Final Project Report (2007-2012) of National Bamboo Mission Sponsored Research & Development Project on “Hydrologic and Economic Evaluation of Bamboo Plantations in Gullied Lands under Major Ravine Systems of India” SUBMITTED TO National Bamboo Mission, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agri., Govt. of India, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi BY Dr. P. K. Mishra Director Dr. B. Krishna Rao Principal Investigator IMPLEMENTING AGENCY CENTRAL SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION RESEARCH & TRAINING INSTITUTE (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) 218 Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248195, Uttarakhand, India
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Final Project Report (2007-2012)
of
National Bamboo Mission Sponsored Research & Development Project
on
“Hydrologic and Economic Evaluation of Bamboo Plantations in Gullied Lands under Major Ravine Systems of India”
SUBMITTED TO
National Bamboo Mission,
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agri., Govt. of India, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi
BY
Dr. P. K. Mishra Director
Dr. B. Krishna Rao Principal Investigator
IMPLEMENTING AGENCY
CENTRAL SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION RESEARCH & TRAINING INSTITUTE
(Indian Council of Agricultural Research) 218 Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248195, Uttarakhand, India
ii
Scientific Team Associated with the Project
COORDINATING & LEAD CENTRE – VASAD, ANAND (Gujarat)
Name & Designation Specialization Responsibility
Dr. B. Krishna Rao, Senior Scientist
Soil & Water Conservation
Engg.
Principal
Investigator (PI)
Dr. Gopal Kumar, Scientist Soils Associated
Scientist
Dr. V.C. Pande, Scientist Agricultural Economics Associated
Scientist
ASSOCIATED CENTRE, AGRA (UP)
Name & Designation Specialization Responsibility
Er. A.K. Singh, Senior Scientist Soil & Water Conservation
Engg.
Co-PI
Dr. S.K. Dube, Principle Scientist Soils Associated
Scientist
Dr. S. Kala, Scientist Forestry Associated
Scientist
ASSOCIATED CENTRE, KOTA (RAJASTHAN)
Name & Designation Specialization Responsibility
Dr. A.K. Parandyal, Senior Scientist Forestry Co-PI
Dr. Shakir Ali, Senior Scientist Soil & Water Conservation
Engg.
Associated
Scientist
OVERALL GUIDANCE
Dr. P.K. Mishra
Director CENTRAL SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION RESEARCH &
TRAINING INSTITUTE
218, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248195 (Uttarakhand) India
iii
iv
v
Contents
Foreword iii
Acknowledgments iv
Executive summary vi-viii
1. Introduction 1-5
2 Physical Achievements 6-9
2.1 Mahi ravines 6
2.2 Yamuna ravines 7
2.3 Chambal Ravines 8
3 Environmental Suitability and Silvicultural Practices of Bamboo
Plantation in Various Interventions
10-18
3.1 Environmental suitability 10
3.2 Silvicultural Practices 11
4 Bamboo based Interventions for Stabilization and Productive
Utilization of Gully beds in Ravine Lands
19-29
4.1 Bamboo based interventions for reclaiming degraded gully beds 19
4.2 Survival & growth performance of bamboo in different interventions 21
4.3 Hydrological behaviour of the bamboo based interventions 22
4.4 Economics of the bamboo based interventions for gully beds 24
4.5 Intangible benefits of bamboo plantation in degraded gullies 29
5 Bamboo Based Interventions for Stabilization and Productive
Utilization of Gully Heads and Banks in Ravine Lands
30-33
5.1 Bamboo based interventions for gully heads and banks stabilization 30
5.2 Performance of the bamboo based interventions for gully heads and
banks
31
5.3 Bamboo plantation as field bunds, bench terraces, stream bank
stabilizer
31
5.4 Economics of the bamboo interventions for gully heads and banks 33
6 Problems and Prospectus of Bamboo Cultivation in Degraded
Ravine Lands
34-37
6.1 Ecological factors 34
6.2 Socio economic factors 35
7 Technology up scaling 38-39
8 Conclusions 40
9 Publications 41-42
10 Fund utilization 43-44
References 45-46
vi
Executive summary
Ravines are the network of gullies running parallel and discharging into river. India is having
3.67 m ha of ravine lands which constitute 1.12% of total geographical area of 328 m ha.
Very extensive degradation of land has occurred along some of the major river systems of the
country in various states in the form of deep gullies. The National Commission on
Agriculture has repeatedly indicated that gullied lands not only create problems where they
exist, but are also the root causes for degradation of adjacent arable lands affecting
production potential in a major way. Most of the gullied and ravine lands are not inferior in
their capabilities but are abandoned due to various other reasons. Being alluvial in nature and
located nearby rivers the ravines are highly susceptible to erosion and quite often face
consequences of severe floods. Ravines have a variety of a gully net works and combinations
with varying conditions of gully beds, gully side slopes, and gully intensities due to which no
uniform and cost effective land development package can be made available or implemented
till now and the problem remains as such. Rehabilitation of ravine lands with various kinds of
vegetation not only provides livelihood support but also helps natural resources conservation
and carbon sequestration in long run. Further the increase in vegetative cover in degraded
ravine lands enhances the flora and fauna, and restores natural ecosystem thereby mitigating
the impacts of climate change in addition to conservation of land and water resources for
sustained productivity.
Bamboo is known to be one of the fastest growing plants in the world, with a growth rate
ranging from 30 to 100 cm per day in growing season. It can grow to a height of 36 m with
diameter of 1-30 cm. India is one of the leading countries in the world in bamboo production.
Researchers have clearly established the importance of bamboo plant as an effective means
for natural resource conservation. Various research findings have reported positive utility of
bamboo plantation for enhancing natural resource conservation. The characteristics of
bamboo make it a perfect solution for the environment and social consequences of tropical
deforestation. Its biological characteristics make it a perfect tool for solving many
environmental problems such as erosion control and carbon sequestration. On account of
extensive rhizome-root system and accumulation of leaf mulch, bamboo serves as an efficient
agent in preventing soil erosion, conserving moisture, reinforcement of embankments and
drainage channels etc. Bamboo as agroforestry system was evaluated and found quite
encouraging.
National Bamboo Mission, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India has clearly
emphasized on the conservation value of bamboo plantations. Keeping these considerations
in view a research and development project entitled “Hydrologic and economic evaluation of
bamboo plantations in gullied lands under major ravine systems was carried at CSWCRTI,
Research centers at Vasad (Lead centre) under Mahi ravines, Kota under Chambal ravines,
Agra under Yamuna ravines during 2007 to 2012 with financial assistance from National
Bamboo Mission, Government of India. The present research & development study was
intended to carry out for scientific judging regarding utility of bamboo plantations on
extremely degraded ravenous lands located along three major Indian rivers namely Mahi,
Chambal, and Yamuna. The study primarily focuses on utilizing and judging overall
performances of bamboo plantations for controlling soil erosion on beds and banks of gullies
vii
and streams under real field conditions. The project is initiated to conduct research and
development activities at three specific locations namely, Mahi ravines at Vasad (Gujarat),
Chambal ravines at Kota (Rajasthan), and Yamuna ravines at Agra (UP) encompassing about
15 ha gullied land at each location. This project is implementing in two locations of the each
ravine system.
The experiments conducted under National Bamboo Mission funded project evaluated, three
types of bamboo based interventions in reclaiming degraded gully beds viz; i) Bamboo
plantation with staggered contour trenches ii) Bamboo plantation supported by bori bunds iii)
Bamboo plantation as Live check dams. This project was also evolved bamboo based
interventions for preventing gully head extension and bank erosion and further stabilization
and productive utilization, viz; the techniques for gully heads viz; i) peripheral bund
supported by bamboo plantation ii) closed spaced bamboo plants around the gully head and
techniques for gully banks viz; i) Gully banks stabilization by Anjan grass ii)Steep gully
banks stabilization by closed spaced bamboo plantation at the bottom iii) bank stabilization
by bamboo plantation with staggered contour trenches. Based on the results of the
experiments it is conducted that, higher survival and plant growth were recorded in bamboo
plantation with earthen gully plugs and supportive staggered trenches. These are mainly due
to absorption of rainfall thereby increase in moisture availability. Bamboo plantation based
interventions absorbs more than 80% of rainfall. Lowest runoff, soil loss and nutrient loss
was occurred in bamboo plantation with small earthen check dams followed by bamboo with
trenches. Bamboo based interventions reduced the nutrient losses varies from 50-67%. The
high stem flow amount and funnelling ratio of bamboo plants in comparison to deciduous and
coniferous plants makes better rainfall absorption and hydrologically best suited plantation in
degraded ravine lands. Maximum silt deposition was recorded in gully treating with Bamboo
plantation with earthen gully plugs. Annual return worked to be from the bamboo based
interventions for gully beds are ` 88,780, ` 70,000 and ` 63910, in ‘bori-bund reinforced
with bamboo’, ‘trenching’ and ‘bamboo live check dam’ treatments, respectively. Benefit
cost ratio works out to be 2.09, 2.05 and 1.96 in ‘bori-bund reinforced with bamboo’,
‘trenching’ and ‘bamboo live check dam’ treatments, respectively. It is recommended that,
these interventions can be implemented in degraded gully beds. Bamboo based interventions
for gully heads and banks will give net annual return of ` 700 per 10 m length from 7th
year
onwards. It is recommended that these interventions can be implemented around the
periphery of ravine lands, gully heads and banks.
The studies conducted under National Bamboo Mission sponsored Research & Development
project on bamboo based interventions in ravine reclamation proved to be quite promising
both in terms of controlling runoff and soil loss, carbon sequestration and economic returns.
This report described the detail information on execution, natural resource conservation,
production potential and economics of various bamboo based interventions for reclamation
and productive utilization of degraded ravine lands. These techniques are very much useful
for reclamation in ravine lands of various states. This will be useful to scientists,
academicians, and officials of Forest, and Agriculture Department and other user agencies for
improving livelihood through reclamation and productive utilization of ravine lands. In spite
of bamboo potential in degraded ravine lands in terms of controlling runoff and soil loss and
viii
economic returns, it has not been tapped to its fullest, hence wider and alternative utilities of
bamboo is being ‘rediscovered’ in India with increased attributes and potential towards
ecological and soil conservation utilities in degraded ravine lands. Field visits, farmers days,
training programmes and workshops were organized for sensitization and upscaling of these
techniques among various stake holders like policy makers, State and Central government
Departments, funding agencies, NGOS, Tree growers cooperative Societies and farmers.
However, there is a need to integrate the various stakeholders at various levels (production to
consumption) for evolving workable strategies to promote these bamboo based interventions,
which would not only be instrumental in addressing environmental concerns but also
economic and livelihood security of habitants of these vulnerable lands.
1. Introduction
Ravines are the network of gullies running parallel and discharging into river. India is having
3.67 m ha of ravine lands which constitute 1.12% of total geographical area of 328 m ha
(NCA, 1976). Very extensive degradation of land has occurred along some of the major river
systems of the country in various states in the form of deep gullies. There are 4 major areas of
severe ravine erosion on the map of India (Fig. 1). The largest is the Yamuna-Chambal
Ravine Zone. The ravines flank the Yamuna river for nearly 250 km and in Agra and Etawah
attain a depth of more than 80 m. Nearly 389,000 ha are affected along the Yamuna in
southern Uttar Pradesh. The Chambal ravines flank the river Chambal in a 10 km wide belt,
which extends south-west from the Yamuna confluence to 480 km to the town of Kota in
Rajasthan. In Gujarat, ravine belt covers 0.4 m ha and extends from the southern bank of the
Tapti, banks of the Narmada, Watrak, Sabarmati and Mahi basins.
Fig. 1: Extent of ravine lands in India (Source: V.V. Dhruvanarayana, 1993)
The National Commission on Agriculture has repeatedly indicated that gullied lands not only
create problems where they exist, but are also the root causes for degradation of adjacent
2
arable lands affecting production potential in a major way (Fig. 2). Most of the gullied and
ravine lands are not inferior in their capabilities but are abandoned due to various other
reasons. Being alluvial in nature and located nearby rivers the ravines are highly susceptible
to erosion and quite often face consequences of severe floods. Ravines have a variety of a
gully net works and combinations with varying conditions of gully beds, gully side slopes,
and gully intensities due to which no uniform and cost effective land development package
can be made available or implemented till now and the problem remains as such.
Rehabilitation of ravine lands with various kinds of vegetation not only provides livelihood
support but also helps natural resources conservation and carbon sequestration in long run.
Further the increase in vegetative cover in degraded ravine lands enhances the flora and
fauna, and restores natural ecosystem thereby mitigating the impacts of climate change in
addition to conservation of land and water resources for sustained productivity.
Fig. 2: Degraded ravine lands along the Mahi River affecting the adjacent cultivated lands in
Gujarat
Gujarat
3
Bamboo is known to be one of the fastest growing plants in the world, with a growth rate
ranging from 30 to 100 cm per day in growing season. It can grow to a height of 36 m with
diameter of 1-30 cm. A culm can reach its full height in matter of two to three months
(United Nation 1972). Considering the above characteristics, it is easy to believe that bamboo
is the fastest growing and highest yielding renewable natural resources (Lessard and
Chouinard 1980). India is one of the leading countries in the world in bamboo production. In
addition to their natural occurrence, bamboos are also planted on private lands particularly in
homesteads, field bunds and other marginal lands available. India is also very rich in bamboo
diversity. There are 124 indigenous and exotic species, under 23 genera, found naturally
and/or under cultivation (Naithani,1993).
Researchers have clearly established the importance of bamboo plant as an effective means
for natural resource conservation. Various research findings have reported positive utility of
bamboo plantation for enhancing natural resource conservation (Lawler, 1993; Yanhui et al.,
1995). Zhou et al. (2005) reported that soil erosion was low in bamboo plot (178.15 kg/ha) as
against other forest plantation types. The characteristics of bamboo make it a perfect solution
for the environment and social consequences of tropical deforestation. Its biological
characteristics make it a perfect tool for solving many environmental problems such as
erosion control and carbon sequestration. On account of extensive rhizome-root system and
accumulation of leaf mulch, bamboo serves as an efficient agent in preventing soil erosion,
conserving moisture, reinforcement of embankments and drainage channels etc. (Zhou et al.,
2005). Bamboo generates plenty of oxygen, lowers light intensity and protects against ultra
violet irradiations and is an atmospheric and soil purifier. The increased permeability of the
soil reduces surface run-off, evaporation loss, allows better water penetration into the soil and
increases drainage capacity of the soil. Sharma et al. (1992) have also reported that bamboo
conserves soil moisture and mitigates the adverse effects of drought on flora and fauna.
Bamboo as agroforestry system was evaluated and found quite encouraging (Behari et al.,
2000; Shanmughavel and Francis, 2000; Deng et al., 2003; Jha and Lalnunmawia, 2004; Nath
& Krishnamurthy, 2008). Average ranges of annual interception and stem flow in bamboo
plantations have been reported as 13 - 15% and 4 - 6%, respectively (Lu SY et al., 2007)
which looks a bit higher than those under natural hard-wood forests, due to special canopy
characteristics. The comparatively dense foliage protects against beating action of rain drops,
and its habit of producing new culms from underground rhizomes allows harvesting without
disturbing the soil (Ben-zhi et al., 2005). Because of dense surface roots, bamboos have vast
potential as a vegetative measure to conserve soil, and thus provide good protection against
sheet and gully erosion. Bamboo, which is a fast growing woody grass species, has been used
traditionally as a gully plug to control deepening of gullies. It is well established that
staggered plantation of bamboo in gully beds plays an active role in controlling erosion by
regulating hydrological flow and soil movement (Kurothe & Nambiar, 2001).
National Bamboo Mission, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India has clearly
emphasized on the conservation value of bamboo plantations. Keeping these considerations
in view a research and development project entitled “Hydrologic and economic evaluation of
bamboo plantations in gullied lands under major ravine systems was carried at CSWCRTI,
Research centers at Vasad (Lead centre) under Mahi ravines, Kota under Chambal ravines,
4
Agra under Yamuna ravines during 2007 to 2012 with financial assistance from National
Bamboo Mission, Government of India.
The present research & development study was intended to carry out for scientific judging
regarding utility of bamboo plantations on extremely degraded ravenous lands located along
three major Indian rivers namely Mahi, Chambal, and Yamuna. The study primarily focuses
on utilizing and judging overall performances of bamboo plantations for controlling soil
erosion on beds and banks of gullies and streams under real field conditions. The major
objectives remained to promote the growth of the bamboo sector through as an area based
regionally differentiated strategy as well as to increase the coverage of area under bamboo in
potential areas, with improved varieties to enhance yields. Relevant technological
interventions for potential utility of bamboo for natural resource conservation are also being
attempted through R & D components in the mission
Majority of rivers associated with ravines are highly flood prone. Present study aims to
harness the potential of bamboo for controlling gully erosion. At present there exists
complete data gap to reflect conservation aspects of bamboo which can be sizably bridged
with the results from present study. With a live demonstration planed under present study,
confidence could be built in farmers, agencies, and other stake holders to attempt
development of gullied lands for optimum and profitable use. The categorical objectives from
immediate and long term point of view are briefly described below:
1. Performance evaluation of bamboo for stabilizing degraded gullies of different orders
2. Characterization of rainfall runoff relationships, soil & nutrient losses, and yield attributes
of bamboo species along with economic aspects for gullies treated with bamboo based
technological interventions.
3. Generate reliable and valuable scientific data base for future utilization in developing
advance appropriate agro forestry systems in ravine regions.
4. To create mass awareness for promoting bamboo for stabilizing gullied lands & their
economic utilization.
The intended general hypothesis in the present R&D project is that “though staggered
bamboo plantation on gully beds is certainly a good established practice to deliver good
biomass, good moisture regime, and significant stabilization, yet there exists a possibility to
utilize the plantation geometry in a certain alternate manner to enhance conservation effects
and yield better outcomes”. To test and achieve quantified comparisons we intend to evaluate
the following technological interventions to arrive at end results,
Utility of bamboo as live check dams in gullies of different orders (shallow, medium, deep)
Utility of bamboo as reinforcement for active gully head, which are potential danger for
adjacent arable lands
Utility of bamboo as bank erosion control measure
Influence of various low cost and simple earthen structures on enhanced conservation value
of bamboo.
5
2. Physical Achievements
The project is initiated to conduct research and development activities at three specific
locations namely, Mahi ravines at Vasad (Gujarat), Chambal ravines at Kota (Rajasthan), and
Yamuna ravines at Agra (UP) encompassing about 15 ha gullied land at each location. This
project is implementing in two locations of the each ravine system. This project was formally
sanctioned at tail end of financial year 2007-08, but field executions are initiated during
2008-09. The Centre wise physical achievements are given separately.
2.1 Vasad-Mahi ravines
This study is carried out to evaluate the utility of bamboo plantations on extremely degraded
ravine lands located along Mahi River in Gujarat. In Mahi ravines this study is carried out in
two locations namely, Khorwad & Vasad villages of Anand Taluka of Anand district,
Gujarat. Khorwad has an established Tree Growers’ Cooperative Society (TGCS), with 217
hectares of highly degraded lands comprising various categories of gullies/ravines which are
ultimately draining into adjacent Mahi River. In TGCS land a natural watershed (10 ha)
which is denuded and has an extensive gully network has been selected for this study. There
exits plenty of shallow, medium, and deep gullies, where innovative technological
interventions for establishing conservation value of bamboo plantation could be effectively
demonstrated. At Vasad, in research farm, about 10 ha area was selected to systematically
carry out certain specific interventions. This will also facilitate frequent and effective
demonstration of bamboo based technological options to various visitors and trainees.
As per time schedule of major activities, the following physical achievements were made.
Total 8000 saplings were planted in NBM experimental sites at Khorwad and Vasad.
Under the Intervention-1:Utility and hydrologic performance of bamboo plantation in
gully bed stabilization, following treatments were imposed
Under treatment-1; Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) was planted at 4 m x 4 m
spacing in gully beds of W1watershed and staggered trench of size 2 m length, 0.5 m
width and 0.5 m depth was constructed for each plant. Total 620 No.s of trenches
were constructed at NBM experimental sites Vasad and Khorwad.
Under treatment-2; Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) were planted in staggered
fashion with close spaced rows & close spaced plants (at 2x2 m spacing) at W2
Watershed to act as live check dam. Total 21 live check dams were planted along the
gully bed at experimental sites Khorwad and Vasad.
Under treatment-3; 21 earthen check dams made of gunny bags (bori bund) were
constructed along the gully bed. For each bund, two rows(one each at upstream and
downstream edge at 2X 2 m spacing ) of bamboo were planted at experimental sites
Khorwad and Vasad
6
Under Intervention - 2: Utility and hydrologic performance of bamboo plantation for
reinforcement of active gully heads /eroding gully banks, following treatments were
carried
Reinforcement of the gully heads: The active gully heads were identified in
experimental sites at Khorwad and Vasad and these locations peripheral bunds were
constructed. A row of bamboo was planted with 2 m x 2m spacing at downstream side
of the bund.
Earthen peripheral bunds of length 1440 m, ross section area 0.7 m2 were made
around the gully heads at NBM experimental sites Vasad and Khorwad
Reinforcement of the gully banks: The active gully banks were identified in
experimental sites at Khorwad and Vasad and these locations bamboo was planted
with 2 m x 2m spacing along the gully banks for stabilizing the eroding banks
Five broad crested and four sharp crested triangular weir structures were constructed to
measure the runoff and soil loss from various treatments at Vasad and Khorwad sites.
at CSWCRTI, RC, Vasad farm for additional rainfall data collection
Training programme-cum field visits, farmers field day and sensitization workshops
with various stake holders were organized to popularize the bamboo based
interventions in ravines
2.2 Agra-Yamuna ravines
As part of the programme, implemented at the Yamuna ravines at Agra, (U.P.) various
treatment combinations were imposed to generate relevant information on conservation
value of bamboo in the Yamuna ravines systems. Four small catchments of 3 to 6 ha size
were selected. This study is under progress at Research farm Agra and Manikpura village in
Yamuna ravines.
As per time schedule of major activities, following physical achievements were made.
Bamboo saplings were replanted where the mortality was identified and additional
plantation was also done. Total 6500 saplings were planted in NBM experimental sites
at Agra and Manikpura.
Under the Intervention-1:Utility and hydrologic performance of bamboo plantation in
gully bed stabilization; following treatments were imposed
Under treatment-1; 5 earthen check dams made of gunny bags (bori bund) were
constructed along the gully bed. For each bund, two rows(one each at upstream
and downstream edge at 2X 2 m spacing ) of bamboo were planted
Under treatment-2; Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) was planted at 4 m x 4 m
spacing in gully beds and staggered trench was constructed for each plant. Total 80
trenches were constructed
7
Under treatment-3; Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) were planted in staggered
fashion with close spaced rows & close spaced plants (at 2x2 m spacing) to act as
live check dam. Total 10 live check dams were planted along the gully beds
Under Intervention - 2: Utility and hydrologic performance of bamboo plantation for
reinforcement of active gully heads /eroding gully banks, following treatments were
carried.
Reinforcement of the gully heads: The active gully heads were identified and these
locations peripheral bunds were constructed. A row of bamboo was planted with
2 m X 2 m spacing at downstream side of the bund.
Reinforcement of the gully banks: The active gully banks were identified and these
locations bamboo was planted with 2 m X 2m spacing along the gully banks for
stabilizing the eroding banks.
Training programme-cum field visits, farmers field day and sensitization workshops
with various stake holders were organized to popularize the bamboo in ravines
2.3 Kota-Chambal Ravines
At Kota centre, 3 small natural watersheds (area ranging from 2 to 5 ha) comprising various
types of prevailing gullies i.e. small, medium, and large. Out of these three small watersheds,
two are located in the ravines system draining in to the Chambal River. These watersheds are
located in the research farm of the CSWCRTI, Research Centre, Kota and will be called on
farm site (OFS W1 & W2) in the later descriptions. Third watershed (off farm w3) is located
in the ravines system draining in to the Kalisindh River which is a tributary of Chambal
River. This is a typical ravenous village named Kakronda catchment of this gullied area
comprises of farmers land and represents actively extending ravines.
As per time schedule of major activities, following physical achievements were made.
Total 7000 saplings were planted in NBM experimental sites at Research farm, Kota
and Kakronda village.
Under the Intervention-1:Utility and hydrologic performance of bamboo plantation in
gully bed stabilization following treatments were imposed
Under treatment-1; Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) was planted at 4 m x 4 m
spacing in gully beds of W1watershed and staggered trench was constructed for
each plant. Total 1400 trenches were constructed at NBM experimental sites at
Research farm, Kota and Kakronda village.
Under treatment-2; Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) were planted in staggered
fashion with close spaced rows & close spaced plants (at 2x2 m spacing) at W2
Watershed to act as live check dam. Total 10 live check dams were planted along
the gully beds
8
Under treatment-3; 5 earthen check dams made of gunny bags (bori bund) were
constructed along the gully bed. For each bund, two rows(one each at upstream
and downstream edge at 2x2 m spacing ) of bamboo were planted
Under Intervention - 2: Utility and hydrologic performance of bamboo plantation for
reinforcement of active gully heads /eroding gully banks, following treatments were
imposed
Reinforcement of the gully heads: The active gully heads were identified and these
locations peripheral bunds were constructed. A row of bamboo was planted with 2 m
x 2m spacing at downstream side of the bund
Reinforcement of the gully banks: The active gully banks were identified and these
locations bamboo was planted with 2 m x 2m spacing along the gully banks for
stabilizing the eroding banks
Training programme-cum field visits, farmers field day and sensitization workshops
with various stake holders were organized to popularize the bamboo in ravines
9
3. Environmental Suitability and Silvicultural Practices of Bamboo
Plantation under Various Interventions in Ravine Lands
3.1 Environmental suitability
The ravine regions are characterized with very scarce natural vegetation largely due to much
eroded soils having low fertility status as well as very unsuitable climatic and topographic
conditions for most of the economical tree/grass species. Champion and Seth (1968)
classified the natural vegetation of ravines under type 6BC2: Northern tropical ravine thorn
forests. The climate of the ravine region in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and
Gujarat is semi-arid to sub-humid (Agro-climatic zone IV) with annual average rainfall of
600 mm to 800 mm, mostly received from July to October in intense storms. The
temperatures may vary from 3 to 47
º C during coldest to hottest months. Humidity may be as
low as 7% and evaporation very high during May and June. (Bhushan and Saxena, 1984;
Singh et al., 1972; Singh et al., 1976; Prajapati et al., 1977; Prakash and Rao, 1986).
Environmental suitability is understandably a relative term as it is difficult to find best
suitable ecological combinations at single place. Luxuriant growth of different species of
bamboo observed in north east part of the country indicate higher climatic and soil suitability.
Though bamboo is not very specific to the soil type as it is observed almost throughout the
India on different soil type, yet for optimum growth, soil and site parameters are listed in
Table 1.
Table1 : Soil and climatic suitability conditions for optimum growth of bamboo
Parameters Optimum range Parameters Optimum
range
Soil texture Loam, sandy loam, sandy
clay loam, clay loam
Available Phosphorous
(kg/ha)
25-40
Soil structure Crumby/spheroid Available potassium
(kg/ha)
>150
Soil Bulk density (g/cm3) 1.3-1.5 Land slope (%) 1-6
Saturated hydraulic
conductivity (cm/hour)
1-4 Soil depth (cm) > 90 cm
Organic carbon (%) > 0.8 %, (No specific
information)
Average annual Rainfall
(mm)
> 1200
Soil pH 5.7-7.2 Average air temperature
(°C)
8-35
Electrical Conductivity
(dsm-1
)
0.1-0.75 Relative Humidity (%) >80
Available Nitrogen
(Kg/ha)
350-600
For identifying relative land suitability for bamboo, ravine lands can be classified in
following two major groups such as i) gully beds ii) gully banks and gully heads (Figs. 3 &
4). Coarse to fine sands or sandy soils are main characteristics (Fig. 5A) Soils on hump, slope
and bed of ravine was observed to have organic carbon in the range of 0.2-0.3 %, 0.16-0.28
% and 0.1-0.165 respectively. Poor organic carbon and coarse texture itself indicate poor
fertility and very poor water holding capacity of soils. Bed slopes are in the range of 2-5%
10
and bank slopes varying much and most of the locations these are more than 100%. Soil pH
and Electrical conductivity were in the range of 7.6-7.9 and 0.12-0.18 dsm-1
. Soil depth is
higher than 1.5 m. Soils are moderately suitable in terms of pH, highly suitable as EC and soil
depth and slope but unsuitable as poor water holding capacity and fertility. Various soil and
water conservation measures, closure of biotic interferences, along with life saving irrigations
and addition of organic matter and fertilizers will make the degraded ravine lands suitable for
economically viable plantations (Fig. 5B).
Fig. 3: Gully bottom and slopes Fig. 4: Gully head
Fig. 5: A. Degraded ravine bed with coarse texture soil, poor in fertility and water holding capacity soil,
B. Bamboo seedling planted in ravine bed at NBM experimental site with micro basin around plant
3.2 Silvicultural practices
Choice of bamboo species for ravine lands
Two important species of bamboo occurring in semi arid lands of India are Dendrocalamus
strictus (Fig. 6 & 7) (Manvel or Solid bamboo) and Bambusa bambos (Figure 8) (Katas or
Thorny bamboo). Besides the above species, Dendocalmus hamiltonii is present in small
patches in semi arid regions of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. No other species of
bamboo has been reported in the ravine lands.
A B
11
Fig. 6: Dendrocamus strictus in Mahi ranvines
Fig.7: Young clump of Dendrocamus strictus Fig. 8: Young clump of Bambusa bambos
Most of the bamboos are hungry, thirsty plants. So unless they are raised in the perfect place
with fertile, friable soil and plenty of timely and reliable rain they need to be provided both
fertilizers and water regularly for best growth. As ravine lands are characteristically devoid of
fertility and are mostly moisture deficient, only the hardier varieties can be grown in these
conditions and it takes longer for these to be raised. The Dendrocalamus strictus is the most
widely planted and most successful bamboo species for planting in the ravines. This is due to
the fact that it is the hardest of all Indian bamboos thus it thrives even in areas which are
under successive period of severe drought. It is a frost hardy species. In the less harsh areas
of ravine region where moisture deficit is not too prominent, Bambusa bambos can be
planted. Details of D. strictus and B. bamboos are given below:
Dendrocalamus strictus
Botanical name Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees
Local name Shal banh (Assam); Latthi bans (Sikkim); Tursing (Mizoram);
Chambal Ravines: Rainfall, runoff and soil loss have been recorded in Chambal ravines.
Total rainfall received during monsoon period of 2011 was 617.5 mm. The treatment wise
runoff and soil loss is presented in Table 6.
Table 6 Rainfall, runoff and soil loss under different treatments under Chambal Ravines
Rainfall-runoff/soil loss T1 T2 T3 Control
Rainfall (mm) 617.5 617.5 617.5 617.5
Rainy days 29 29 29 29
Number of runoff events 5 5 5 5
Runoff (mm) 4.5 6.17 3.4 11.2
Soil loss (t/ha) 3.1 3.4 4.0 5.2
The runoff and sediment behaviour under various treatments in different ravines reveal that
the bamboo plantation based interventions absorbs more than 80% of rainfall. The watershed
treated with bamboo plantation along with earthen check dams made of sand bags (bori
bunds) having more runoff retention capacity than the watershed treated with bamboo
plantation along with staggered trenches due to that lowest runoff & soil loss occurred in that
watershed. The physiographic conditions of these watersheds are more are less similar and
these imply that the varying runoff and soil loss behaviour of watersheds is mainly due to
conservation measures along with bamboo plantations.
4.4 Economics of bamboo based interventions for gully beds
Different bamboo based interventions have been analyzed from economic perspective.
Analysis has been done separately for the three treatments to stabilize the gully bed and gully
head extension. Data used for economic analysis has been drawn from field experiment and
projected for the gullied land at the research farm of the centre. Projections have been based
on real farm data of growth and harvest of bamboo as the harvest of bamboo has not yet
started. For harvest projection, assumption of one third harvest of mature bamboo per clump
from seventh year onwards has been taken based on the study conducted by Kurothe &
24
Nambiar, (2004). The basic data used for estimating cultivation cost of bamboo in Mahi
ravines, is presented in Table 7.
Table 7 Basic data for working out cost of cultivation of bamboo in different treatments
(Base Year for the costs, 2011-12)
Description Mahi Ravines
No. of Plants / ha 625 Mortality Replacement (%) 20 Manure required (Kg per plant per year) 10 Fertilizer required (Kg per plant per year) 0.02 Cost of Fertilizer (Rs / Kg) 9.5 Irrigation Cost (Rs./plant) 2.0 No. of Irrigations / year 12 Seedling price (Rs. / Seedling) 5.0 Labour wages (Rs. / manday) 100 No. of harvestable plants per ha (%) 30 Sale price per bamboo pole (Rs.) 35
The analysis has been done based on actual accrual of costs and bamboo output projected
based on growth data from the fields in different treatments. The constant input and output
prices for the year 2011-12 were considered. The harvest price of bamboo at farm gate was
considered as these were realized at the research farm. This is justified since there is no
organized market and identified marketing channel for bamboo sale in the ravines. A harvest
cycle of 20 years has been considered with a discount rate of 8%. The total cost of bamboo
plantation in ravines is accounted for by: (1) land preparation (2) treatment cost (trench/ bori
bund/ live checkdam) (3) plantation establishment including planting material, (4) protection
and maintenance, which includes irrigation, cleaning of bamboo clump etc. (Tables 8-12).
Major expenditures in the first year are for treatment cost, irrigation followed by plantation
establishment (site preparation and planting). The remaining is spread over the next four
years, primarily for irrigation, cleaning of clump and mortality replacement on the second
year and plantation maintenance and protection from years 2 to 7.
Treatment for gully bed stabilization includes, ‘trenching’, ‘live check dam of bamboo
plantation’ and ‘bori bund reinforced with bamboo plantation’ on upstream and downstream
side. Capital cost of the treatments is considered in the first year on actual basis. The cost of
‘bori bund with bamboo plantation’ is arrived at considering plantation and maintenance cost
of bamboo at 2 m X 2 m spacing in two staggered rows in the upstream and downstream of
the bori bund and the cost of bori bund. The cost of ‘bamboo live check dams’ made and
‘bori bund reinforced with bamboo’ in the given area of the ravine bed has been extrapolated
on per hectare basis. Similarly, the cost of ‘trenching’ for the unit area has been computed.
The number of harvestable bamboo culms per clump have been projected based on the
growth data of bamboo plantation in the three treatments.
Costs
The costs of ‘bori-bund reinforced with bamboo’, ‘trenching’ and ‘bamboo live check dam’
treatments works out to be Rs 96,160/ha, Rs 37,500/ha and Rs 57,588/ha, respectively
(Tables 8-12). The present value of total cost including bambo plantation at 4 m X 4 m
25
spacing over a period of 20 years works out to be Rs 294,156 ha-1
, 239,161 ha-1
and 231,445
ha-1
in ‘bori-bund reinforced with bamboo’, ‘trenching’ and ‘bamboo live check dam’
treatments, respectively. Out of which 42%, 31% and 35% is spent in the first year. Capital
cost on treatment mainly accounts for the differences.
Benefit
Total number of culmns per clump observed in field worked out to be 15, 12, 9 in bori-bund
reinforced with bamboo’, ‘trenching’ and ‘bamboo live check dam’ treatments respectively
(Table 2). Considering the recommended harvest cycle of 30% mature bamboo culms per
clump, the harvestable bamboo culms per clump are 5, 4 and 3 in these treatments
respectively. The total bamboo clumps have been taken as 625/ha in trench treatment based
on 4 m X 4 m spacing. In case of ‘bamboo live check dam’ and ‘bori bund reinforced with
bamboo’ treatments, the area lost under the treatments have been accounted for along with
the bamboo clums per clump available in the treatments while computing the harvestable
bamboo culms. As against 30% culms per clump in general plantation (4 m X 4 m spacing),
harvestable bamboo culms per clump from the treatments (2 m X 2 m spacing) have been
considered as 10% only. Based on this, the available bamboo harvested for sale works out to
be 3126, 2500 and 2312 in ‘bori-bund reinforced with bamboo’, ‘trenching’ and ‘bamboo live
check dam’ treatments, respectively.
Harvesting commences from 7th year onwards. The sale price per piece of bamboo is
considered at Rs 35/-. Depending upon the growth parameters of bamboo in different
treatments, the harvestable bamboo culms differ and the net annual return from these
treatments vary from Rs. 63,910/- to 88,780/-(Table 11).
The economic indicators for bamboo plantation in different treatments reveal that for a
production span of 20 years the net present worth varies from Rs 222,588/ha in ‘bamboo live
check dam’ treatment to Rs 319,731/ha in ‘bori bund reinforced with bamboo’(Table 12).
Similarly, the benefit cost ratio works out to be 2.09, 2.05 and 1.96 in ‘bori-bund reinforced
with bamboo’, ‘trenching’ and ‘bamboo live check dam’ treatments, respectively. The
internal rate of return reveals that bamboo performance in ‘trenching’ gives best rate of return
(20.2%) as compared to ‘bori-bund reinforced with bamboo’ (19.7%) and ‘bamboo live check
dam’ treatments (19.3%) among the three treatments.
26
Table 8: Cost components (`/ha) in ‘trenching’ treatment (2011-12 prices)
S.
No.
Items 1 year II year III year IV year V to VI
years
VII to XX
years
I Material
1 Planting material including 20%
mortality replacement
1250 250 250
2 Manure and fertilizers (DAP) 190
3 Plant protection chemical 600
4 Irrigation, 12 Nos. 15000 15000 15000 15000
II Labour
1 Land preparation 6000
2 Cost of trenching 37500
3 Planting and staking 9375 3750 3750
4 Soil working and others 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000
5 Watch & Ward 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000
6 Harvesting - 7th year onwards 12500
Table 9: Cost components (`/ha) in treatment ‘bori bund supported with bamboo’ (2011-12 prices)
Table 10: Cost components (`/ha) in treatment ‘live check dam of bamboo’ (2011-12 prices)
S.No Items 1 year II year III
year
IV
year
V to VI
years
VII to XX
years
Material
1 Planting material including 30%
mortality replacement
901 564 564
2 Manure and fertilizers (DAP) 190
3 Plant protection 600
4 Irrigation, 12 Nos. 10812 10812 10812 10812
Labour
1 Land preparation 6000
2 Live check dam of bamboo 57588
3 Planting and staking 6759 1230 1230
4 Soil working and others 2000 2000 2000 2000
5 Watch & Ward 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000
6 Harvesting - 7th year onwards 11560
27
Table 11: Yield and annual return of bamboo plantations in different treatments
S.No. Treatments Yield (Poles No ha-1
) Net Return ( ` ha-1
)
1 Bori bund reinforced with bamboo 3126 88,780/-
2 Trenching 2500 70,000/-
3 Bamboo live check dam 2312 63,910/-
Table 12: Economics of bamboo plantations in different treatments (Period 20 years, Discount
rate 8%)
S. No. Treatments Net Present Value
(`/ha)
Benefit-cost
ratio
Internal rate of
return %)
1 Bori bund reinforced with bamboo 319,731/- 2.09 19.7
2 Trenching 251,792/- 2.05 20.2
3 Bamboo live check dam 222,588/- 1.96 19.3
4.5 Intangible benefits of bamboo plantation in degraded gullies
The bamboo plantation in ravines provides some indirect benefits also. These include
prevention of soil erosion and loss of soil carbon. Carbon stock build up under bamboo
plantation comprises living biomass and soil organic matter. While the former is depleted
with the harvest of bamboo, the latter is retained in the soil till the bamboo plantation lasts.
Soil conservation benefits of bamboo are a bonus in ravines, which are prone to soil loss but
have not been much studied. The rapid production cycle of bamboo increases carbon
sequestration, because fast growing plants absorb carbon dioxide more quickly and more
often than trees. The annual biomass and carbon sink per hectare of many bamboo species are
comparative to wood tree crops, such as eucalyptus or teak. It can sequestrate CO2 to the
tune of 12 t/ha of plantation (Tripathi and Bajpai).
Soil organic carbon enhancement
This has been estimated from soil samples taken from bamboo plantation sites after 20 years
of plantation. Similar samples were taken from the fallow ravine lands. The analysis revealed
a soil carbon build-up of 41 t/ha over a fallow ravine lands. This carbon build-up sustains in
the soil if plantation is maintained for a longer period, following the recommended harvest
cycle of harvesting 30 per cent mature culms per clump. Imputing a value to this at a shadow
carbon price of US $20/t C (Atkinson et al., 2006) (` 50=US $1), worked out to be
` 41,000/ha, ranging between ` 10,250/ha and ` 82,000/ha at carbon price range of US $5/t
C and US $40/t C, respectively.
Nutrient loss
Soil conservation value has been estimated in terms of nutrients saved from loss to river in
the downstream. The nitrogen, phosphorus and potash content of soil in a degraded ravine
lands of this region ranges between 101-470 kg/ha, 24-95 kg/ha and 216-470 kg/ha,
respectively. This works as a lower and upper bound for the nutrients in the soil conserved as
a result of bamboo plantation. In ravine lands, farm yard manure is applied by the farmers in
small quantity prior to plantation, but the quantity is too small to replace the nutrients lost
through soil erosion. Hence, only chemical fertilizers are used for replacement of nutrients
lost. Further, nitrogen is closely related with carbon in the soil under plantation. Since,
evaluation of soil carbon is done separately, the benefit of this nutrient was not summed up in
the nutrient saved. The value of nutrients, thus, saved through bamboo plantation has been
estimated to be ` 2126 - 5555/ha.
28
5. Bamboo Based Interventions for Gully Heads and Bank Stabilization
5.1 Bamboo Based Interventions for Gully Heads and Bank Stabilization
Active gully heads with peripheral bund supported by bamboo plantation
In ravine lands, to stop the advancement of gully heads, peripheral bunds has to be
constructed with dimensions of 1.7 m bottom width, 0.7 m height, 0.3 m top width making
0.7 m2
section (after settlement) with pipe outlet to dispose the excess runoff safely to the
gully beds. After construction of peripheral bunds, bamboo hedge plantation has to be done at
upstream side of peripheral bunds with plant to plant spacing of 1 m (Fig.17).
Gully banks stabilization by Anjan grass
Gully banks can also be stabilized by planting or sowing of Anjan grass. This grass has good soil binding capacity and provides protective ground cover (Fig. 18). Seeds of Anjan grass @4.5 kg/ha are sown in lines 30 cm apart and N and P2 O5 @ 20 kg/ha each, in the form of sulphate of ammonia, and single super phosphate fertilizers can be applied for enhancing the production. The fertilizers are broadcasted. Slip planting of Anjan grass can also be carried out at plant to plant spacing of 50 cm on contour in a staggered fashion, if the grass slips are readily available. These grass slips are planted after the onset of monsoon, when good soaking rains have occurred.
Fig. 18: Anjan grass on gully slopes
Gully banks stabilization and utilization by bamboo plantation with staggered contour
trenches
Staggered contour trenches with 4 m X 4 m spacing are made on gully banks. Bamboo
plantation has to be done at 1 m distance from the trench at downstream side, so that the
stored water in the trench will be available to the plants.
Fig. 17: Active gully heads with peripheral bund supported by bamboo plantation
29
Steep gully banks stabilization by bamboo plantation at the bottom
In ravine lands steep gully bank can be stabilized by planting a row of bamboo plant at 1 X 1
m spacing. After growing of the plant these plant will act as reinforcement and thereby
preventing the gully bank erosion (Fig. 19).
5.2 Performance of the bamboo based interventions
The experiments conducted under National Bamboo Mission funded project for gully head
and bank stabilization revealed that gully head extension was observed up to 1.5 m/year in
gully head without peripheral bund and it was not observed in gully head with peripheral
bund supported by bamboo plantation (Table 13). Gully bank extension was observed up to
0.5m/year in gully bank without bamboo plantation and it was reduced by 50% in gully bank
with bamboo plantation (Table 13) (Rao et al., 2011).
Table 13: Gully head and bank extension
Gully head extension, m
Treatment /Location Khorwad 1 Khorwad 2 Vasad
Active gully heads with peripheral bund supported by
bamboo plantation at downstream (T1)
0 0 0
Active gully heads with bamboo plantation (T2) 1.2 0.9 0.6
Active gully heads without peripheral bund and
plantation (T3)
1.5 1.1 0.8
Gully bank extension, m
Active gully banks without bamboo plantation 0.7 0.5 -
Active gully banks with bamboo plantation 0.5 0.2 -
5.3 Bamboo plantation as field bunds, bench terraces, stream bank stabilizer
In addition to the first category of interventions for gully beds and second category of
interventions for gully heads and banks which were mentioned in the above section, bamboo
plantations will also act as other conservation measures such as field/ farm bunds, bench
terraces, stream/river banks.
Bamboo plantation as field bunds
In most of the regions, farmers are practicing raising bamboo on field boundaries (Fig. 20).
This plantation will act as field/ farm bund and will reduce the runoff, soil and nutrients
losses in the field, and increase the moisture and nutrient availability and thereby increase the
production and productivity. The bamboo planted along the field boundaries will also act as
Fig. 19: Gully bank stabilization by bamboo plants
30
live fencing and thereby serve as protection from wild animals and cattle. The bamboo culms
which are produced from field boundaries by the farmers are utilized for their own
requirement and excess is sold for getting additional income.
Bamboo plantation as bio terrace
Cultivation on steep slopes without protection measure often causes serious erosion. By
applying terracing & protected waterways, these steep slopes could be cultivated safely and
profitably. Bench terraces are the platforms like construction which are constructed along the
contours of sloping land above 15% slope. High cost of terracing, loss of area, fall in crop
yield during initial years, absence of appropriate production technology for rainfed benches-
appear to be the major constraints in promoting the idea of terrace cultivation in most of the
regions. A single row of bamboo with plant to plant spacing of 1m will be planted along the
contour in determined vertical interval (Figure 21). These planted rows will act as barrier and
obstruct the runoff and soil loss. Every year some soil will be deposited upstream of the
planted row and after some years these become terrace. The studies on the bamboo as bio
terrace are in preliminary stage. It is also mentioned that bamboo can also be planted on the
terrace risers and these plants will provide stability to the terrace and also provide additional
income from that land.
Fig. 20 Bamboo as field bunds
Fig. 21: Bamboo as bench terrace
5.4 Economics of intervention for gully heads and banks
For gully head, two treatments with bamboo have been tried. One treatment includes planting
bamboo along the bank of the ravines. The other treatment includes earthen bund reinforced
with bamboo plantation on upstream along the gully head. The cost of the treatment
accordingly differ.
31
Cost
a) Bamboo plantation along the gully bank
For 10 m running bank, the cost of treatment works out to be Rs 660/-. This is explained by
the cost of planting and maintaining bamboo plants in 10 m gully bank.
b) Bamboo plantation to reinforce earthen bund
This comprises cost of earthen bund and the cost of bamboo plantation on up stream. For 10
m earthen bund the cost is Rs 700/- (for 0.7 m2 cross section bund) at Rs. 100/m
3. The cost of
planting bamboo at 1m spacing works out to be Rs. 660/- for 10 m earthen bund. The total
cost is computed as Rs 1360 per 10 m running length.
Benefit
On an average 17 culms per clump are projected based on the growth data from field.
Considering 10% harvestable bamboo culms per clump (1m X 1m spacing) from 7th
year
onwards, 2 bamboo culms per clump are available. So in both treatments, from 10 meter
length of the gully bank and/or earthen bund 20 bamboo culms would be harvested. This will
give a return of Rs 700 per 10 m length from 7th
year.
32
6. Problems and Remedial Measures in Bamboo Cultivation in
Degraded Ravine Lands
Despite the bamboo potential in ravines in terms of its conservation value and economic
returns, availability of large area of degraded land, availability of technology & fund, as also
Government thrust, the bamboo has not gained the desired momentum in reclaiming
degraded lands. The main limititing factors in the promotion of the bamboo in ravines are:
6.1 Ecological Factors
Soils
Usually the ravine lands are devoid of economically useful vegetation. Soils are low in
fertility and productivity. Soils have limited fertility as soils in the ravines have low soil
carbon content and soils are invariably low in nitrogen content also. Plants are no magicians
and cannot manufacture nutrients on their own. They have to draw nutrients from soil. This is
also true for bamboos. Irrespective of whether we grow bamboo in a pot, or in a plantation,
we need to provide it with what it needs if we want it to do well. Therefore when they are
raised in the less fertile soils with deficit of moisture, they need both fertilisers and water
regularly for best growth. The ravine lands are characteristically moisture deficient and have
low fertility and it takes longer for even hardier species to be raised there. Though
Dendrocalamus strictus is a very hardy species we need to provide it good soils with plenty
of moisture at least during the establishment phase of seedling. Thus mixing adequate amount
of FYM in the pits before planting of seedlings is mandatory.
Moisture management
Ravine lands are characterized with high moisture stress for most part of the year. In
Chambal ravines highly eroded top soil exposes the calcium carbonate granules below. These
eroded soils have very low infiltration rate and coupled with steep land slope lead to very
limited water retention in the soil. Thus the planted vegetation faces high moisture stress in
Chambal ravines. Though the average annual rainfall is about 750 mm, most of the rains are
received during July to mid- September. For improved survival of bamboo in ravines,
especially in the first year after planting, lifesaving irrigation needs to be provided at least
during summers. The moisture requirement can be met partially by adopting moisture
management measures like staggered trenches and half-moon shaped micro-catchments. Tall
seedlings raised in polythene bags may have root system confined to small area, thus these
seedlings require frequent watering in limited quantities till their roots spread in the soil.
Pruning the tall seedlings from top by removing some leaves reduces the transpiration
requirement of young seedlings thus enhancing their ability to withstand the moisture stress.
Bamboo does not like 'wet feet'. Too much water also can be a problem. Almost all plants
need oxygen for optimum development of their root systems, and bamboos are no exception.
Thus, well drained soil is the major requirement. In the heavy soils, periodic hoeing may be
required to avoid asphyxiation of roots.
33
Light regime
Ravine lands are usually occupied by thorny bushes and less palatable grasses but ground
cover during rainy seasons may restrict adequate light for planted seedlings. Bamboos need
adequate over head sunlight. Most of the bamboos prefer to grow in full sun. They grow
faster, bushier and produce more shoots in the sun than in the shade. They may at times, grow
in shady sites, but slower, leaner and taller as they reach for the light. During establishment
phase bamboo need better sunlight and are thus prone to higher mortality if raised with
greater competition of grasses and bushes. Periodic weeding and bush cutting during first few
months after planting ensures higher survival and growth of planted seedlings.
Impact of Wild Life/ damage by animals
Ravine lands are usual natural habitats of wild life including wild pigs, porcupine, rodents
and animals belonging to antelope family as ravines provide shelter and drinking water
availability as the ravines are located along some river. The proximity of Chambal ravines
with wild life sanctuaries and National parks like Dara sanctuary and Mukundra hill National
park etc. also enhances the incidences of damage to plantation by wild life. Animals like blue
bulls and other antelopes inflict heavy damage by browsing and trampling the newly planted
seedlings and even well-established young plants of bamboo. Damage by pigs is considerable
especially if frequent irrigation is applied in the plantation. The pigs uproot the young
seedlings and inflict heavy damage to established young plants by damaging the rhizomes.
The porcupine and rodents feed on and damage the rhizomes of bamboo thus damaging
young seedlings as well as established plants. Similarly the prevalent practice of open
grazing system in most of the ravine region, leads to possibility of damage to bamboo
plantations due to grazing, browsing and trampling resulting from high biotic pressure of
stray cattle.
Termite attack
During dry periods incidences of termite attack increase resulting in higher mortality and
reduced growth of the planted seedlings and young plants. Use of insecticides powders like
chloropyriphos, endosulfan or folidol in the soil mixture during filling of pits shall help in
reducing termite incidence. Periodic drenching with the solution of these insecticides helps in
reducing the recurrence of termite attack.
6.2 Socioeconomic Factors
Lack of awareness on importance of bamboo
Despite the high economic potential of bamboo and huge utility of bamboo for the rural
areas, bamboo has not been able to find its desired place in the rural economy in the ravine
regions. In fact no major plantations have been raised in ravine regions. Lack of awareness
about the economic potential and utility of bamboo is the major reasons for the indifferent
attitude of rural people towards planting of bamboo. In certain areas of the region planting of
bamboo is considered inauspicious. The myths related to bamboo planting being ominous
need to be allayed by raising awareness on scientific facts related to bamboo. Bamboo has
been traditionally raised, to a limited extent, in village commons and homestead gardens.
However, it still remains a forest species in respect of industrial use and commercial
34
plantations. There is a need for changing the ‘forestry mindset' to the 'farming mind set.' and
creating awareness on the commercial viability and profitability of the species. In this regard,
extensive awareness and capacity building programmes are required at all levels Viz. farmers,
extension workers, village level societies, tree growers cooperative societies etc. The
Research & Development (R&D) under the sector needs to be complimented with awareness
creation, demonstration and extension support for a multiplier effect. SHGs, VFCs, Tree
growers cooperative societies, Farmers clubs, etc. could be used as vehicle for such extension
programmes.
Non Availability of quality planting stock
Non availability of better quality planting stock is a constraint which restricts the easy
adoption of bamboo for planting in ravine regions. The seed is not easily available in the
region and has to be procured from suppliers located either in farway places. Bamboo
rhizomes are also not easily available for planting in the region. Barring a few nurseries of
the state forest department, seedlings of bamboo are not available in other nurseries. For
raising bamboo plantations in ravines, provisions for raising seedlings have to be made with
proper advance planning. Procurement of seed is also required to be planned well in advance.
Harvesting and Transport restrictions
It is evident, to meet the domestic and International demand of bamboo, the 'raw material' has
to necessarily come from the private sources. The Indian Forest Act. 1927, defines bamboo as
a " forest produce", and the species attracts the felling and transit restrictions under most of
the States Forest Rules. Procedures for taking permits are, more often than not, cumbersome,
time consuming and harassing. These legal restrictions detract farmers / Entrepreneurs from
raising bamboo on their private wastelands on commercial basis and are one of the most
crucial issues in promotion of bamboo sector in the country. The probable option lies in
exemption of Bamboo from the restrictive harvesting and transit rules, as in case of many
other agro forestry species or at feast simplifications of these rules.
Policy for leasing revenue degraded ravine lands for forest plantations
A large portion of degraded ravine lands, which could be profitably used for raising bamboo,
are under the control of the Revenue Department/ Forest Department. Such lands are neither
being developed by the Department nor leased away to the interested entrepreneurs for
development. There is therefore desirable that the State Govts. evolve suitable policies for
leasing of the revenue wastelands to the farmers / SHGs / entrepreneurs / industries for
raising forest plantations for industrial use. Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and, Chattisgarh have
come up with such policy for greening the waste lands. Other States may also follow to
encourage the public private partnership for greening the degraded ravine lands.
Need for Organized Supply Chain Management
Though a vast market exists for the bamboo sector, there is a need for an organized market
with assured minimum price regime to encourage the small farmers to take up bamboo
plantations on their private wastelands. There is a need to promote bamboo based industries
in states having major ravine areas.
35
Need for rationalization of taxation and price fixation
In some States, bamboo raised under private sector is subject to tax by the forest department
and this need to be rationalized. Similarly, the price fixation mechanism by the Forest
Department must be rationalized to ensure suitable remuneration to growers and the bamboo
based industries.
Need for incentives for raising bamboo plantations
Cultivation of bamboo in degraded ravine lands and the agricultural land nearer to these is a
new activity and may be given fillip through extending capital/ interest subsidy to the
farmers/ entrepreneurs for raising bamboo plantations.
36
7. Technology upscaling
The studies conducted under National Bamboo Mission sponsored Research & Development
project on bamboo based interventions in ravine reclamation proved to be quite promising
both in terms of controlling runoff and soil loss, carbon sequestration and economic returns.
This bulletin described the detail information on execution, natural resource conservation,
production potential and economics of various bamboo based interventions for reclamation
and productive utilization of degraded ravine lands. These techniques are very much useful
for reclamation in ravine lands of various states. This bulletin will be useful to scientists,
academicians, and officials of Forest, and Agriculture Department and other user agencies for
improving livelihood through reclamation and productive utilization of ravine lands. In spite
of bamboo potential in degraded ravine lands in terms of controlling runoff and soil loss and
economic returns, it has not been tapped to its fullest, hence wider and alternative utilities of
bamboo is being ‘rediscovered’ in India with increased attributes and potential towards
ecological and soil conservation utilities in degraded ravine lands. Field visits, farmers days,
training programmes and workshops were organized for sensitization and upscaling of these
techniques among various stake holders like policy makers, State and Central government
Departments, funding agencies, NGOS, Tree growers cooperative Societies and farmers(Fig.
22). However, there is a need to integrate the various stakeholders at various levels
(production to consumption) for evolving workable strategies to promote these bamboo based
interventions, which would not only be instrumental in addressing environmental concerns
but also economic and livelihood security of habitants of these vulnerable lands.
37
Director, CSWCRTI Visit DDG(NRM), ICAR visit
NABARD and NGO officials visit DDG(NBM) Visit
District Collector, Anand Visit, GSWMA officials Visit
Bamboo publications released by MLA, Sarsa, Gujarat Bamboo Popularization by Print Media
Fig. 22: Sensitization and upscaling of bamboo based techniques among various stake holders
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8. Conclusions
Based on the experiments conducted under this study the following conclusions were
drawn.
• Higher survival and plant growth were recorded in bamboo plantation with earthen
gully plugs and supportive staggered trenches. These are mainly due to absorption of
rainfall thereby increase in moisture availability.
• Bamboo plantation based interventions absorbs more than 80% of rainfall. Lowest
runoff, soil loss and nutrient loss was occurred in bamboo plantation with small
earthen check dams followed by bamboo with trenches. Bamboo based interventions
reduced the nutrient losses varies from 50-67%.
• The high stem flow amount and funnelling ratio of bamboo plants in comparison to
deciduous and coniferous plants makes better rainfall absorption and hydrologically
best suited plantation in degraded ravine lands
• Maximum silt deposition was recorded in gully treating with Bamboo plantation with
earthen gully plugs
• Benefit cost ratio works out to be 2.09, 2.05 and 1.96 in ‘bori-bund reinforced with
bamboo’, ‘trenching’ and ‘bamboo live check dam’ treatments, respectively.
• Gully head extension was observed up to 1.5 m/year in gully head without peripheral
bund and it was not observed in gully head with peripheral bund supported by
bamboo plantation. Gully bank extension was observed up to 0.5m/year in gully bank
without bamboo plantation and it was reduced by 50% in gully bank with bamboo
plantation
• This project evolved three types of bamboo based interventions in reclaiming degraded gully
beds in ravine lands viz. i) Bamboo plantation with staggered contour trenches ii)
Bamboo plantation supported by bori bunds iii) Close spaced Bamboo plantation as
Live check dams and these interventions will give net annual return vary from
` 63,910 to 88,780. It is recommended that the these interventions can be
implemented in gully beds in ravine lands.
• This project was also evolved bamboo based interventions for preventing gully head
extension and bank erosion and further stabilization and productive utilization, viz, the
techniques for gully heads are i) peripheral bund supported by bamboo plantation ii) closed
spaced bamboo plants around the gully head. These interventions will give net annual
return a return of Rs 700 per 10 m length from 7th
year onwards It is recommended
that the these interventions can be implemented around the periphery of ravine lands.
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9. Publications
Several publications such as research papers in peer reviewed journal, conference papers,
book, bulletin, folders and popular articles are published based on the knowledge generated
and data collected from the experiments conducted under this project.