CHAUHAN, VIMAL KUMARGHANSHYAM SINGH2021-12-022021-12-022021-11https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810178503ABSTRACTn 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.EnglishThesis