REGENERATION AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION OF Quercus leucotrichophora (A. Camus)FORESTS OF SHIMLA IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
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Date
2019-12
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UHF,NAUNI
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The present investigation entitled “Regeneration and biomass production of Quercus
(A. Camus) forests of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh” was carried out in Shimla
district of Himachal Pradesh during the year 2018-19 with the aim to assess floristic composition,
phytosociology, biomass, carbon stock, regeneration, and soil physico-chemical properties. Four
different forest sites bearing Quercus leucotrichophora were selected viz., Mashobra (Site I), Tara
Devi(Site II), Tutu(Site III), and Shogi (Site IV). Each forest site was divided into two aspects viz.,
North-East and North-West. The data were analyzed by using factorial RBD. The vegetation of the
study site included eleven tree species. However, the dominant species at all sites was Q.
leucotrichophora. Mean density (trees/ha) of Q. leucotrichophora ranged from 316.67 at Site III to
368.33 at Site II and in Q. leucotrichophora bearing forests (total) ranged from 596.67 at Site III to
531.67 at Site IV. Whereas, mean basal area (m2/ha) of Q. leucotrichophora varied from 20.88 at Site
III to 27.72 at Site II and in Q. leucotrichophora bearing forests ranged from 36.10 at Site IV to
39.93 at Site II. Vegetation indices of vegetation viz., Shannon Weiner and Species richness exhibited
maximum values in Site I whereas Simpson’s diversity and species evenness exhibited maximum
values in Site III. The above ground, below ground, total biomass and carbon stock of trees was found
highest on North-East aspect as compared to North-western aspect. Tree biomass and carbon stock in
Q. leucotrichophora forests showed the precedence: Site II > Site IV > Site I > Site III. Regeneration
success was found maximum(58.80%) at Site I followed by Site IV (50.46%), Site II (44.91) and Site
III (39.51%). It was found maximum 57.87% in the North-East aspect as that of North-West aspect
(38.97%). The pH of the studied forest soil was slightly acidic which ranged from 5.55 on Site II and
6.19 on Site IV. Lowest (0.20 ds/m) and highest (0.24 ds/m) electrical conductivity recorded in Site
IV and Site III respectively, the highest SOC 2.92% at Site I and lowest 2.49% at Site III. Nitrogen
and Phosphorus were found decreasing in order: Site II > Site I > Site IV > Site III and in Potassium
in order: Site I > Site IV Site II> Site III.
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