Natural regneration of plant species as affected by biotic disturbances in Hastinapur forest of North West Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

In the present study various phytosociological attributes like frequency, density and abundence of woody vegetation were analysed along the disturbance gradient in tropical dry deciduous forest of Hastinapur region of North west Uttar Pradesh, India. Three sites were analysed for floristic composition, distribution pattern, species diversity and dominance (i.e. Hillock,Block-1 and Block-2)Hillock was highly disturbed, while Block-1 and Block-2 were moderately and least disturbed sites respectively. Maximum number of tree, seedlings and saplings were recorded for Block-2 and minimum for Hillock. Number of shrub species was maximum on Hillockbecause of open forest canopy due to disturbances, which provide favourable conditions for growth of shrubs and other weeds. Most of species except shrubs were regular followed by random in distribution pattern. The value of CD and H’for trees 0.01 on Block-1 to 0.035 on Hillock and 0.00 on Block-2 to 0.014 on Hillock respectively. These low values clearly indicate aridity of the area and habitat destruction. Phytosociological study of this area indicates that there is an urgent requirement of conservation practices