Interaction between trees and ground Flora in different aged Chirpine stands of sub-tropical region in India: II. Basal area of Herbage and LAI

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the phytosociological variations in herbage vegetation under different aged Chirpine trees at four locations, viz., Barog, Deothi, Dharampur and Tatul of Solan Forest Division, Himachal Pradesh, India. Each location had four sites representing sapling, pole and tree stage and open grassland. Herbage characteristics, viz. Basal area and LAI increased from July to August/September and declined up to November in all sites. Total basal area of different species was higher in open grasslands as compared to Chirpine sites. Monthly plant sampling in each site revealed the presence of ten grass species, two sedges, two legumes and two non-legumes in all. Among the different species, Themeda anathera; Panicum maximum; Chrysopogon montanus and Pollinia argentea were the major contributor to the baal area of herbage vegetation. LAI of herbage under Chirpine sites was less as compared to LAI of herbage in open grassland during different samplings. LAI of herbage was significantly related to the basal area of herbage vegetation.