Regeneration of native woody species under plantations in Kudremukh National Park, Western Ghats of South India

Abstract

A study was carried out to investigate the potential of monoculture plantations of Acacia auriculiformis, Casuarina equisetifolia and Anacardium occidentale to foster the regeneration of native woody species with respect to proximity to human settlements and natural forest (NF) as the major factors in Kudremukh National Park of South India. A total of 80 plots were laid down in three monoculture plantations in nearby NF and abandoned pasture. A total of 32 naturally regenerated woody species were recorded beneath all plantation stands with a density ranging from 4600 to 17,100/ha. The plantation of C. equisetifolia supports more number of species and diversity with more canopy cover (71–87.5%) and also more litter depth (10.8–11.67 cm). Sorenson's index of similarity (IS) values indicated that C. equisetifolia and A. auriculiformis stands exhibited the highest similarity and the C. equisetifolia showed high degree of similarity with NF. The soils of all plantations are acidic in nature with higher nutrients observed in C. equisetifolia plantation. This study highlighted the concept of using plantations to foster the regeneration of native woody species, thereby promoting regional biodiversity and also improve the ecosystem services of the region by improving soil nutrients and microclimate.