological strategy revealed that polypores exhibits ruderal, combative and stress tolerant behaviours. The present study concluded that the diversity and distribution of polypores are determined by seasonal fluctuations and substrate features.
Diversity and distribution of polypores in the wet evergreen and shola forests of silent valley national park, Kerala
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2015) Adarsh, C K; Vidyasagaran, K
Diversity, distributional status and ecology of poly-pores in forest ecosystems of Kerala
(Department of Natural Resource Management, Vellanikkara, 2018) Adarsh, C K; Vidyasagaran, K
Ecological status of Nageia wallichiana (C. Presl.) kuntze an endangered conifier of western ghats in Mankulam forest division
(Department of Natural Resource Management, College of Forestry Vellanikkara, 2020) Abhirami, C; Vidyasagaran, K
Nageia wallichiana (C.Presl.) Kuntze is a lesser-known rare arborescent, threatened evergreen conifer species of wet evergreen forests of Western Ghats. A study on the distributional status and ecology of this species was conducted in the natural habitats in Mankulam Forest Division. The study aimed at understanding the floristic composition and natural regeneration patterns in the natural habitats of Nageia wallichiana. The additional objective was to assess the physicochemical properties of the soil in the Nageia wallichiana growing areas. The purposive sampling of vegetation was done in 20 x 50 m main plots in Nageia wallichiana growing areas (NG) and control plots were taken in areas without Nageia wallichiana (WNG). The regeneration pattern of trees was studied by taking 5 m x 5 m subplots for saplings and 1 m x 1 m nested plots for seedlings inside the main plots of NG. From NG, a total of 188 individual trees belonging to 67 different species and 28 different families were identified from three different Nageia wallichiana growing patches, viz., Kannadipara, Idathattu, and Kallar. In WNG, 94 individual trees belonging to 46 species and 25 different families were identified. The altitudinal range of occurrence of Nageia wallichiana in the study area was found to be 934 –1463 m above MSL. The girth class distribution of the species showed an L-shaped curve with 90 percent of individuals below 50 cm girth. The floristic studies in the area showed that the natural habitats of Nageia wallichiana harbor a large number of trees in endemic and threatened categories. The typical evergreen species, Cullenia exarillata showed the maximum dominance in NG followed by Mesua ferrea and Bhesa indica. In WNG, the most dominant species were Dysoxylum malabaricum, Vateria indica and Polyalthia fragrans. The comparison of tree diversity between NG and WNG didn’t reveal any significant variations. The ecological distance analysis and clustering showed significant difference in species composition between NG and WNG. The ordination plots proved Bhesa indica as a strong species associate of Nageia wallichiana. The regeneration study showed a lower diversity of regenerating individuals in the study area than mature trees and a difference in species composition was also observed. The analysis of soil properties found that the soils from Nageia wallichiana habitats were higher in moisture content and organic carbon and lower in total nitrogen content. The study didn’t found any relation for soil pH and bulk density on the occurrence of N.wallichiana. The study identified the habitat specialist nature of Nageia wallichiana from the restricted distribution of the species in certain patches of the study area. The occurrence of this only conifer of the Western Ghats in the Mankulam forest Division indicates the importance of the area because Nageia wallichiana is considered as a better indicator of ecological conditions. The study also observed a higher rate of regeneration for this species in the study area indicating the presence of ideal ecological conditions. However, a more focused study considering the disturbance levels in the study area and some extra parameters such as soil depth, soil nutrient contents, frequency of fire occurrence etc. will give a better understanding of the restricted occurrence of this species in the study area and it may contribute in the development of specialized conservation strategies.
Effect of pre treatement on seed germination and shade on seedling growth and yiels of mucuna pruriens (L) DC
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2007) Ravindra, P C; Vidyasagaran, K
The present study entitled “Effect of pre-treatment on seed germination and shade on seedling growth and yield of Mucuna pruriens (l.) DC.” was carried out in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Trichur during the period of 2005-2007. In the first phase, graded and selected seeds were subjected to 10 different pre-treatment methods and sown in two conditions viz, polybag and nursery bed. In both the cases scarification on dorsal surface gave highest germination per cent and germination energy. Various biometric parameters like height, collar diameter and number of leaves in various treatments under polybag and nursery bed conditions were observed. Biomass produced at nursery stage was also estimated; it is evident from the study that seedlings produced from scarification treatments was most superior for all traits in both polybag and nursery bed. In the second phase, to evaluate yield under different shade situations, selected seedlings were planted out in 25 per cent, 50 per cent, 75 per cent and open situations. Various reproductive characters, yield parameters, and nutrient status were studied, in which early flowering, more number of flower bud production, and higher pod formation was observed in full light situation. The Highest seed yield and biomass production was observed when grown under open condition followed by 25 per cent and least was in 75 per cent or highest shade condition. The nutrient accumulation under different shade was estimated. Nitrogen concentration in leaf and twig was more in case of full shade followed by seedlings grown in 50 per cent shade, whereas for roots concentration of nitrogen under 75 per cent and 50 per cent shade was observed to be non-significant. In case of leaf phosphorus content, highest concentration was seen in seedlings grown under 25 per cent shade followed by seedlings in open condition. Phosphorus content in twigs was highest in 25 per cent and least in 50 per cent. In root, maximum concentration of phosphorous was observed in open condition. Highest potassium content was in 75 per cent shade followed by 50 per cent, and there was no variation in leaf potassium content in plants grown under open condition and 25 per cent shade level. Root potassium content under 50 per cent and 75 per cent was similar and higher than other two treatments.
Effect of pre-sowing treatments on germination and growth of seedlings of calamus spp.
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2010) Jisha, E D; Vidyasagaran, K
The present study entitled “Effect of pre-sowing treatments on germination and growth of seedlings of Calamus spp.” was carried out on four Calamus species namely, Calamus thwaitesii, C. metzianus, C. hookerianus, and C. travancoricus in the tree nursery of College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, during 2007 – 2009. In the first phase, seeds of four Calamus spp. were subjected to 10 different pre-treatment methods. Most of the treatments gave better performance than the control in all the Calamus spp. under study. Treatment with GA3 and cold water gave a relatively higher germination percentage in all the species except C. travancoricus. Hot water treatment and scarification with sand and ash were found promising in all the species. Seeds sown without any treatment returned poor germination in all the species. In the second phase, the growth and biomass production of the four species were studied for the first six months in the nursery. The first leaf emerged from the prophyl within one week after germination in all the species. In the initial rosette stage of seedling growth, it was found that the total length of first leaf equalled the height of seedlings. The collar diameter of the seedlings was found to show significant increase with every fortnight’s period, in all the Calamus spp. under study. Shoot-root length ratio showed decreasing trend because, the shoot length is constant in the initial months, but root length was increasing. In case of biomass production, all the Calamus spp. showed an increasing trend in the biomass production in terms of fresh and dry weight. During the study period of six months, the contribution of shoot weight to the total biomass of seedling was more than that of root weight, in all the species. C. thwaitesii was superior in growth attributes and biomass among the four species studied.
Foliar nutrient content and decomposition of green manure species viz. Gmelina arborea Roxb. and mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Muell. Arg.
(Department of forest management and utilisation, College of forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Vinu Jacob; Vidyasagaran, K
A detailed work was undertaken in the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala during 2011 - 2014 to study the foliar nutrient content and the decomposition rate of the leaf biomass of two green manure tree species, i.e. Gmelina arborea and Mallotus philippensis, as affected by seasons and field conditions. The experiment was conducted in an open and home garden during the wet season and the dry season. The rate of decomposition was generally faster for both the species studied under all the study situations. However, Gmelina arborea showed faster rates of leaf biomass decomposition than Mallotus philippensis. With respect to seasons, wet season reported faster decomposition for both the tree species. Although no significant influence of field conditions on the decomposition rate was observed, open area registered faster decomposition than homegarden. Decay coefficient recorded was maximum for Gmelina arborea. Generally, both the species under all the conditions followed a biphasic pattern of biomass decomposition. The initial nitrogen content, C: N ratio, lignin content and lignin: nitrogen ratio of the leaf biomass influenced the decomposition rate. The decomposition rate was also found to be a function of soil moisture content and soil temperature. Leaf biomass of Gmelina arborea showed rapid release of nutrients than Mallotus philippensis. Among the nutrients, potassium registered faster mineralization followed by nitrogen for both the species under all the study situations. The lowest mineralization tendency was seen for phosphorus in both the species under all the conditions. Also, significant improvement in the soil nutrient status of the soil was observed by the incorporation of leaf biomass of Gmelina arborea and Mallotus philippensis into the soil. However, no significant differences were observed with regards to the species on increasing the soil carbon and nitrogen content. The leaf biomass of Gmelina arborea showed maximum improvement of soil phosphorus content and exchangeable potassium.
Litter production and decomposition studies in selected species of acacia
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2004) Suhyb, P G; Vidyasagaran, K
An experiment was conducted at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period from 1999-2001 to study the litter production, nutrient return, litter decomposition and nutrient release pattern of three species of acacia viz., Acacia mangium Wild., Acacia aulacocarpa A. Cunn. ex Benth. and Acacia crassicarpa A. Cunn. ex Benth. Litter fall of the three species followed a monomodal distribution pattern with a distinct peak in December for the three species. Nutrient return through different components of litter indicated that for the three species, leaf litter returned maximum quantity of all nutrients. The three species returned maximum amount of nitrogen when compared to potassium and phosphorus. A characteristic biphasic pattern of biomass decomposition was observed with a rapid initial phase followed by slow latter phase. Negative linear relationship between lignin concentration and rate of mass loss was evident for the three species in two study situations. Only a poor correlation between weather parameters and rate of decomposition was observed. Fluctuation in the nitrogen and phosphorous concentration of residual mass of the three species under different study situation was evident during the course of study. Potassium concentration for different species under various study situations was found to decline drastically during different months. The nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium mineralisation pattern of the three species of acacia under two study situations showed a best fit with the second order hyperbolic function.
Phenology and fruit characterization of artocarpus hirsutus lam in two altitudinal zones of thrissur district
(Department of forest management and utilisation, College of forestry, Vellanikkara, 2013) Saveen Thakur; Vidyasagaran, K
Physico-chemical characterization of gum-oleoresin from Ailanthus triphysa(Dennst.) Alston and effect of ethephon on gum-oleoresin yield.
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry ,Vellanikkara, 2019) Latha, K J; Vidyasagaran, K
Gum and resins are natural bio-polymers having number of applications in pharmaceutical and food industries. Most of them are regarded as bio-degradable and safe because of their bio-compatibility, low cost, non-toxic, processing, environmental friendly and local availability. It is viable income source for thousands of forest dwellers. So the present study entitled “Physico-chemical characterization of gum-oleoresin from Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst) Alston and effect of ethephon on gum-oleoresin yield” was carried out at Arboretum, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara during the year 2018-2019. The main objective of the study was to assess the effect of different concentration of ethephon on gumoleoresin production in Ailanthus triphysa and also study the effect of diameter classes on production. The physical properties such as Solubility, pH, Viscosity, Moisture level, Color parameters, Ash content and chemical compounds were also determined as part of the study. A total of twenty-four trees were selected for conducting the study in which two girth classes (70-110cm, 111-150cm), four chemical treatments, each with three replications were taken. Data analysis was done on monthly intervals, showed significant difference in girth class on resin production in the months of June, July, August, November, December and April and in other months it found non-significant. It was observed that girth class G2 (111cm-150 cm) showed more yield compared to G1 (70-110). It was statistically found significant difference in gum-oleoresin yield due to different concentration of ethephon treatments. T4 (3.9%) ethephon treatment gave more yield (817.99gm) compared to other treatments, where T1 (control) gave very less yield (226.16gm). The exudation of gum-oleoresin was found to be more in post monsoon (55.06gm) followed by monsoon (43.78gm) and least during summer (27.01gm). Interaction between different ethephon treatment and season was found to be non-significant. 116 The physical and chemical properties of gum-oleoresin were studied and it indicated the gum-oleoresin was found to be strongly acidic, highly soluble in xylene and least in chloroform and in case of water, it absorbs water and swell. Moisture content was 5.17%, pH observed was 5.5, Colour of the gum-oleoresin observed was pale yellow to dark reddish brown and Viscosity observed was 2340 cps and 695 cps. Heavy metals like K ˃ Mg ˃ (Ca) ˃ (Ir) were detected. Chemical compounds were identified by using GC-MS. Total 18 compounds were identified from Acetone extract of gum-oleoresin in GC-MS, the major constituents of the chemical compound were beta.-caryophyllen followed by Tetradecane and 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-(2-methylcyclopropyl)-1-cyclohexene and 1- octadecene constitute least contribution, where as in methanol extracts, 16 compounds were identified, most abundant compound was Caryophyllene followed by 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid and bicyclo, the least abundant constituent was found to be 3-hexadecene. The correlation studies of bark thickness on production of gum-oleoresin were found to be significant with correlation coefficient 0.42. The climatic parameters like rainfall, relative humidity, temperature was found to be non-significant on production of gum-oleoresin.
Phytosociological and edaphic attributes of forest ecosystems of Shendurney wildlife sanctuary, Kollam, Kerala
(Department of Natural Resource Management, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2021) Halliru Bilyaminu; Vidyasagaran, K
The present study was carried out with the primary objective of studying the tree species diversity, structure, and composition, physicochemical attributes and land use and land cover change of forest ecosystems of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kollam, Kerala viz., west coast tropical evergreen, west coast tropical semi-evergreen, southern secondary moist deciduous, myristica swamp, and tropical hilltop forest. The stratified random sampling approach was adopted for vegetation assessment with a sampling plot of 20 m × 20 m. The regeneration pattern of the tree species was studied from the plots of 5 m × 5 m for the tree saplings and 1 m × 1 m for the tree seedlings from each of the 20 m × 20m plots. The soil sample was collected horizon-wise up to 1 m from each of the forest ecosystems. The land use and land cover was studied using the supervised classification with Maximum Likelihood Algorithm and change detection comparison approach using the Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM±) and Landsat 8 OLITIRS using the data capture on July 01, 2001, and January 14, 2018. A total of 119 species with a density of 1053.50 ha-1 and 50.04 m2 ha-1 basal area were recorded from the west coast tropical evergreen, 101 species with the density of 914.55 ha-1 with the basal area of 41.64 m2 ha-1 basal area from west coast semievergreen, 58 species with a density of 876.97 ha-1 with the basal area of 26.88 m2 ha-1 from the moist deciduous, 33 species with a density of 1144.44 ha-1 and the basal area of 33.93 m2 ha-1 from the myristica swamp, and 44 species with a density of 619 ha-1 and basal area of 16.93 m2 ha-1 from the tropical hilltop forest, respectively. The girth class distribution of the forest ecosystems varies significantly, with the west coast tropical evergreen forest showed the reversed J-shaped distribution. And a completely L-shaped pattern for the west coast semi-evergreen and southern secondary moist deciduous forest, whereas inverted iJ-shape in the tropical hilltop forest. The percent species endemism of 85.44% was recorded in the myristica swamp forest, 79.15% for the tropical hilltop forest, 55.58% for the west coast tropical evergreen forest, 40.71% for west coast tropical semi-evergreen forest, and the lowest (29.26%) for the moist deciduous forest. The dominant families in the west coast tropical evergreen forest are Dipterocarpaceae (FIV=24.92), Clusiaceae (FIV=21.40), and Myrtaceae (FIV=20.78). The families Euphorbiaceae (FIV=31.68), Dipterocarpaceae (FIV=24.18), and Rubiaceae (FIV=18.99) were dominant for the west coast semi-evergreen forest. In the Moist deciduous forest, the dominant families are Euphorbiaceae (FIV=52.99), Combretaceae (FIV=41.23), and Malvaceae (31.73). For the myristica swamp forest, the families Myristicaceae (FIV=149.01), Dipterocarpaceae (FIV=41.08), and Anacardiaceae (FIV=25.86) are dominant. The families Lauraceae (FIV=69.92) and Clusiaceae (FIV=35.71) are dominant in the tropical hilltop forest. The Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices were found at 4.10 and 0.97 for west coast tropical evergreen, 4.09 and 0.97 for west coast semi-evergreen, 3.22 and 0.92 for the Southern secondary moist deciduous, 3.88 and 0.95. The lowest value (2.70 and 088) was reported for the myristica swamp forest. The diversity indices of west coast evergreen and west coast semi-evergreen showed no significant variation. The Margalef value was reported higher for the evergreen forest. Moreover, this study found that most tree species showed a contagious distribution pattern for a tree, saplings, and seedling levels, with very few showing the uniform distribution pattern of distribution. The tree species regeneration was adequate for most forest ecosystems, with the highest density (3,582 ha-1 saplings and 27,777 ha-1 seedlings) recorded in the west coast tropical evergreen forest. However, most dominant species showed relatively good regeneration, especially in the west coast tropical evergreen and west coast tropical semi-evergreen forests. The diversity indices of the regenerating seedlings and saplings do not vary significantly across all the forest ecosystems. Across the forest ecosystems, the soil is slightly acidic with a moderate amount of soil organic carbon. The soil percent organic carbon, Cation Exchange Capacity, and electrical conductivity are relatively higher in the first horizon and showed decreasing trend across all the forest ecosystems. The bulk density showed low in the first horizon and increased with depth ecosystems. The higher bulk density was recorded for the Myristica swamp forest. The land use and land cover analysis indicated a rigorous land cover change in the forest ecosystems. It showed a significant increase in the proportion of degraded forest from 21.31% in 2001 to 22.97% in 2018. Substantial loss in the moist deciduous forest from 27.11 % in 2001 to 17.23 % in 2018 and semi-evergreen forest from 26.91 % in 2001 to 18.98 % in 2018 was reported. Anthropogenic activities such as pressure on land for agriculture, expansion of human settlements, forest fire, and plantation establishment were found to be the major factors that led to the drastic changes in the land cover of forest ecosystems of Shendurney Wildlife sanctuary.
Plant diversity and structural dynamics of Mangroves in the southwest coast of Kerala, India
(Department of Forest Management and Utilization, College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, 2015) Vijayan, V; Rahees, N; Vidyasagaran, K
Post eco-restoration changes in vegetation and edaphic attributes of Eastern Attappady, Kerala
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2016) Sumit Sonalkar; Vidyasagaran, K
The present study was carried out in eastern part of Attappady to assess the impact of ecorestoration on the edaphic and vegetation attributes. The study focused on the impact of vegetation on the soil profile. Seven sites of plantations and three biomass conservation areas along with corresponding non eco-restored areas were selected for the study.
Quality evaluation and value addition of fruits of Elaeocarpus serratus L. (Ceylon olive tree)
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2015) Yeshma Machamma; Vidyasagaran, K
The present study “Quality evaluation and Value Addition of fruits of Elaeocarpus serratus L. (Ceylon Olive Tree)” was conducted in Vazhachal forest division of Thrissur district, Kerala. From the selected trees the fruits were collected to evaluate their physical parameters, biochemical and mineral composition. Two products were also, prepared from the fruits and their bio chemical parameters were analyzed. The physical characteristics of the fruits revealed that the mean fruit weight, volume, length, diameter for the fruit were 3.55 g, 5.97 cm3, 23.07 mm and 15.58 mm respectively. The mean pulp and seed weight was observed as 2.03 g and 1.52 g respectively for the fruits. The pulp and seed proportion was estimated to be 57.50 per cent and 42.50 per cent of the total Elaeocarpus serratus fruit content. Correlation matrix revealed a significant and positive relation among all the studied physical parameters. The biochemical parameters of the fruit such as moisture, total soluble solids, total sugar, reducing sugar, starch, fibre, titrable acidity, beta carotene, vitamin C were obtained as 62.45 per cent, 5.990 brix, 12.05 per cent, 8.26 per cent, 18.78 per cent, 1.73 per cent, 1.36 per cent, 1.04 μ g /100gm and 2.9 mg /100gm respectively. Minerals like phosphorous, potassium, iron and calcium were found to be 62.80 mg/100g, 331.48 mg/100g, 2.14 mg/100g and 10.94 mg/100g. The nutritional composition of the fruits was found to be in par with other tropical fruits like tamarind, passion fruit, jackfruit etc. In terms of organoleptic evaluation the fruit showed the mean scores for appearance, colour, flavour, texture, odour, taste, after taste was found as 6.7, 6.8, 5, 5, 4.9, 4 and 4.1 respectively. Since the mean value for the above characteristics of the fruit are low, the overall acceptability of the fruit is low with the value of 4.1. Two products were developed from the fruit i.e. pickle and candy. The chemical composition of the fruit product pickle was analysed to evaluate the acidity, total soluble solids, vitamin C, total sugar and reducing sugar which were found to be 1.2 per cent, 10.450 brix, 2.6 mg/100g, 6.05 mg/100g and 0.76 mg/100g respectively. Similarly Candy chemical composition analysed values was found to be 1.42 per cent, 68.060 brix, 2.8 mg/100g, 40.10 mg/100g and 15.01 mg/100g respectively. The organoleptic scores for the pickle and candy showed high values for all the parameters with the overall acceptability mean score of 8.4 and 7.7 respectively. Hence, the present study of fruits of Elaeocarpus serratus clearly reflects the potential of this underutilized wild edible fruit for commercial utilization.
Re-analysing the concept of ecologically fragile lands (EFLs) with particular reference to Wayanad district, Kerala
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2012) Jiss K Varkey; Vidyasagaran, K
Concept mapping technique was employed to investigate how the stakeholders in Wayanad district conceived The Kerala Forest (Vesting and Management of Ecologically Fragile Lands) Act, 2003. Referencing a research framework informed by multiple views of the stakeholders, evaluation of 120 respondents was carried out by organizing into four equal groups. These groups consisted of (A) officials from forest, agriculture and revenue departments (B) ecologists, environmentalists and legal professionals (C) policy makers and local political leaders and (D) farmers and agricultural labourers in Wayanad. A set of 45 statements/ideas were generated by the respondents to describe their understanding on ecologically fragile lands (EFLs). Sensible sorting and individual statement rating were used to find out conceptual similarities and/or differences and to realize feasibility solutions. The outcome configured five clusters from the point map namely ecological dimensions, situational dimensions, socio-economic dimensions, framework dimensions and better EFL dimensions. The stress and fit measures and the bridging values substantiated the sensibility of multidimensional scaling (MDS) and subsequent clustering process. Cluster rating map confirmed highest average rating to ecological dimensions and lowest to the situational dimensions. Pattern matches and go-zones investigated divergence among stakeholders in terms of importance/feasibility rating. Large divergence was observed in two cases where importance rating done by farmers/agricultural labourers and feasibility rating offered by government officials or by the group consisting of environmentalists/legal professionals. Consensus was found with 28 statements/ideas when sourced out in the course of six possible junctures of go-zones. The output statements/re-oriented criteria and indicators envisaged EFLs as vital in sustaining ecological and climatic values of the landscape. Emphasis was made for adequate compensation to eligible farmers in ensuring fair justice in order to relieve the shared instabilities concerning implementation of the EFL Act, 2003. The findings laid down certain policy implications/recommendations on EFLs, useful in future course of actions.