Dr.
R. S. Katiyar, Scientist EII (Project Leader)
Dr. R. S. Chaurasia, Scientist B
Group works on
Banthra Research Station
has been developed on about 50 ha sodic wastelands. The soil was
initially so heterogeneous and degraded that it was very difficult
to rehabilitate and utilize such hostile land. Efforts were made to
develop diverse land use systems under silviculture, floriculture,
agriculture, herbiculture including an ornamental nursery to
generate ECF for the centre. Eco- development of the barren land
under a forest ecosystem is a novel model of eco-restoration at the
centre, which provides a community habitat and shelter to a wide
range of organisms.
Objectives
The maintenance of existing land use
systems, development and demonstration of cost efficient soil
reclamation/utilization technology and creation of a field gene bank
of important plant species of Indo-gangetic plains are our future
strategy. The group also works on:
Propagation of ornamental plants.
Cultivation of Rosa damascaena and extraction of rose water.
Silviculture & agronomical experiments.
Establishment of a field gene bank of plant species.
Maintenance of garden, aesthetic value, live demonstration of medicinal
herbs.
Introduction and evaluation of several species/clones/varieties
of bamboo, poplars and
mulberry on substandard sodic soil.
