Browsing by Author "Jha, S.K."

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    Phyto-sociological changes in the Goima Forest, Gujarat due to human disturbances and their implications for conservation
    (Triveni Enterprises, 2024-09) Malek, S.S.; Patel, M.H.; Rathod, K.R.; Jha, S.K.; Desai, B.S.; Tandel, M.B.
    Aim: The study aimed to understand the phytosociological changes by the impact of forest fringe human disturbance on the Goima forest of Valsad district in Gujarat. Methodology: The study area was classified into different tree canopy density and disturbance classes, and ecological indices were calculated for each class following the quadrate survey method. Results: A total of 772 individual plants of 141 species from 53 families were recorded during quadrate sampling, with variations in aspects being especially important predictors of biotic diversity. The study found that the maximum taxa of trees (30), herbs (24), and grasses (7) were reported in the high-disturbance class, while for shrubs (16) and climbers (10), it was in the middle-disturbance class. Dominance (D)was higher in the moderately dense forest as well as in the moderate disturbance class for trees (0.11, 0.13), shrubs (0.24, 0.21), herbs (0.13, 0.12), but for climbers, D was higher in dense forest (0.40) and in moderate disturbance class (0.22), and for grasses, it was higher in the moderately dense forest (0.69) and less disturbed class (0.58). Shannon's index (H) for trees (2.93), herbs (2.85), and grasses (1.68) was maximum in the higher disturbance class, while for shrubs (2.23) and climbers (2.10), it was highest in the low disturbance class. Interpretation: The study highlights that the phytosociology of the Goima forest changes due to human disturbances. The importance of understanding and conserving biodiversity in the Goima forest, especially given its unique flora and its critical role in supporting local communities. The research provides valuable scientific information that can aid in the better management and protection of the forest area.
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    Retting with efficient microbial consortium helps in improving jute fibre quality and profitability: a study in Eastern India
    (Triveni Enterprises, 2024-05) Majumdar, B.; Sarkar, S.; Jha, S.K.; Mazumdar, S.P.; Saha, R.; Barai, S.; Chattopadhyay, L.; Alam, N.M.; Kar, G.
    Aim: To determine the effect of application of microbial consortium for faster retting of jute (Corchorus spp.) over conventional retting without microbial consortium on jute fibre recovery and fibre quality improvement. Methodology: Large scale retting trials of jute were conducted in five important jute growing districts of West Bengal, India for four consecutive years with and without microbial consortium. After completion of jute retting, fibre was extracted manually, processed and dry fibre weight was recorded. Jute fibre samples were collected and analysed for fibre quality parameters. The fibre strength was estimated using electronic fibre bundle strength tester, fibre fineness by air flow method and root content is measured as the length of fibre up to which root is present out of the total length of the fibre and is expressed as percent length. Results: Application of microbial consortium reduced the retting duration and root content in jute fibre in all the locations irrespective of years. The jute fibre recovery increased by 9.64 to 10.97% and 9.73 to 10.63% with microbial consortium over without microbial consortium respectively in different locations and different years under study. The maximum jute fibre yield with (33.17 q ha-1) and without microbial consortium (29.89 q ha-1) was recorded in Murshidabad district. Nadia district recorded significantly higher fibre strength of 24.92 g tex-1 and lowest retting duration of 11.92 days with microbial consortium among all the locations. Interpretation: The application of microbial consortium improved the fibre recovery and fibre quality leading to the increase in net income by ?15624 to ?18017 ha-1 of jute farmers. Hence, the application of microbial consortium for jute retting can be used extensively by the jute farming community in jute growing states of India for faster retting of jute along with quality fibre production, higher net income and doubling farmers’ income.