EVALUATION OF PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL, NATURAL REGENERATION AND SITE CHARACTERISTICS OF Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don IN ALPINE REGION OF WESTERN HIMALAYAS
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Date
2019-12
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UHF,NAUNI
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The present investigation entitled “Evaluation of phytosociological, natural
regeneration and site characteristics of Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don in alpine
region of Western Himalayas” was carried out during the year 2017-19 with the aim to study
the floristic composition, phytosociology, regeneration and site characteristics at different
altitudinal range and aspects in Dodra Kwar and Khashdhar Forest Range. The study area was
divided into three elevation zones, E1=3000-3200 m, E2 =3200-3400 m and E3 =above m in
northern and southern aspect. Phytosociological parameters of trees, shrubs and herbaceous
vegetation in each elevation and aspect were studied by laying down three sample plots of 0.1 ha
for trees, within it five sub-quadrates of size 5m×5m for shrubs and 1m ×1 m for herbs were laid
out. Composition, density (trees or ind. ha-1), basal area (m2 ha-1) of different vegetation layer for
tree, shrub and herb layers were analyzed. The data were analyzed by using factorial RBD
factorial. Both forest ranges were comprised of 44 plant species. Maximum trees, shrubs and
herbaceous vegetation density, basal area was found on northern aspect as compared to southern
aspect. The regeneration study conducted to know the status of natural regeneration indicated
maximum regeneration success (52.78%) at elevation 3200-3400 m on northern aspect in
Khashdhar range for Rhododendron campanulatum. Soil organic carbon per cent, soil EC and
available N, P, K was recorded to be highest on northern aspect as compared to southern aspect.
The pH, Bulk density (g cm-3) was maximum on southern aspect as compared to northern aspect.
Maximum solar influx per cent was reported on southern aspect as compared to northern aspect in
both forest ranges. The main factors responsible for adequate regeneration of Rhododendron
campanulatum were soil OC, soil pH, available N, P, K, solar influx, aspect and elevation.
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