Phytosociology, Regeneration and soil properties in Quercus leucotrichophora (A.Camus) forests of Garhwal Himalaya, India
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Date
2022
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College of Forestry, Ranichauri Campus, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry
Abstract
The present investigation titled “Phytosociology, Regeneration and soil proprerties in Quercus leucotrichophora (A.Camus) forests of Garhwal Himalaya, India” was carried out during the year 2020-21 to know the status of Phytosociology, Carbon stock, soil properties and Regeneration. The study was carried out in 4 study sites viz; Arakot, Chopriyal Gaon, Jharipani and Kanatal forests in district Tehri Garhwal of Uttarakhand, India. Under this study, 40 quadrats (with 10 replications each site) of size 10×10 m for trees were laid out randomly in which two sub-quadrats of size of 2m × 2m for regeneration and 5m × 5 m for shrubs were laid out. Among all the locations, total 22 plant species were observed which included 11 tree species from 7 families and 11 shrub species belonging to 10 families. The tree density (trees/ha) of Q. leucotrichophora was found maximum 510 at Arakot and minimum 390 at Jharipani and in Q. leucotrichophora bearing forests (total) tree density ranged from 740 at Jharipani to 950 at Arakot. For shrubs, the density (individual /ha-1) was varied between 460 to 530. The IVI value of Q. leucotrichophora varied from 113.9-131.4 and The IVI value of Q. leucotrichophora associated shrub species varied from 4.3-43.8. Tree total biomass of forest and total carbon density of forest was observed following a trend: Chopriyal Gaon> Arakot> Kanatal>Jharipani. However biomass and Carbon density of the banj oak was observed following a trend: Chopriyal Gaon> Arakot> Jharipani > Kanatal. Regeneration success of Q. leucotrichophora was found maximum (18.75 %) at Jharipani followed by Arakot (17.75 %), Kanatal (14.5 %) and Chopriyal Gaon (14%). The soil organic matter and soil organic carbon ranged between 1.9 - 3.4 % and 1.161 - 2.027 % respectively which was found maximum in Arakot and minimum in Kanatal. The pH of the studied forest soil was slightly acidic and found to be maximum 6.4 in Chopriyal Gaon and minimum in 5.0 in Arakot. Total soil nitrogen in all sites ranged from 257.4 to 394.08 Kg/ha, which was found minimum in Jharipani and maximum in Arakot. The available phosphorus Kg/ha ranged between 13.02 to 21.22 which was found minimum in Arakot and maximum in Jharipani respectively. The available potassium Kg/ha was found minimum in Jharipani 72.80 and maximum in Arakot 237.8. The dehydrogenase enzyme activity was between 5.95 and 7.57 µg/g/h in Arakot and Chopriyal Gaon respectively.
On the basis of above result it is concluded that the substantial amount of carbon stored by these trees makes them viable for the region. Thus, identification and conservation of such forests are recommended.
Description
M.Sc. Forestry