An elephant, being a mega herbivore, consumes large amounts of food. Due to the lack of availability of fodder inside the forest, the elephants move out of their habitat areas and also find agricultural crops attractive, which further results in man–animal conflict. To improve the elephant habitat area, the current study was conducted to assess the availability of native fodder grasses inside the Coimbatore Elephant Reserve, Western Ghats, from April 2021–April 2022. The area falls between 10°37′and 11°31′ North latitudes and 76°39′and 77°5′ East longitudes. It was approached in a systematic random sampling method. A total of 128 sample plots of 1 sq.m size were randomly placed, and the density of grass species was recorded in percentage (%). The collected samples were shade dried for one week, ground to pass through a 1 mm sieve, and stored in polythene bags. Furthermore, the samples were chemically analyzed to determine their nutritional values. The dry matter (DM) content of various grass fodder varied from 28.18% to 59.75%. The crude protein (CP) content differed between 5.94% and 11.94%. The highest CP was recorded in Cynodon dactylon (11.94%) and the least in Aristida setacea (5.94%). Ether extract content was found in the ranges of 1.00% to 5.00%. The acid detergent fibre (ADF) content of Aristida setacea (45.74%) was observed as the highest, whereas the lowest was observed in Oplismenus burmannii (26.78%), followed by Themeda triandra (26.85%), Heteropogon contortus (30.12%) and Enteropogon monostachyos (30.31%). The average neutral detergent fibre content of grass fodder was 52.27%, with a range of 37.89% (Oplismenus burmannii) to 67.87% (Cymbopogon martinii). The average total digestible nutrient (TDN) content of grass was 77.45%; relative forage quality (RFQ) exhibited wider variations among the grasses and ranged between 107.51 and 198.83. This study is a pioneer in evaluating the nutritional values of native grass fodder species for elephants in the Western Ghats. The study gives strategies for the selection of high nutritive fodder grass for the habitat improvement of elephants, and it also provides scientific and baseline information for the conservation of native grass fodder species in the Western Ghats.

Biochar is a carbon-rich product that is produced by pyrolysis of organic biomass like forestry waste, animal manure and crop residues in low oxygen conditions using thermochemical processes like pyrolysis, torrefaction, gasification. Slow pyrolysis is most widely utilized among them due to its increased yield and carbon stability. Properties of biochar such as pH, surface area, porosity and nutrient content depend on the feedstock and production conditions. As a green and sustainable solution, biochar finds applications across multiple sectors. In forestry, it enhances soil porosity, water retention capacity, nutrient supply and microbial activity, which stimulates forest regeneration and reduces forest fire risks. In agriculture, biochar enhances soil fertility, agricultural yields, minimizes fertilizer use and leaching of nutrients. Biochar also plays a significant role in climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in soils for long periods and reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and nitrous oxide. In environmental remediation, its porous structure allows for the adsorption of heavy metals and organic pollutants from soil and water. In the energy industry, biochar is used as a solid renewable fuel or as a byproduct of syngas-producing or bio-oil producing systems. All these multi-variant uses make biochar a powerful instrument for circular economy initiatives, sustainable land management and climate action. With continued research and policy support, biochar presents a potential route toward ecological restoration and stable ecological conditions.

Biomass estimation is pivotal in understanding and managing global carbon stocks, offering vital insights into climate change and environmental ecology. It serves as a critical tool for evaluating carbon sequestration potential, a natural mechanism for regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Accurate estimation of forest biomass not only aids in quantifying carbon stocks but also provides a basis for sustainable forest management, conservation efforts, and policymaking to mitigate climate change impacts. This article provides a comprehensive review of various biomass estimation methods, including ground-based measurements, remote sensing technologies, and hybrid approaches. Each method's strengths, limitations, and practical applications are critically examined, highlighting their suitability for different spatial scales and ecological contexts. Traditional methods, while precise at small scales, are often labour-intensive and limited in coverage. In contrast, remote sensing technologies such as LiDAR, RADAR, and hyperspectral imaging have revolutionized biomass estimation by enabling large-scale and high-resolution assessments. Additionally, recent advancements in machine learning, data fusion, and satellite-based monitoring systems are transforming the field, offering unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. By presenting these trends and innovations, this article provides valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of integrating advanced technologies into biomass estimation for sustainable development and climate resilience.

This study investigated the nutritional composition and anti-nutritional factors of Senna spectabilis as a potential fodder for animal feed. Key parameters such as crude protein, crude fiber, dry matter, digestibility and anti-nutritional factors like phenols, tannins, saponins and nitrates were analyzed from the five formulations named from SS1 to SS5. The results showed significant variations across the species in terms of digestibility and energy content, with formulations SS1 and SS4 demonstrating superior digestibility and higher Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN). On the other hand, formulation SS5 exhibited higher crude fiber content and lower digestibility, making it less efficient as a feed source. Anti-nutritional factors such as saponins and nitrates were found to be highest in formulation SS1, which could affect feed intake and livestock health if present in excessive amounts. The study also noted moderate levels of tannins and phenols in several species, which could impact nutrient absorption for animals. Additionally, concentrate feed mixtures were considered in comparison to fodder-based feeds for their influence on livestock growth and performance. These findings suggest that careful selection of feed ingredients, considering both nutritional and anti-nutritional parameters, is essential for optimizing livestock nutrition. Formulations with lower levels of anti-nutritional compounds like SS2, offer more sustainable feed options, while further research is required to understand the effects of these compounds on livestock health and performance.

Background: Melia dubia is a promising tree species in industrial agroforestry and plantation systems across southern India and is popular for its fast growth and economic potential. Choosing a suitable intercrop for an agroforestry system determines the longevity and viability of the system. This study was carried out to explore the feasibility of cluster bean cultivars as an intercrop in Melia dubia -based agroforestry system. Methods: A trial was conducted by comparing three cluster bean varieties such as, Sonali, Pusa Navbahar and MDU 1, under Melia dubia with three treatment conditions representing: open field conditions, as an understorey in three-year-old M. dubia and six-year-old M. dubia plantations. Result: In three-year-old Melia dubia plantation, the light intensity recorded by cluster beans was reduced to 78.12% (65,000 lumen per square metre) for MDU 1, 76.44% (63,600 lumen per square metre) for Pusa Navbahar and 74.51% (62,000 lumen per square metre) for Sonali when compared to the control and the pod yields for the three varieties were recorded as 10.15 t/ha, 9.28 t/ha and 7.86 t/ha, respectively. The benefit cost ratios of cluster bean varieties in three-year-old plantations were 1.43, 1.38 and 1.21, respectively. Overall, the yield attributing parameters such as flowers/cluster, pods/cluster, number of pods, pod length were greater in the MDU1 variety than in the other two varieties. Thus, intercropping cluster bean cv. MDU1 as an understorey in M. dubia plantations can maximize land utilization and yield the greatest returns.

Forests are essential in combating climate change by functioning as carbon sinks, sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide and storing it in biomass and soil. India, possessing various forest ecosystems, holds substantial potential for carbon sequestration. Climate change, marked by increasing temperatures, altered precipitation patterns and extreme weather phenomena, jeopardizes forest biomass and carbon sequestration. This systematic analysis evaluates the effects of climate change on forest biomass and carbon sequestration in several forest types in India. The study evaluates different methodologies for biomass estimation, including destructive, non-destructive and remote sensing approaches. It highlights the contributions of diverse forest types such as Himalayan forests, tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, mangroves and agroforestry systems in carbon sequestration. The findings indicate that while Indian forests act as vital carbon reservoirs, deforestation, land-use changes and climate-induced stressors have generally decreased the carbon sequestration potential of these forests by reducing biomass accumulation and increasing ecosystem stress, although variability exists across forest types. Sustainable forest management, afforestation and climate-resilient strategies are essential to enhance carbon storage. Integrating remote sensing technologies, ecological modeling and policy frameworks like REDD+ can aid in better monitoring and conservation efforts. This review provides insights into future strategies to strengthen India’s forest carbon sequestration capacity and mitigate climate change impacts.