STAND STRUCTURE AND SITE CHARACTERISTICS OF KHAIR (Acacia catechu Willd.) WORKING CIRCLE IN NURPUR FOREST DIVISION OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
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Date
2021-12
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UHF,NAUNI
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The study entitled “Stand structure and site characteristics of Khair (Acacia catechu Willd.)
working circle in Nurpur Forest Division of Himachal Pradesh” was carried out in differently managed
forest classes to access the floral diversity, stand structures, biomass and carbon stock, site characteristics
natural regeneration and impact of lantana infestation. The Shannon Index of diversity (H’) for trees ranged
from 2.13 (DPF) to 1.24 (UF), for shrubs 1.48 (DPF) to 1.30 (CFS) and for herbs 1.29 (CFS, UF) to 0.85 (UF),
respectively. The maximum number of trees under diameter class D1 (251.67 number ha-1) and D2 (105.00
number ha-1) were recorded in RF however, the maximum number for D3 (49.17 number ha-1) were present in
UF. The minimum number in D2 (44.17 number ha-1) and D3 (8.33 number ha-1) diameter class were recorded
in CFS. The maximum tree carbon accumulated in different forest classes was found maximum in UF whereas,
the minimum was recorded in CFS. The under storey carbon stock was recorded maximum in CFS and
minimum in UPF. However, the soil carbon stock was found maximum in DPF. The maximum ecosystem
carbon stock (85.50 t ha-1) potential and Co2 mitigated (313.79 t ha-1) was recorded in UF whereas, it was
minimum in CFS. Further the overall regeneration success was fair in RF, DPF and UPF whereas, deficient
regeneration success and establishment stocking index was recorded in CFS and UF. The soil properties vary
significantly along soil depth. The maximum value for soil parameters was recorded in DPF and RF whereas,
the low soil nutrients were recorded in CFS. Further the impact of lantana infestation in different forest classes
was significant which have negatively affected the shrub diversity and regeneration success. We reiterate that
the management that retains and enhances tree size inequalities and protects the diversity can help and store
larger quantities of biomass and carbon as live tree biomass and play an important role in climate mitigation
while providing other key ecosystem service