Population Structure and Regeneration Potential of Sal (Shorea robusta gaertn. f.) and its Associates in Sal Bearing Forests of Satpura Tiger Reserve

Abstract

Shorea robusta is threatened these days due to sal borer attack, sal mortality, poor regeneration potential, edapho-climatic changes and various biotic interferences. No systematic attempts were made to understand dynamism of its natural regeneration and to suggest management inputs to encourage its regeneration. The present study deals with the natural regeneration of sal and its associates in Satpura Tiger Reserve, India. The results indicated that the average number of regeneration of sal seedlings per hectare worked out to be 6372 ha -1 , which are quite adequate. The distribution pattern of individuals of Shorea robusta trees in different girth classes was also seemed to be uninterrupted in most of the stands studied. This trend of uninterrupted distribution of sal in different growth phases with plenty of established regeneration is the healthy sign of establishment and growth of Shorea robusta crop in the past in this area. Other associates showed different growth patterns.