Climate change and finger millet: Perception, trend and impact on yield in different ecological regions in Central Nepal

The views of local people on climate change along different ecological regions are relatively unexplored in Nepal. This study was conducted in 13 villages in central Nepal at different altitudes to document the views of small holder farmers and compare their perception with trends of climatic variables, finger millet yield, natural disasters, plant phenology(flowering and fruiting), status of forest and wild life, as well as the spread of diseases and pests. Analysis on the climatic data of stations for 36-41 years between 1975 and 2016 showed significant increases in the minimum temperature in lower tropical climatic region(<500 m), upper tropical to subtropical climatic region(500-2000 m) and temperate climatic region(2000-3000 m) by 0.01, 0.026 and 0.054℃/year, respectively, and an increase of maximum temperature by 0.008, 0.018, and 0.019℃/year, respectively. Rainfall showed a strongly significant decreasing trend in all elevation regions. This result matches with the views of respondents except 38% respondent from temperate climatic region. People from the temperate climatic region also mentioned that current onset of snowfall is delayed but amount of snowfall remained the same. From the documented records, except events of wild fire, frequency of natural disasters events have increased in the recent years, which was in harmony with the views of local people. Multi-linear regression analysis showed that contribution of climatic variables on finger millet yield in lower tropical climatic region and upper tropical to subtropical regions was 23% and 57.3%, respectively, which was supported by increasing trend on average growing degree day(GDD) temperature at the rate of 0.01℃ in upper tropical to subtropical region and 0.007℃ in lower tropical climatic region yearly. Finger millet yield has been increasing at the rate of 7.39 and 36.9 kg/ha yearly in lower tropical climatic region and upper tropical to subtropical climatic region, respectively. This result provides deeper understanding of people's perception of causes and effects of climate change on diverse variables along different elevation and related magnitude which can contribute to policy making in Nepal.

Habitat Range of two Alpine Medicinal Plants in a Trans-Himalayan Dry Valley,Central Nepal

Understanding of the habitat range of threatened Himalayan medicinal plants which are declining in their abundance due to high anthropogenic disturbances is essential for developing conservation strategies and agro-technologies for cultivation.In this communication, we have discussed the habitat range of two alpine medicinal plants, Aconitum naviculare(Brühl) Stapf and Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora(Pennel) Hong in a trans-Himalayan dry valley of central Nepal, Manang district.They are the most prioritized medicinal plants of the study area in terms of ethnomedicinal uses.A.naviculare occurs on warm and dry south facing slopes between 4090～4650 m asl along with sclerophyllous and thorny alpine scrubs, while N.scrophulariiflora is exclusively found on cool and moist north facing slope between 4000 and 4400 m asl where adequate water is available from snow melt to create a suitable habitat for this wetland dependent species.The soil in rooting zone of the two plants differs significantly in organic carbon(OC), organic matter(OM), total nitrogen(N) and carbon to nitrogen(C/N) ratio.Due to cool and moist condition of N.scrophulariiflora habitat, accumulation of soil OC is higher, but soil N content is lower probably due to slow release from litter, higher leaching loss and greater retention in perennial live biomass of the plant.The C/N ratio of soil is more suitable in A.navuculare habitat than that of N scrophulariiflora for N supply.Warm and sunny site with N rich soil can be suitable for cultivation of A.naviculare, while moist and cool site with organic soil for N.scrophulariiflora.The populations of both the plants are fragmented and small.Due to collection by human and tramplingdamage by livestock, the population of A.naviculare was found absent in open areas in five of the six sampling sites and it was confined only within the bushes of alpine scrubs.For N.scrophulariiflora, high probability of complete receding of small glaciers may be a new threat in future to its habitat.The information about habitat conditions, together with the information from other areas, can be useful to identify potential habitats and plan for cultivation or domestication of the two medicinal plants.

Water Quality of High-Altitude Lakes in the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Nepal

The aim of this research was to analyze physical and chemical characteristics of high altitude lakes (Gokyo lake series, Imja lake, Pyramid lake) of the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu region located above 4500 m altitude. The lake water was studied for three years (2008, 2009 and 2010) to compare the annual changes in the parameters. The findings created a database for present status of high land lakes of Nepal, which can be used for the management of lakes as well as to study the impact of tourism on water quality. The lake water quality in general still stands good in terms of standards for drinking water (WHO, Nepal standard) but degradation process has started. Total nitrogen in water samples was lower than the WHO standard but an increase in the nitrate nitrogen has been recorded. Similarly, total phosphorrous quality was also found increased.

Metals Assessments in the Water Bodies of Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone, Nepal

Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park (SNP) of Nepal is a popular international eco-touristic destination. In the last few years, tourist flow has increased tremendously generating anthropogenic pressure on natural environment. Generation of huge solid waste, open defecation and poor septic tank condition of toilets have been considered as the major sources of pollution to water bodies in the area. Heavy metals, such as cadmium, copper, lead, chromium and mercury, are important environmental pollutants, particularly in areas with high anthropogenic pressure. Their presence in the atmosphere, soil and water, even in traces can cause serious problems to all organisms, and heavy metal bioaccumulation in the food chain especially can be highly dangerous to human health. Heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Mn, Fe and Zn) and metals (Na, Mg) were analyzed. Thirty nine (13 samples in each year) water samples were collected from river and springs to assess the water quality in the SNP and its buffer zone. Water quality in the SNP has been found degraded in terms of heavy metals;particularly Na and Mg contents were found higher when compared with the earlier report. Iron content in 46% samples was found more than WHO and Nepalese standard for drinking water. The river water quality in general still stands good in terms of standard for drinking water (WHO, Nepal standard) however degradation process has accelerated.

Physico-Chemical Parameters of High-Altitude Rivers in the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Nepal

The aim of this research was to analyse physical and chemical characteristics of high altitude rivers of the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu region. The study was conducted for three years from 2008 to 2010 in the elevation 1900 m to 5300 m of the park. The study develops a database for monitoring high land rivers of Nepal. The river water quality in general still stands good in terms of standards for drinking water (WHO, Nepal standard) but degradation process has started. Certain changes in water quality parameters in water bodies on the major tourist treks have been recorded, mainly due to anthropogenic activities, particularly tourists and waste disposal. Total nitrogen in water samples is lower than the WHO standard but an increase in the nitrate nitrogen has been recorded comparison between 2008, 2009 and 2010 as well as when compared with earlier reports. Similarly total phosphorous value was also found increased annually as well as earlier reports. It is urgent need to check further degradation of river water quality. The outcomes of this research work would be a useful tool to manage the river water ecosystem in Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone.