STUDIES ON NATURAL REGENERATION STATUS OF DEODAR (Cedrus deodara Roxb.) FOREST IN KULLU DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
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Date
2021-11
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UHF,NAUNI
Abstract
ABSTRACTn natural regeneration
The present investigation entitled “Studies on natural regeneration status of Deodar
(Cedrus deodara Roxb.) forest in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.” was conducted during the
year 2020-21. Field studies were conducted in Cedrus deodara bearing forests of Kullu district of
Himachal Pradesh. Laboratory studies were conducted in the Department of Silviculture and
Agroforestry, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan
(HP). The study area was divided into three forest divisions namely Seraj Forest Division, Parvati
Forest Division, Kullu Forest Division and further divided into three altitudinal ranges i.e. 1500-
1800m, 1800-2100m and 2100-2400m above mean sea level (MSL) systematically with random start
to assess the phytosociology, and natural regeneration status of Cedrus deodara. Data collection,
analysis and interpretation were conducted based on standard field, laboratory and Statistical
procedures. Species composition, soil characteristics and status of natural regeneration varies
significantly along altitudinal gradient. The results of the present study revealed that the overall tree
density ranged from 150 to 220 individuals/ha, basal area 33.63 to 73.96 m²/ha. The overall shrub
density ranged from 96.88 to 118.66 individuals/ha and basal area from 0.025 to 0.034 m2/ha. Lower
elevation ranges were found denser as compared to the upper elevations. The natural regeneration of
Cedrus deodara were recorded maximum at middle altitudinal range (1800-2100m) and minimum at
higher altitudinal range (2100-2400m). The soil of study sites in was found slightly acidic (pH: 5.33-
6.04) in nature. Soil available nitrogen, available soil phosphorus and organic carbon content showed
a decreasing trend with an increase in the altitudinal range. An increasing trend was observed in the
available soil potassium as the elevation increased.