The community of Khakagh Poin in the Sare Ahangaran watershed has, with CRS support, been implementing conservation measures on pasture lands since fall 2009. An assessment of vegetative cover and bio-diversity was undertaken in October 2010 and July 2011. The findings indicate a 56% increase in total plant population as well as a 44% increase in the number of species in the protected area as compared to the control area. Soil and water conservation structures like stone walls and trenches have contributed to increased vegetative growth and diversity beyond that resulting from protection alone.
Techniques of increasing the forest cover on agricultural areas [autosaved]Gobishankar Mohan
Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable (temporary meadows for pasture, kitchen gardens, and land temporarily fallow), under permanent crops, and under permanent pasture land
Land use change
Drivers of conversion from forest to Agriculture
Restorethelandscapes
•Restoration options and techniques
•Woodland islets
•Management of Forests on active agricultural land
•Management of trees on fallow agricultural land
•Forest landscape restoration
Development and rainfed paddy soils potency derived from lacustrine material ...NurdinUng
Rainfed paddy soils that are derived from lacustrine and include of E4 agroclimatic zone have many unique properties and potentially for paddy and corn plantations. This sreseach was aimed to: (1) study the soil development of
rainfed paddy soils derived from lacustrine and (2) evaluate rainfed paddy soils potency for paddy and corn in Paguyaman. Soil samples were taken from three profiles according to toposequent, and they were analyzed in laboratory. Data were analyzed with descriptive-quantitative analysis. Furthermore, assessment on rainfed paddy soils potency was conducted with land suitability analysis using parametric approach. Results indicate that all pedon had evolved with B horizons structurization. However, pedon located on the summit slope was more developed and intensely weathered than those of the shoulder and foot slopes.The main pedogenesis in all pedons were through
elluviation, illuviation, lessivage, pedoturbation, and gleization processes. The main factors of pedogenesis were climate, age (time) and topography factors. Therefore, P1 pedons are classified as Ustic Endoaquerts, fine, smectitic,
isohypertermic; P2 as Vertic Endoaquepts, fine, smectitic, isohypertermic; and P3 as Vertic Epiaquepts, fine, smectitic,
isohypertermic. Based on the potentials of the land, the highest of land suitability class (LSC) of land utilization type (LUT) local paddy was highly suitable (S1), while the lowest one was not suitable with nutrient availability as the limiting factor (Nna). The highest LCS of paddy-corn LUT was marginally suitable with water availability as the limiting factor (S3wa), while the lower LSC was not suitable with nutrient availabily as the limiting factor (Nna).
Techniques of increasing the forest cover on agricultural areas [autosaved]Gobishankar Mohan
Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable (temporary meadows for pasture, kitchen gardens, and land temporarily fallow), under permanent crops, and under permanent pasture land
Land use change
Drivers of conversion from forest to Agriculture
Restorethelandscapes
•Restoration options and techniques
•Woodland islets
•Management of Forests on active agricultural land
•Management of trees on fallow agricultural land
•Forest landscape restoration
Development and rainfed paddy soils potency derived from lacustrine material ...NurdinUng
Rainfed paddy soils that are derived from lacustrine and include of E4 agroclimatic zone have many unique properties and potentially for paddy and corn plantations. This sreseach was aimed to: (1) study the soil development of
rainfed paddy soils derived from lacustrine and (2) evaluate rainfed paddy soils potency for paddy and corn in Paguyaman. Soil samples were taken from three profiles according to toposequent, and they were analyzed in laboratory. Data were analyzed with descriptive-quantitative analysis. Furthermore, assessment on rainfed paddy soils potency was conducted with land suitability analysis using parametric approach. Results indicate that all pedon had evolved with B horizons structurization. However, pedon located on the summit slope was more developed and intensely weathered than those of the shoulder and foot slopes.The main pedogenesis in all pedons were through
elluviation, illuviation, lessivage, pedoturbation, and gleization processes. The main factors of pedogenesis were climate, age (time) and topography factors. Therefore, P1 pedons are classified as Ustic Endoaquerts, fine, smectitic,
isohypertermic; P2 as Vertic Endoaquepts, fine, smectitic, isohypertermic; and P3 as Vertic Epiaquepts, fine, smectitic,
isohypertermic. Based on the potentials of the land, the highest of land suitability class (LSC) of land utilization type (LUT) local paddy was highly suitable (S1), while the lowest one was not suitable with nutrient availability as the limiting factor (Nna). The highest LCS of paddy-corn LUT was marginally suitable with water availability as the limiting factor (S3wa), while the lower LSC was not suitable with nutrient availabily as the limiting factor (Nna).
Impact of Agricultural Management on Quality of Soil, Carbon Storage and Carb...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— The aim of this study was to characterize the carbon storage - Ec (Mg ha-1), carbon stratification ratio, carbon management index (CMI) in various systems use and management: a) Native forest (NF), b) improved pasture of Tanzania grass (TIP), c) degraded pasture of Tanzania grass (DP), d) hay area (H) with Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria sp) and e) Corn crop conventionally cultivated for 10 years (CTC). The experiment was conducted at Institute of Animal Science, at Sertaozinho, São Paulo State, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks with six replicates. The Ec, in Mg ha-1, adjusted variations in soil density, related to changes in land use were for native forest (112.9), improved pasture (81.6), system of conventional maize (78.2), field of hay (75.1) and degraded pasture (66.5). The highest values of carbon stratification (SR) were the forest (1.98), and lower in degraded pasture and conventional maize (1.10) - are considered poor in quality, while the improved pasture (1.28) and the area of hay (1.23 ) of media quality and while the forest considered great quality. For the different systems of use and management, low CMI values indicate a loss of soil quality related to native forest (100%), the values obtained in improved pasture (58%) indicate that there is potential for advances in the soil quality, adjusting grazing management and fertilization of annual replacement.
Upland Rice Production As Influenced by the Organic and Inorganic Applicatio...INFOGAIN PUBLICATION
A Technology demonstration on upland rice production was conducted to determine which among the three treatments would provide better yield of upland rainfed rice and serves as a technological show-case to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Non- Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the community.This study consists of three (3) treatments. Treatment 1 – Regional Soils Laboratory In-organic fertilizer recommended rates alone. Treatment 2 – ½ Regional Soils Laboratory In-organic fertilizer recommended rates plus 12.5 bags Vermicast per hectare. Treatment 3 – Organic fertilizer alone at 25 bags vermi cast per hectare. Result shows that the best practices of fertilizer application is Treatment 3 the application of organic fertilizer which produces heaviest weight of fresh palay (31 grams/hill) and dried weight of palay(4.3 grams/hill) and obtained the highest yield of upland rice(6.20 tons/ha) than variable 1 and 2. Based on the cost analysis the application of organic fertilizer (Treatment 3) produced high profit due to low price of organic fertilizer.
Climatic variability and spatial distribution of herbaceous fodders in the Su...IJERA Editor
This study focused on future spatial distributions of Andropogon gayanus, Loxodera ledermanii and Alysicarpus
ovalifolius regarding bioclimatic variables in the Sudanian zone of Benin, particularly in the W Biosphere
Reserve (WBR). These species were selected according to their importance for animals feed and the
intensification of exploitation pressure induced change in their natural spatial distribution. Twenty (20)
bioclimatic variables were tested and variables with high auto-correlation values were eliminated. Then, we
retained seven climatic variables for the model. A MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) method was used to identify all
climatic factors which determined the spatial distribution of the three species. Spatial distribution showed for
Andropogon gayanus, a regression of high area distribution in detriment of low and moderate areas. The same
trend was observed for Loxodera ledermannii spatial distribution. For Alysicarpus ovalifolius, currently area
with moderate and low distribution were the most represented but map showed in 2050 that area with high
distribution increased. We can deduce that without bioclimatic variables, others factors such as: biotic
interactions, dispersion constraints, anthropic pressure, human activities and another historic factor determined
spatial distribution of species. Modeling techniques that require only presence data are therefore extremely
valuable.
2 ijhaf dec-2017-3-effect of biochar issued fromAI Publications
Cassava is an important food crop cultivated (75%) by smallholder farmers. However, yields are very low and rarely exceed 17tons/ha-1. A study was carried out at Nkolbisson in the humid forest zone (HFZ) of Cameroon to assess the effect of three types of biochar issued from Cassava (CSb), Ricehusk (RHb), and Corncob (CCb) on the root yield of variety 8034 cassava cultivated along a soil fertility gradient. The biochars were produced using an Elsa pyrolysis technology with carbonisation time of 50-58mins and temperature ranging from 400-6500C. Twelve 8m2 plots were constructed in three sites from the higher elevated, moderately elevated and flat fields.The biochars were applied at 20t.ha-1in three replicationsin a completely randomized design.Results showed that the biochars were high in nutrients containing 4.17-18.15g.kg-1 N, 22.26-42.51 mg.kg-1 P, 2.48-4.18 cmol.kg-1 K and pH (H2O: 7.78-10.81) and were significantly higher than the no-input soil containing 0.79g.kg-1 N, 7.41mg.kg-1 P, 1.42 cmol.kg-1 K and pH (5.68). Cassava root yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in RHb plots (23.22 t.ha-1) than CCb (20.53 t.ha-1), CSb (18.67 t.ha-1) and the no-input soil (16.13 t.ha-1). The addition of biochar particularly RHb, increasednutrient uptake in cassava leaves and roots compared with theno-input soil. The study concludes that biochars with higher N, Pand K content tend to increase cassava root yield and suggestsincreasing the quantity of biochar to 40t/ha-1or continuous application in combination with other farming options such as poultry manure, compost or mineral fertilizer tomaximize cassava productivity given the benefits of biochar.
Effect application of sea sand, coconut and banana coir on the growth and yie...NurdinUng
The research was aimed to study effect application of sea sand (SS), coconut coir (CC) and banana coir (BC) on the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) planted at Ustic Endoaquert soil. The pot experiment was carried out using a factorial design with 3 factors. The first factor was SS consisted of three levels i.e.: 0%, 25%, and 50%. The second and third factors were CC and BC, each consisted of three levels i.e.: 0, 10, and 20 Mg ha-1. Application of SS and BC significantly increased leaf length where the highest increasing percentage was 16.47% which was achieved at 25% SS application. Their effect on leaf numbers and tiller numbers were relatively not similar pattern where leaf number only increased about 65.52% by BC application, while tiller numbers only increased about 10.77% by SS application. Furthermore, the application of CC and BC significantly increased panicle numbers to 29.53% and 29.05%, respectively compared to control. All ameliorants significantly increased panicle numbers, but the best was CC with the increasing up to 46.49% at 20 Mg ha-1 CC compared to SS or BC application. However, only coconut coir significantly increased the rice grain numbers.
The participatory management plan is a technical, legal and social device that joins the objectives of biodiversity conservation and the socio-economic needs of local populations. This research work aims to evaluate the impact of Wari-Maro classified forest management plan implementation on the structure and specific diversity of vegetation types. The methodological approach followed is based on the comparison of the dendrometric parameters and plant diversity parameters before and after the management plan implementation. The phytosociological and dendrometric database before the management plan was compiled with data from the forest inventory conducted by PAMF project in 2004 and others work. The forest and phytosociological inventories were carried out on the plots (70) from the forest inventory of PAMF project (2004) following the same methodological principles. The Shannon diversity index decreased from 3.35 ± 0.57 bits in 2004 to 1.98 ± 0.73 bits in 2014. The average density of dbh trees ≥ 10 cm decreased from 740.37 ± 269 , 86 stems / ha in 2004 to 184 ± 100 stems / ha in 2014. The results of the 5% sample matched t-test reveal a non-significant difference between the Shannon Diversity Index of 2004 and of 2014. On the other hand, the results of the sample t-test matched at the 5% threshold, reveal a significant difference between the average density value of 2004 and 2014 for all vegetation types except shrub savannas, fields and fallows. Most of the plant species found before the management plan are still present despite the decreased in individuals’ density.
performance evaluation and characterization of wetted soil parameters of impr...IJEAB
Field study was conducted to evaluate the emission uniformity (EU), global coefficient of variation (CGv), emitter flow variation (Qvar) and distribution uniformity (DU), and determine the wetted radius (rw) on soil surface of improvised medi-emitters installed in a tomato field. Soil water content (SWC) at four layers was determined after different periods of irrigation. Radius of wetted soil surface was determined and predicted. Irrigation frequency had no significant effect on the average discharge rate of the medi-emitters throughout the growing cycle. Average Qvar and CGv were significantly (P=0.05) influenced by the frequency of application while the EU and DU did not significantly (P=0.05) differ among the treatments. There were significant differences in the average values of SWC in different soil layers under the different periods of irrigation. Both the observed and calculated rw on the soil surface were fitted with fourth order polynomial. The model performance parameters of MAE and RMSE between the calculated and observed radii were low, indicating good prediction. Medical infusion set can successfully replace the more expensive conventional emitters for drip irrigation system.
Impact of Agricultural Management on Quality of Soil, Carbon Storage and Carb...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— The aim of this study was to characterize the carbon storage - Ec (Mg ha-1), carbon stratification ratio, carbon management index (CMI) in various systems use and management: a) Native forest (NF), b) improved pasture of Tanzania grass (TIP), c) degraded pasture of Tanzania grass (DP), d) hay area (H) with Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria sp) and e) Corn crop conventionally cultivated for 10 years (CTC). The experiment was conducted at Institute of Animal Science, at Sertaozinho, São Paulo State, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks with six replicates. The Ec, in Mg ha-1, adjusted variations in soil density, related to changes in land use were for native forest (112.9), improved pasture (81.6), system of conventional maize (78.2), field of hay (75.1) and degraded pasture (66.5). The highest values of carbon stratification (SR) were the forest (1.98), and lower in degraded pasture and conventional maize (1.10) - are considered poor in quality, while the improved pasture (1.28) and the area of hay (1.23 ) of media quality and while the forest considered great quality. For the different systems of use and management, low CMI values indicate a loss of soil quality related to native forest (100%), the values obtained in improved pasture (58%) indicate that there is potential for advances in the soil quality, adjusting grazing management and fertilization of annual replacement.
Upland Rice Production As Influenced by the Organic and Inorganic Applicatio...INFOGAIN PUBLICATION
A Technology demonstration on upland rice production was conducted to determine which among the three treatments would provide better yield of upland rainfed rice and serves as a technological show-case to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Non- Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the community.This study consists of three (3) treatments. Treatment 1 – Regional Soils Laboratory In-organic fertilizer recommended rates alone. Treatment 2 – ½ Regional Soils Laboratory In-organic fertilizer recommended rates plus 12.5 bags Vermicast per hectare. Treatment 3 – Organic fertilizer alone at 25 bags vermi cast per hectare. Result shows that the best practices of fertilizer application is Treatment 3 the application of organic fertilizer which produces heaviest weight of fresh palay (31 grams/hill) and dried weight of palay(4.3 grams/hill) and obtained the highest yield of upland rice(6.20 tons/ha) than variable 1 and 2. Based on the cost analysis the application of organic fertilizer (Treatment 3) produced high profit due to low price of organic fertilizer.
Climatic variability and spatial distribution of herbaceous fodders in the Su...IJERA Editor
This study focused on future spatial distributions of Andropogon gayanus, Loxodera ledermanii and Alysicarpus
ovalifolius regarding bioclimatic variables in the Sudanian zone of Benin, particularly in the W Biosphere
Reserve (WBR). These species were selected according to their importance for animals feed and the
intensification of exploitation pressure induced change in their natural spatial distribution. Twenty (20)
bioclimatic variables were tested and variables with high auto-correlation values were eliminated. Then, we
retained seven climatic variables for the model. A MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) method was used to identify all
climatic factors which determined the spatial distribution of the three species. Spatial distribution showed for
Andropogon gayanus, a regression of high area distribution in detriment of low and moderate areas. The same
trend was observed for Loxodera ledermannii spatial distribution. For Alysicarpus ovalifolius, currently area
with moderate and low distribution were the most represented but map showed in 2050 that area with high
distribution increased. We can deduce that without bioclimatic variables, others factors such as: biotic
interactions, dispersion constraints, anthropic pressure, human activities and another historic factor determined
spatial distribution of species. Modeling techniques that require only presence data are therefore extremely
valuable.
2 ijhaf dec-2017-3-effect of biochar issued fromAI Publications
Cassava is an important food crop cultivated (75%) by smallholder farmers. However, yields are very low and rarely exceed 17tons/ha-1. A study was carried out at Nkolbisson in the humid forest zone (HFZ) of Cameroon to assess the effect of three types of biochar issued from Cassava (CSb), Ricehusk (RHb), and Corncob (CCb) on the root yield of variety 8034 cassava cultivated along a soil fertility gradient. The biochars were produced using an Elsa pyrolysis technology with carbonisation time of 50-58mins and temperature ranging from 400-6500C. Twelve 8m2 plots were constructed in three sites from the higher elevated, moderately elevated and flat fields.The biochars were applied at 20t.ha-1in three replicationsin a completely randomized design.Results showed that the biochars were high in nutrients containing 4.17-18.15g.kg-1 N, 22.26-42.51 mg.kg-1 P, 2.48-4.18 cmol.kg-1 K and pH (H2O: 7.78-10.81) and were significantly higher than the no-input soil containing 0.79g.kg-1 N, 7.41mg.kg-1 P, 1.42 cmol.kg-1 K and pH (5.68). Cassava root yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in RHb plots (23.22 t.ha-1) than CCb (20.53 t.ha-1), CSb (18.67 t.ha-1) and the no-input soil (16.13 t.ha-1). The addition of biochar particularly RHb, increasednutrient uptake in cassava leaves and roots compared with theno-input soil. The study concludes that biochars with higher N, Pand K content tend to increase cassava root yield and suggestsincreasing the quantity of biochar to 40t/ha-1or continuous application in combination with other farming options such as poultry manure, compost or mineral fertilizer tomaximize cassava productivity given the benefits of biochar.
Effect application of sea sand, coconut and banana coir on the growth and yie...NurdinUng
The research was aimed to study effect application of sea sand (SS), coconut coir (CC) and banana coir (BC) on the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) planted at Ustic Endoaquert soil. The pot experiment was carried out using a factorial design with 3 factors. The first factor was SS consisted of three levels i.e.: 0%, 25%, and 50%. The second and third factors were CC and BC, each consisted of three levels i.e.: 0, 10, and 20 Mg ha-1. Application of SS and BC significantly increased leaf length where the highest increasing percentage was 16.47% which was achieved at 25% SS application. Their effect on leaf numbers and tiller numbers were relatively not similar pattern where leaf number only increased about 65.52% by BC application, while tiller numbers only increased about 10.77% by SS application. Furthermore, the application of CC and BC significantly increased panicle numbers to 29.53% and 29.05%, respectively compared to control. All ameliorants significantly increased panicle numbers, but the best was CC with the increasing up to 46.49% at 20 Mg ha-1 CC compared to SS or BC application. However, only coconut coir significantly increased the rice grain numbers.
The participatory management plan is a technical, legal and social device that joins the objectives of biodiversity conservation and the socio-economic needs of local populations. This research work aims to evaluate the impact of Wari-Maro classified forest management plan implementation on the structure and specific diversity of vegetation types. The methodological approach followed is based on the comparison of the dendrometric parameters and plant diversity parameters before and after the management plan implementation. The phytosociological and dendrometric database before the management plan was compiled with data from the forest inventory conducted by PAMF project in 2004 and others work. The forest and phytosociological inventories were carried out on the plots (70) from the forest inventory of PAMF project (2004) following the same methodological principles. The Shannon diversity index decreased from 3.35 ± 0.57 bits in 2004 to 1.98 ± 0.73 bits in 2014. The average density of dbh trees ≥ 10 cm decreased from 740.37 ± 269 , 86 stems / ha in 2004 to 184 ± 100 stems / ha in 2014. The results of the 5% sample matched t-test reveal a non-significant difference between the Shannon Diversity Index of 2004 and of 2014. On the other hand, the results of the sample t-test matched at the 5% threshold, reveal a significant difference between the average density value of 2004 and 2014 for all vegetation types except shrub savannas, fields and fallows. Most of the plant species found before the management plan are still present despite the decreased in individuals’ density.
performance evaluation and characterization of wetted soil parameters of impr...IJEAB
Field study was conducted to evaluate the emission uniformity (EU), global coefficient of variation (CGv), emitter flow variation (Qvar) and distribution uniformity (DU), and determine the wetted radius (rw) on soil surface of improvised medi-emitters installed in a tomato field. Soil water content (SWC) at four layers was determined after different periods of irrigation. Radius of wetted soil surface was determined and predicted. Irrigation frequency had no significant effect on the average discharge rate of the medi-emitters throughout the growing cycle. Average Qvar and CGv were significantly (P=0.05) influenced by the frequency of application while the EU and DU did not significantly (P=0.05) differ among the treatments. There were significant differences in the average values of SWC in different soil layers under the different periods of irrigation. Both the observed and calculated rw on the soil surface were fitted with fourth order polynomial. The model performance parameters of MAE and RMSE between the calculated and observed radii were low, indicating good prediction. Medical infusion set can successfully replace the more expensive conventional emitters for drip irrigation system.
How to Build a Compelling Apple Watch App/ComplicationKristina Fox
watchOS 3 talk about various ways to build a compelling watch app for Apple Watch. Includes how-tos on accessibility, quick actions, watch connectivity, animation and watch complications.
This is a presentation I made in 2016 when Jawhar Ecology Centre was conceptualized. Funding support in 2021 from Nisarg Foundation has enabled the project to take off.
Please do get in touch for latest updates and funding support since this presentation shares information from 2016.
Techniques of increasing the forest cover on agricultural areasGobishankar Mohan
Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable (temporary meadows for pasture, kitchen gardens, and land temporarily fallow), under permanent crops, and under permanent pasture land.
Drivers of conversion from forest to Agriculture
Global Partnership on Ecological Restoration
International Journal of Engineering and Science Invention (IJESI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of computer science and electronics. IJESI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Engineering Science and Technology, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Welcome to International Journal of Engineering Research and Development (IJERD)IJERD Editor
journal publishing, how to publish research paper, Call For research paper, international journal, publishing a paper, IJERD, journal of science and technology, how to get a research paper published, publishing a paper, publishing of journal, publishing of research paper, reserach and review articles, IJERD Journal, How to publish your research paper, publish research paper, open access engineering journal, Engineering journal, Mathemetics journal, Physics journal, Chemistry journal, Computer Engineering, Computer Science journal, how to submit your paper, peer reviw journal, indexed journal, reserach and review articles, engineering journal, www.ijerd.com, research journals,
yahoo journals, bing journals, International Journal of Engineering Research and Development, google journals, hard copy of journal
Agroforestry has a high potential for simultaneously satisfying three important objectives viz., protecting and also stabilizing the ecosystems; producing a high level of output of economic goods; and improving the income and basic materials to the rural population. It has helped in the rehabilitation of the degraded lands on the one hand and has increased farm productivity on the other. At present, agroforestry meets almost half of the demand for fuelwood, 2/3 of the small timber, approx. 70-80 per cent wood for plywood, 60 per cent raw material for paper pulp and approx. 9-11 per cent of the green fodder requirement of livestock, besides meeting the subsistence needs of the households for food, fruit, fiber, medicine etc.
International Journal of Engineering and Science Invention (IJESI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of computer science and electronics. IJESI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Engineering Science and Technology, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Similar to Conservations Case Study - July 2011 (20)
1. 1
Case Study – Khakagh Poin and Siakhar Togai Pastures
Bamyan Province, Afghanistan
CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT – JULY 2011
I. Background
CRS has been supporting the communities of Sare Ahangaran valley (Annex 1) to implement an
integrated community-based watershed project since fall 2008. The interventions thus far include:
• The formation and capacity-building of a Watershed Committee to plan and implement the
project in a participatory manner. There are 2 Cluster Development Committees (CDCs)
representing 9 villages in the valley. The Watershed Committee meets at least once a
month and has 12 members, with representatives from each CDC, including 4 women.
• Community-led development of a Natural Resource Management (NRM) plan. The
community NRM plan includes resource mapping, priority sites for community protection
and restoration of arable and pasture areas, and a 4 year community management plan for
key resources, including water, fuel, and fodder.
• Restoration of over 100 hectares of agricultural fields under existing canal systems by
implementing contour stone walls in order to control soil erosion and harvest snow and rain.
Farmers have planted cuttings of poplar and willow along the walls which will provide them
with a sustainable source of wood for housing and fuel. These fields are now being
cultivated, thus contributing significantly to the food and livelihood security of the
communities in the upper valley.
• Protection of two pasture sites at Khakagh Poin and
Siakhar Togai through community protection and soil
and water conservation measures. These sites were
brought under conservation since fall 2009. Bio-
physical interventions will be completed by fall 2011
and the communities will continue to protect these sites
from grazing and extraction of bio-mass till 2013,
during which period a long-term management plan to
ensure sustainable use of these sites for community
benefit will be developed.
II. Conservation Measures at Khakagh Poin Pasture
The pasture area forms part of a micro-catchment which lies
above Khakagh Poin village in the upper Sare Ahangaran
valley. The area selected for conservation and treatment
measures has an area of 48 hectares facing the north-west. The
Summary: The community of Khakagh Poin in the Sare Ahangaran watershed has, with CRS
support, been implementing conservation measures on pasture lands since fall 2009. An
assessment of vegetative cover and bio-diversity was undertaken in October 2010 and July 2011.
The findings indicate a 56% increase in total plant population as well as a 44% increase in the
number of species in the protected area as compared to the control area.
Khakagh Poin Pasture site
2. 2
ridge of the pasture lies at 4,080 meters elevation while the bottom of the site sits at 3,083 meters.
Although the remaining part of the micro-catchment is very steep and rocky, making it unsuitable
for conservation treatments, the community also brought this are under protection in 2011.
The selected pasture site was significantly
degraded as evidenced by the profusion of
Agropyron afghanicum grass (locally known as
kharkuda), which has no value either as fuel or
fodder, and contributed to flooding of the
Khakagh Poin settlement at the base of the
gully.
Conservation measures on the 48 hectare site
were initiated in fall 2009, with a view to
prevent flooding and soil erosion and harvest snow and rain. Given the abundance of loose stones
(shale) on the surface, a series of low contour stone walls were constructed across the slope.
During 2009, around 5 hectares of the upper ridge were treated with stone walls and the community
reported reduced flooding during spring 2010.
An additional 10 hectares along the upper ridge was treated with stone walls in 2010 and around 5
hectares in 2011. Thus while the entire 48 hectares has been under community protection since fall
2009, only the upper ridge portion (around 20 hectares) has been treated with contour stone walls.
III. Conservation Measures at Siakhar Togai Pasture
This pasture forms part of a micro-catchment which lies above the Siakhar Togai community in the
lower Sare Ahangaran Valley. The community of Siakhar Togai initiated protection in the
catchment area in the fall of 2009, agreeing to refrain from animal grazing and the extraction of
bio-mass from the pasture lands for 5 years.
The area selected for conservation and treatment measures has an
area of 45 hectares. The ridge of the pasture lies at 3,424 meters
elevation while the bottom of the site sits at 2,730 meters.
Directly below the area is a spring fed reservoir. As part of the
agreement with the community, CRS supported renovation of the
reservoir. The renovation of the reservoir was completed in
September 2009.
Before the beginning of winter, a series of 5 loose-stone gully
plugs were constructed in the main gully to protect the reservoir.
Additionally, CRS supported the community to begin
implementation of soil and water conservation (SWC) measures
through cash-for-work. Initially a small series of contour stone
walls were constructed in 2009 in the northern part of the
watershed. Following SWC best practices, work began along the ridge, continuing down the slope
at intervals based on the gradient. Community protection and SWC work continued throughout
3. 3
2010 with the implementation of contour earthen bunds and trenches and the sowing of wild seeds.
In 2011, the community completed SWC treatments on the pasture lands.
IV. Assessment of Vegetative Cover and Bio-Diversity
The assessment was undertaken in July 2011 to assess the vegetative cover (number of plants) and
bio-diversity (number of different species) on the protected and control areas of Khagagh Poin and
Siakhar Togai. The assessment was carried out simultaneously in
both protected and control areas by a team of CRS staff and
community members. The objective of the assessment was to
determine whether the protected areas benefited in terms of
vegetative cover and bio-diversity over the control areas while also
measuring any changes since the 2010 assessment of the two
pasture sites.
Control Area: For the purpose of comparison, a control site was
selected having similar areas, size, aspect and land-use. The area
selected as control is an independent micro-catchment adjoining the
protected area. A total of 40 sample plots were selected, with 10
from both the protected and control areas in each pasture site.
Sampling: In order to uniformly cover the entire area (different aspects of lower and upper
elevations and gully), a grid was overlaid on Google Earth maps and used as reference in the field
to select the sample plots. Within each section of the grid, the ring-toss method was used to
identify the location for the sample plot. A three-square
metre plot was measured around the ring-toss site. The
different plant species in each plot were identified and
counted with help of community members. Each of the
species observed was photographed for the purpose of
developing a bio-diversity data-base. The GPS
coordinates for each sample plot were recorded and
subsequently transferred to Google Earth.
Vegetative Coverage of Plants: The protected areas recorded a significant increase of 56% in the
total number of plants over the control areas. The table below demonstrates that the protected areas
had an average of 34.3 more plants in each three-square meter area.
Table 1. Vegetative Coverage of Plants
Site
Average # of Plants per Plot Average
Difference
Average %
ChangeProtected Area Control Area
Siakhar Togai 84.7 Plants 56.6 Plants 28.1 Plants 50%
Khagagh Poin 106.3 Plants 65.8 Plants 40.5 Plants 62%
Total 95.5 Plants 61.2 Plants 34.3 Plants 56%
40 Samples, July 2011, Khagagh Poin & Siakhar Togai Communities, Sare Ahangaran Watershed
Grid for sampling Conservation Area
Delineating Ring Toss Sample Area
4. 4
Bio-Diversity of Plants: The protected area of Khagagh Poin also revealed a change in the number
of species, increasing by 88% or 4.3 additional species per sample plot. In Siakhar Togai, the bio-
diversity change was minimal due to a difference in elevation as well as less grazing pressures on
the control area.
Table 2. Bio-Diversity of Plants
Site
Average # of Species per Plot Average
Difference
Average %
ChangeProtected Area Control Area
Siakhar Togai 5.1 Species 5.0 Species .1 Species 2%
Khagagh Poin 9.2 Species 4.9 Species 4.3 Species 88%
Total 7.2 Species 5.0 Species 2.2 Species 44%
40 Samples, July 2011, Khagagh Poin & Siakhar Togai Communities, Sare Ahangaran Watershed
Indicator species: In order to monitor the usefulness of the vegetation for the community, a few
species were selected which are commonly used for fuel and fodder. The population of these
species was counted and compared for conservation
and control areas. Similarly, the population of
Agropyron afghanicum (kharkuda) which is of no use
to the community was also monitored.
In the conservation area, indicator fuel and fodder
species recorded an increase of 29.9% and 106.3%
over the control area. Fodder species are herbaceous
as compared to thorny fuel species and the significant
increase in their numbers indicates that the
conservation measures are able to create a favourable
environment for them to multiply. The population of
Agropyron afghanicum marginally decreased by around 3% in the protected areas and the
community will probably need to physically uproot the plants to make way for the more useful
species for fuel and fodder.
Table 3: Value of Plant Coverage
Plant Use
Average # of Plants per Plot Average
Difference
Average %
ChangeProtected Area Control Area
Fuel 104.7 Plants 80.6 Plants 24.1 Plants 29.9%
Fodder 75.7 Plants 36.7 Plants 39.0 Plants 106.3%
Total Useful Plants 88.9 Plants 54.4 Plants 34.5 Plants 63%
Less Useful Plants 13.2 Plants 13.6 Plants -0.4 Plants -3%
40 Samples, July 2011, Khagagh Poin Community, Sare Ahangaran Watershed
Key Findings:
The protected area recorded a 56% increase in vegetative cover over the control area. This can be
attributed primarily to the successful protection by the community which allowed the vegetation to
thrive undisturbed. In 2010, an equivalent assessment revealed a 36% increase in vegetative
coverage. Since most of the SWC measures were implemented before the vegetative growth
5. 5
season of 2011, the 20% increase between the two assessments can be attributed in part to these
measures.
There was an 88% increase in bio-diversity in Khagagh Poin between the protected and control
areas. In the protected area, the 10 assessment samples revealed 30 different species, representing a
large increase in bio-diversity. The insignificant change in Siakhar Togai can be explained in part
by the lower elevation. This causes the snow to melt sooner and the land to dry more quickly. The
number of species recorded is likely to have been higher if the assessment was conducted during
early summer (May) when the vegetation was in the growth phase. Many of the soft-stemmed
plant species having short life cycle would have disappeared by July. The earthen bunds and
trenches which capture snow and extend the melting period should contribute substantially to this
early drying.
The protected area recorded a 39.5% increase in number of Artemesia plants over control area. This
is the predominant plant species in both areas (approximately 50% of the total vegetation) and is
the main fuel and fodder source for the community. Artemesia is a hardy species with a deep and
woody root system. When the entire bush is uprooted it leaves the soil vulnerable to erosion by
wind and water.
Table 4: Artemesia Plant Coverage
Site
Total # of Artemesia Plants
Difference % ChangeProtected Area Control Area
Siakhar Togai 527 327 200 61.2%
Khakagh Poin 380 323 57 17.6%
Total 907 650 257 39.5%
1,557 recorded Artemesia = 49.7% of total recorded plants (3,134)
40 Samples, July 2011, Khagagh Poin Community, Sare Ahangaran Watershed
While the population of Artemesia increased, the population of Agropyron Afghanicum slightly
decreased in the protected areas. A good indicator of degraded and overused pastures in Bamyan is
the prevalence of Agropyron Afghanicum or donkey grass which is an erosion-permitting plant with
no value either for fuel or fodder. Not surprisingly, this was the dominant vegetation (47%) found
in the control areas in the 2010 assessment. While some of the reduction can be attributed to the
plants being uprooted during the implementation of SWC measures, increased competition from
Artemesia and other species may also have reduced its spread in the protected area.
Significant difference was observed in the samples taken in the main gullies. In the protected area
where gully plugs were constructed during fall 2009, there was good vegetative growth as
compared to the untreated gully in the control area – the most significant being development of
extensive ground cover of small grasses.
Growth of all species in the protected area was observed to be much more healthy and vigorous as
compared to the control areas. Many of the plants still had green leaves and seeds, while plants in
the other areas had already turned brown and shed their seeds.
6. 6
Conclusion:
The protected areas in Khagagh Poin and Siakhar Togai have benefited over the control areas in
terms of increased vegetative cover and bio-diversity. This can be directly attributed to the
successful protection measures implemented by the communities. However, a comparison of the
2010 and 2011 assessments reveals that the SWC measures implemented by the communities are
also beginning to contribute to a substantial increase in vegetative coverage and bio-diversity.
Chart 1: Comparison of 2010 & 2011 Assessment Finding
While CRS staff worked with local community members to demarcate sample areas and identify
plant species they used the opportunity to discuss the reason behind the observed changes. As this
discussion continues, CRS will work with the community to develop a management plan and
system to sustain the increases in vegetative cover and bio-diversity while also sustainably
benefiting from their economic value.
Increase in Bio-Diversity
Increase in Vegetative Cover
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
2010 - Change in Protected
Area over Control Area 2011 - Change in Protected
Area over Control Area
7. 7
Annex 1: Sare Ahangaran Watershed Area
Annex 2: Bio-Diversity Assessment Samples
*Sample Points in Khakagh Poin *Sample Points in Siakhar Togai
Annex 3: Summary of 2010 Assessments of Khakagh Poin & Siakhar Togai Pasture Lands
Indicators
Protected Control
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Plants 30 34 57 89 84 52 45 56 136 66 70 67 28 24 103 73 57 68 41 39 15 28 43 63
Species 3 3 5 6 6 5 5 3 5 5 9 10 5 5 4 6 6 5 3 6 2 4 4 5
Useful 30 34 57 89 84 52 45 56 136 66 51 66 28 24 103 73 57 65 41 17 15 28 20 37
Vegetative Density Biodiversity Useful Vegetative Cover
Total Plants Treated Area 786 Total Species Treated 65 Useful Plants Treated 766
Total Plants Control Area 582 Total Species Control 55 Useful Plants Control 508
Difference 204 Difference 10 Difference 258
Percent Increase 35% Percent Increase 18% Percent Increase 51%