Total Basal Cover Research Articles

Biomass and Carbon Stock of Trees in a Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest of Kamrup Metropolitan District, Assam, India

The present investigation deals with the estimation of biomass and Carbon stock potential of tree species in a tropical moist deciduous forest of Kamrup Metropolitan district of Assam, India. For vegetation sampling of trees, the stratified random method was employed and biomass and Carbon stock of trees were estimated by using an allometric equation. Altogether 39 tree species representing 34 genera and 20 families were reported. A high total density and total basal cover (TBC) were reported during the investigation (1008 stem ha⁻¹ and 71.74 m² ha⁻¹ respectively). Total biomass (TB), total Carbon stock (TCS), and CO₂ equivalent were estimated to be 985.56 Mg ha⁻¹, 492.78 Mg C ha⁻¹, and 1808.50 Mg C ha⁻¹ respectively. Among the trees, Cassia fistula exhibited the highest amount of TB, TCS, and CO₂ equivalent (131.33 Mg ha⁻¹, 65.66 Mg C ha⁻¹, and 240.99 Mg C ha⁻¹ respectively). TCS displayed a positive correlation with density, TBC, and diameter of tree species. The study provides valuable information on biomass and Carbon sequestration potential of trees in the tropical moist deciduous forest, which could be of help to forest policymakers to ensure sustainable management of Carbon stock and hence promotes mitigation of global climate change.

Structure and Composition of Vegetation and Status of Invasion in Different Forest Types of Western Himalaya

Present study deals with qualitative and quantitative assessment of vegetation in four most dominated forest types of western Himalaya, Sal (Shorea robusta) forest, Chir-Pine (Pinus roxburghii) forest, Banj-oak (Quercus leucotrichophora), and Deodar forest (Cedrus deodara) between 600 to 2100 m asl elevation. These forests serve the lifeline for local communities for their daily sustenance. A total of 336 species belonging to 277 genera and 98 families were recoded from study area. Total basal cover (TBC) ranged between 24.05 to 35.15 m² ha^-1, Tree density ranged from 472 to 1068, shrub’s density varied between 1930 to 4080 whereas herbs ranged from 53600 to 80008 individual per hectare. Maximum tree density was recorded (1068 ind. ha^-1) at the oak stand and minimum (472 ind. ha^-1) recorded at the Sal forest. Species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity index and TBC increase from Sal to oak forest. It was observed that temperate oak forests in study area comprised higher diversity and species richness at tree, shrub and herb layer, Sal forest depicted higher regeneration. Major invasive species in study area were Lantana camara, Ageratina adenophora, Ageratum conyzoides and Parthenium hysterophorous. In present study, Ageratina adenophora recorded an elevation of about 2100m asl, which is the alarming sign for local biodiversity and may cause a serious threat to Himalayan biodiversity.

Anthropogenic disturbance impact on forest composition and dominance-diversity: A case of an ecosensitive region of Garhwal Himalaya, India

A total of twenty four forest types were selected along altitudinal and disturbance gradients on various aspects to analyse the composition, diversity and distribution of tree species in an ecosensitive region of Garhwal Himalaya. A significant impact of anthropogenic/human induced disturbance was recorded on the existing community parameters, consequently the density, Total Basal Cover (TBC) and species diversity values were decreased with increseasing disturbance intensity. The overall density was recorded in the range from 411 trees ha−1 to 840 trees ha−1, whereas the TBC values existed between 21.72 m2 ha−1 to 95.41 m2 ha−1. The canopy structure of the forest (mostly in moderate disturbance condition) has significantly (P ≤0.05, r = 0.439), whereas the light attenuation significantly but negatively (P≥0.05, r = −0.445) impacted the growth of ground herbaceous vegetation. The Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G.Don (between 1600 and 3000 m asl), Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude (1832–3000 m asl) and Rhododendron arboreum Sm. (1832–3000 m asl) species have shown a very wide ecological amplitude for their range distribution in study area. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis has categorized the canopy forming tree species into different patches by identifying the prominent disturbance indices/parameters according to their niche resource requirement in the study area. The obtained dominance-diversity curves reflected mostly the geometric type of model for trees, however lognormal to log type of models for shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. Overall, this study reviews enough evidences of species susceptibility towards fragmentation of habitats because of anthropogenic disturbance. Moreover, the current species range distribution records will help to develop baseline datasets for existing tree species to access in future for their range shift from the conventional habitats due to climate change and notify them as climate sensitive species in Himalaya.

Carbon Regulating Services of A 30-year-old Reclaimed Limestone Mine Area in Foothills of Himalaya

The study aims to assess various carbon regulating services of a limestone mine site, reclaimed 30 years back, compared to its adjoining natural forest. The natural forest is dominated by broad leaf species ( Quercus leucotricophora ) whereas, the reclaimed sites have Cupressus torulosa as the dominant species. Though there was no significant difference in the number of species of various life forms (trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses), total basal cover (TBC) estimated for the natural forest (2513.36cm 2 /100m 2 ) was much higher compared to the reclaimed site (584.30 to 997.07 cm 2 /100m 2 ). The difference is much higher in TBC of trees compared to shrubs. Annual litter production was also higher in the natural forest. Microbial activity in the top soil layer was found to have increased substantially in the reclaimed mine site. Soil respiration rate and soil microbial biomass in the reclaimed mine site was on a par with that of natural forest. It indicates a significant level of organic matter and detritus availability in the reclaimed sites' top soils since the soil's degradable organic carbon is the main fuel responsible for the CO emission during soil 2 respiration. Though the carbon assimilation rate recorded in the vegetation of the reclaimed area is on a par with that of vegetation of natural forest at the species level, at the community level, the reclaimed site may have lower assimilation owing to lower TBC. Therefore, the difference in vegetation structure and composition in the reclaimed site compared to the natural forest might significantly impact the overall carbon regulating services in the study area.

Impact of disturbance on biomass, carbon, and nitrogen storage in vegetation and on soil properties of tropical dry deciduous forest in Chhattisgarh, India

AbstractThe tropical deforestation due to biotic interference, land use change, and population explosion in Asian countries has attracted the global concern with respect to conservation and protection of forest resources. Indian soils are limited in terms of nutrient reserves and organic matters. Our present study deals the influence of disturbance on phytosociology, vegetation carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) along with soil properties of tropical deciduous forest in Chhattisgarh. The stratified random sampling technique was used for quantifying the vegetation. Results revealed that 43.75% species are rare in occurrence in undisturbed forest (UF), and in disturbed forest (DF) about 50% species showed rarity over the area as per the Raunkiaer frequency class of species rarity and commonness. Total density and basal cover were 1090 trees ha−1 and 28.16 m2 ha−1, respectively. in UF and was 190 trees ha−1 and 10.99 m2 ha−1 in DF. The disturbance resulted into 31.63% loss in total biomass in DF compared to UF. The increasing disturbances are altering the forests attributes in terms of poor standing stock, basal area, and diversity in DF. The concentration of dominance and beta diversity value was higher in DF. It may be increased due to influx of generalist species in DF. Stand biomass was found to be 3‐times higher in UF than the DF. Higher value of C and N stock and soil nutrient were found in UF. Thus, proper conservation, protection, and restoration of these forests should be the priority to improve the C pool and ecological services.

Tree species composition and diversity in natural temperate forests of the North-Western Himalayas

The present study was undertaken in the natural temperate Himalayan forests of Himachal Pradesh, India, to assess the tree species composition and diversity. For this purpose, six major forest types (FT) viz., FT1- Upper Himalayan Pinus roxburghii forest, FT2- Quercus leucotrichophora forest, FT3- Low-level P. wallichiana forest, FT4- Moist C. deodara forest, FT5- Western Mixed Coniferous Forest, FT6- Pinus gerardiana forest were selected. Detailed sampling was carried out in these forest types, and the sample plots in each forest type were laid out using the stratified random approach. Tree stem density varied from 191.11 N ha−1 (FT6) to 441.11 N ha−1 (FT2), whereas the tree total basal cover varied from 20.01 m2 ha−1 (FT6) to 47.59 m2 ha−1 (FT5). The diversity indices reflected that a total of 21 tree species (16 genera, 11 families) were identified, with tree species richness ranging from 3 (FT6) to 9 (FT1 & FT5). The forest type FT5 recorded the maximum Shannon index of diversity (2.36), Simpson Index of diversity (0.75), Margalef's Index of richness (1.37), pielou equitability (0.74), menheink index of species richness (0.49), whereas the highest Shannon Index of diversity (0.73) and species heterogeneity (0.85) in FT6 forest type. Furthermore, dominance-diversity (d-d) curves drawn that all the six forest types showed geometric curves reveals that one or two tree species are dominant in a particular forest type. Simultaneously, the research area's species diversity, tree stem density, and tree total basal cover were equivalent to those seen in other sections of Western Himalayas.

Ethnobotanical Study and Plant Diversity in the Forest of Kedarnath Valley, Garhwal Himalaya, India

The present study was carried out in the forest of Kedarnath valley in Garhwal Himalaya. The aim of the study was to access the diversity status and ecological status. The study was conducted following the stratified sampling techniques by placing quadrates (1m×1m) for herbs, (5m×5m) for shrubs, and (10m×10m) size for trees in the forest area. A total number of 221 plant species were recorded during the floristic survey in the project area. Plant diversity of the project area encompasses 49 species of trees, 28 species of shrubs, and 144 species of herbs. Important value index, the Shannon diversity index, and total basal area species were recorded. The tree density in the present study was highest in the Kedarnath valley which ranged from 0.3 to 8.5 no./ha. Shrub density in the present study varied from 0.4 to 13.5 no./ha, whereas herb density ranged between 0.2 to 22.4 no.ha-1. Total basal cover (TBC) for trees showed a range of 9.542 to 0.075 m2.ha-1, and the Shannon diversity index (H) for tree species was recorded from a minimum of 0.976 to a maximum of 3.048. The horrific disaster in the Kedarnath valley in 2013 caused a lot of damage to the bugyals (High altitude grass) and forests of the valley. About 500 species of vesicular medicinal plants, fodder plants, and other important plant species were washed away (Botanical Survey of India 2015). The current study is a pioneer in the aspect and can be helpful in making district forest plans, protocols, and implementation of forest policy to protect the forest by local people.

Influence of Altitude on Diversity and Distribution Pattern of Trees in Himalayan Temperate Forests of Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary, India

This study aimed to investigate the diversity and distribution pattern of tree in different altitudes in a protected area of Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS), situated in Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalaya, India. CWS is one of the famous sanctuaries and rich in biodiversity. The tree species analysis was done with the stratified sampling technique by performing a random sampling using the quadrats method. The study area was divided into four different altitudes: (i) Chhogtali (CT; 1900–2200 masl), (ii) Churas (CH; 1900–2200 masl), (iii) Nohra 1 (NH1; 2800–3200 masl), and (iv) Nohra 2 (NH2; 2800–3200 masl). Among the studied sites, results revealed that tree species richness decreases with an increase in altitude. Quercus leucotrichophora was dominant in CT and CH sites, whereas Q. semecarpifolia was dominant in NH1 and Abies spectabilis in NH2 sites. Picea smithiana reported to be dominant species in the studied sites. Compared to CT and CH sites, the dominance-diversity (d-d) curve showed a decrease in species richness on HN1 and NH2 at higher altitudes, whereas tree total basal cover (TBC) increases with altitude. The maximum similarity was between CT and CH sites and reduced between CT and NH2 sites with higher altitudes. Almost all tree species exhibited contagious distribution patterns which are common in natural forests; however, a few species showed random distribution, and no species were found distributed regularly. This study provides fruitful information to the policy-makers, environmentalists, and foresters to understand species diversity and distribution with species composition and structure with altitude. Thus, conservation and sustainable management strategies of the forest could be design in better ways to conserve diversity on a regional and/or global scale.

Effects of prescribed fire timing on grazing performance of yearling beef cattle, forage biomass accumulation, and plant community characteristics on native tallgrass prairie in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Recent research demonstrated that mid- or late-summer prescribed fires can be employed to manage sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) infestations in the Kansas Flint Hills. The effects of prescribed fire applied during the growing season (i.e., August to October) on grazing performance of yearling cattle have not been evaluated. Native pastures (n = 18; 22 ± 4.0 ha) were grouped by watershed and assigned randomly to one of three prescribed-fire treatments: spring (7 April ± 2.1 d), summer (21 August ± 5.7 d), or autumn (2 October ± 9.9 d). Yearling beef cattle were grazed from May to August at a targeted stocking density of 280 kg live-weight/ha following prescribed-fire application. Forage biomass accumulations, soil cover, plant species composition, and root carbohydrate concentrations in four native plant species were evaluated. Total body weight (BW) gains and average daily gain were greater (P = 0.01) for cattle that grazed the spring and summer prescribed-fire treatments compared with those that grazed the autumn prescribed-fire treatment. As a result, final BW were greater (P = 0.04) in the spring and summer treatments than the autumn treatment. Conversely, forage biomass accumulations did not differ (P = 0.91) between fire regimes. Proportions of bare soil were greater (P < 0.01) in the spring treatment compared with the summer and autumn treatments, whereas proportions of litter on the soil surface were greater (P < 0.01) in summer- and autumn-burned pastures compared with spring-burned pastures. Total basal cover of graminoids and forbs did not differ (P ≤ 0.15) between prescribed fire treatments. Likewise, total basal cover of C3 or C4 perennial grasses did not differ (P ≥ 0.23) between prescribed-fire treatments. No treatment differences (P = 0.24) in root starch or root water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations in big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), or purple prairieclover (Dalea purpurea) were detected. These data were interpreted to suggest that summer or autumn prescribed fire can be applied without reducing forage biomass accumulations, root carbohydrate concentrations in key native plant species, or considerably altering native plant populations compared with conventional spring-season prescribed fire; however, summer prescribed fire could be favored over spring or autumn prescribed fire both to maintain stocker cattle growth performance and to achieve control over sericea lespedeza.

Species diversity of woody vegetation along altitudinal gradient of the Western Himalayas

The phytosociological attributes of woody species were investigated along an altitudinal gradient in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Detailed sampling was carried out in five altitudinal zones (from 1550 to 3550 m asl). A total of 81 woody species, including 33 trees (28 genera and 22 families) and 48 shrub species (39 genera and 24 families) were reported. Density ranged from 150 ± 19 trees/ha (Zone V, 3350–3550 m asl) to 530 ± 36 trees ha−1 (Zone I, 1550–1750 m asl) and 3.83 ± 0.31 shrubs 25 m-2 (Zone-I 1550–1750 m) to 12.3 ± 0.45 shrubs 25 m-2 (Zone-III 2900–3100 m). Total Basal Cover (TBC) fluctuated between 2.91 ± 0.74 m2 ha−1 (Zone-V) to 37.96 ± 2.95 m2 ha−1 (Zone-I). The diversity index (H̅) of trees varied from 2.097 (Zone-V) to 3.373 (Zone-I) and of shrubs ranged from 2.624 (Zone-V) to 4.209 (Zone-I). The correlation (Carl Pearson) test indicated that species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, β-diversity, and TBC declined sharply with increase in altitude. The average maturity index for trees varied from 16.36 to 33.57 and 11.59 to 32.67 for shrubs. The diversity of woody plants declined as altitude increased, indicating that environmental filtering acts as a key factor in shaping the woody vegetation at high altitudes. In lower altitudinal zones, most of the species exhibited a lognormal curve while species of higher altitudes followed geometric curves. The present study could prove beneficial for the foresters, policy-makers to understand the altitudinal behavior of species diversity and its degeneration patterns so that strategic conservation plan could be implemented in the coming future. Thus, the study is expected to provide information to understand the current status, ecology as well as conservational efforts required for this protected area.

Influence of altitude and slope-aspect on diversity, regeneration and structure of some moist temperate forests of Garhwal Himalaya

The climate and altitude play an important role in composition and distribution of Himalayan vegetation. Hence this study was aimed to understand the influence of altitude and slope aspect on diversity, regeneration, and structure of some temperate forests of Garhwal Himalaya. The maximum mean tree density (627 ± 27.04 trees ha−1) was recorded on southwest facing aspect for Rhododendron arboreum-Quercus semecarpifolia association whereas, minimum (555 ± 43.11 trees ha−1) on northwest aspect for Quercus semecarpifolia-Abies spectabilis association. However, highest mean total basal cover value (99.84 ± 10.9 m2 ha−1) was found on northwest aspect and lowest (79.15 ± 12.9 m2 ha−1) on southeast facing aspect for Q. semecarpifolia-A. spectabilis association. The greater mean Shannon Index values (i.e., trees, 1.40 ± 0.05; shrubs, 1.67 ± 0.05 and herbs, 2.48 ± 0.05) were recorded for R. arboreum-Q. semecarpifolia (CTI), Q. semecarpifolia-A. pindrow (CTII) and Q. semecarpifolia-A. spectabilis (CTIII), respectively, whereas, lower value (trees, 0.59 ± 0.17) for Q. semecarpifolia-A. spectabilis (CTIV), shrubs (1.44 ± 0.16) and herbs (2.0 ± 0.12) for R. arboreum-Q. semecarpifolia association. The tree species like Quercus semecarpifolia, Rhododendron arboreum, Abies spectabilis were found widely distributed in the study area. The regeneration study revealed that southwest facing aspect community vegetation experienced additional threat of extinction by representing 26.67% species as not regenerating. Overall a reverse ‘J’ shaped structure was obtained for all studied communities representing higher densities on lower dbh classes while, The Q. semecarpifolia-A. spectabilis (CTIII) exhibited maximum total basal cover value on higher dbh classes (i.e., 50–70 cm). Henceforth, it could be concluded that the forest community growing between 2800–3400 m asl was comparatively mature and old growth, and could be recommended for conservation purposes.

Changes in the Population Structure and Growing StockDifferent Deodar Forests of Garhwal Himalaya: A Re-visitation Study Over 15 Years

The present study was conducted by recognizing GPS location of the earlier study as the re-visitation study, which was aimed to understand the changes in population structure and growing stock of Cedrus deodara forests of Garhwal Himalayas over a period of 15 years. The changes in population structure and growing stock was assessed by laying out five 0.1 ha sample plots on each location. Thus, a total of 25 sample plots (five on each site) were laid out to observe the changes in structure of growing stock under different sets of environment conditions. Enumeration of trees for volume, population structure and growing stock variation was done by measuring girth and height individually for all the tress in the sample plots. The results have shown that the highest total growing stock value (1132.8 ± 35.58 m 3 /ha) among all the diameter classes was recorded in Dewarikhal area (2300 m amsl) in Uttarkashi district with the highest total basal cover (T.B.C.) (79.61 ± 1.78 m 2 /ha) of C. deodara . On the other hand, the lowest growing stock value (484.32 m 3 /ha) was observed in Devidhar area (1900 m amsl) in Rudraprayag district where as the lowest T.B.C. (53.22 ± 8.38 mm 2 /ha) and highest density (420 ± 8.94 trees/ha) of C. deodara was also recorded in Devidhar. There was a net increment in growing stock of 218.08 m 3 /ha at Ghimtoli, 302.8 m 3 /ha at Dhanolti, 371.15 m 3 /ha at Dewarikhal, 216.57 m 3 /ha at Devidhar and 484.32 m 3 /ha at Jhandidhar in a re-visitation study over 15 years.

Species Diversity, Growth, Status, and Biovolume of Taia River Riparian Forest in Southern Sierra Leone: Implications for Community-Based Conservation

Riparian forest inventory is essential in understanding the floristic biodiversity and provides necessary information on the growth trend and status of plant diversity along forest ecosystem, especially the riparian forests. This study was undertaken to assess the species diversity, growth status, and bio-volume of Taia riparian forest for community-based conservation intervention. In this study, we enumerated 602 individual trees, which comprised 49 species that belong to 37 genera in 25 families. In total, 14 rectangular plots of dimension 20 × 50 m2 were demarcated. All trees species within the sampled plots having diameter at breast height [Dbh] ≥7 cm were identified and height measured using the Haga altimeter, girth and measuring tape to determine the growth status. The result shows that 83% of the trees enumerated have [Dbh] that range from 7 to 30 cm, whereas 17% had [Dbh] greater than 30 cm. Funtumia africana and Trichilia heudelotii were the dominant species in almost all aspects in the study area. Meliaceae, Apocynaceae, and Mimosaceae were the dominant families with the highest species. The Shannon diversity index was 3.094, whereas the Simpson and Evenness diversity was 0.9303 and 0.4502, respectively. Other diversity indices estimated were Margalef 7.544, Equitability 0.7949, and Fisher_alpha 12.77. The overall biovolume was 283.05 m,3 with a total basal cover of 12.54 m2. Height and [Dbh] were not significantly correlated with the biovolume. Biotic pressure such as fuelwood collection, unsustainable charcoal production, pole harvesting, bushfires, and other traditional and cultural functions contributes greatly to the exploitation of the riparian forest. Therefore, urgent strategic conservation and protection measures should be adopted to prevent further degradation of forest ecosystems along river banks in the district and other ecologies in Sierra Leone.

Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Stock in Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.) Forests under Two Management Regimes in Tripura, Northeast India

We investigated tree composition, stand characteristics, biomass allocation pattern and carbon storage variability in Sal forests (Shorea robusta Garten.) under two forest management regimes (Sal forest and Sal plantation) in Tripura, Northeast India. The results revealed higher species richness (29 species), stand density of 1060.00±11.12 stems ha−1 and diversity index (1.90±0.08) in Sal forest and lower species richness (4 species), stand density of 230.00±37.22 stems ha−1 and diversity index (0.38±0.15) in Sal plantation. The total basal cover (33.02±4.87 m2 ha−1) and dominance (0.76±0.08) were found higher in Sal plantation than the Sal forest (22.53±0.38 m2 ha−1 and 0.23±0.02 respectively). The total vegetation carbon density was recorded higher in Sal plantation (219.68±19.65 Mg ha−1) than the Sal forest (167.64±16.73 Mg ha−1). The carbon density estimates acquired in this study suggest that Sal plantation in Tripura has the potentiality to store a large amount of atmospheric carbon inspite of a very low species diversity. However, Sal forests has also an impending sink of carbon due to presence of large number of young trees.

Elevational behaviour on dominance–diversity, regeneration, biomass and carbon storage in ridge forests of Garhwal Himalaya, India

The present study was conducted along the elevational gradient in ridge forests of Bhagirathi catchment area of Garhwal Himalaya. The purpose of the study was to understand the growth behaviour of tree species at different altitudes in terms of dominance–diversity, regeneration dynamics, biomass and carbon storage in forests of Bhagirathi catchment area. Plot design, with main plot size of 0.1 ha, was used to analyse quantitatively and qualitatively the tree, sapling and seedling vegetation. The maximum mean tree density (708 ± 153 trees ha–1) was recorded in Abies spectabilis–Quercus semecarpifolia forest association (between 2800 and 3100 m asl), while minimum (425 ± 32 trees ha–1) in Q. semecarpifolia–Cedrus deodara forest association (between 3100 and 3400 m asl). The total basal cover values ranged between 28.80 ± 5.27 m2 ha–1 (below 700 m asl) to 99.69 ± 29.64 m2 ha–1 (above 3400 m asl). The highest Shannon index value (0.83 ± 0.14) was observed in Anogeissus latifolia–Mallotus philippensis forest association whereas, lowest (0.26 ± 0.09) in Q. semecarpifolia–C. deodara forest association. The maximum similarity (85.23 ± 5.04%) was noticed in Quercus floribunda–Rhododendron arboreum forest association while, minimum (59.32 ± 5.18%) in A. latifolia–M. philippensis association. Similarly the species richness, Simpson index, Shannon index, seedling density, total basal cover and above ground biomass density showed positive–significant elevation–wise variation in various growth phases (i.e., tree, sapling and seedling). The total biomass density values oscillated from 189.38 ± 14.35 Mg ha–1 (between 1600 and 1900 m asl) to 520.72 ± 114.57 Mg ha–1 (between 3100 and 3400 m asl). Consequently, the total carbon density at various elevational ranges varied from 85.22 ± 6.46 Mg C ha–1 to 234.32 ± 51.56 Mg C ha–1 for the corresponding elevations. The Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) clearly indicated the prevalence of distinct habitats and resultant associations of tree species in various ridge forests whereas, on the other hand the Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) has shown a complex interrelationship amongst species clustering, mountain ranges and climatic/environmental variables. The study revealed that the Pinus roxburghii was invariably affecting the habitats of mixed broad–leaved forests at lower altitudes, whereas Cedrus deodara was noticed to encroach continuously the higher elevational habitats. The study has also indicated that the old growth coniferous and broad leaved forests of higher altitudes of Garhwal Himalaya (like A. pindrow, A. spectabilis, A. acuminatum, B. utilis, C. deodara, Q. semecarpifolia and R. arboreum) have more carbon storage potential and hence recommended for carbon management through afforestation at higher altitudes of Himalaya.

Phyto-diversity of selected stress sites of Garhwal Forest Division of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India.

Species richness, IVI and plant diversity indices of selected biotic stress sites of Garhwal Forest Division were studied. Total density range for the tree species (Plants 100m-2) was 6.7 to 8.1; for shrubs was 48.9 to 84.9 and for herbs was 490 to 700. Total basal cover (cm2 100m-2) ranged from 386.1 to 1571 for tree, 1466.7 to 2372.5 for shrub and from 223.9 to 622.5 for herbs at different sites. Diversity index was invariably higher for herb and shrub than tree layer. Concentration of dominance showed reverse trend. It is concluded from study that site-III is highly stressed followed by site-II and site-I. Suitable measures should be adopted to conserve the invaluable plant diversity of the area.

Plant Diversity, Tree Regeneration, Biomass Production and Carbon Storage in Different Oak Forests on Ridge Tops of Garhwal Himalaya

The present study was conducted on ridge tops of moist temperate Oak forests in Garhwal Himalaya to assess the plant diversity, regeneration, biomass production and carbon assimilation in different Oak forests. For this purpose, three Oak forest types viz., (a) Quercus leucotrichophora or Banj Oak (FT1; between 1,428-2,578 m asl), (b) Quercus floribunda or Moru Oak (FT2; between 2,430-2,697 m asl) and (c) Quercus semecarpifolia or Kharsu Oak (FT3; between 2,418-3,540 m asl) were selected on different ridge tops in Bhagirathi catchment area of Garhwal Himalaya. A total of 91 plant species including 23 trees (8 gymnosperms and 15 angiosperms), 21 shrubs and 47 herbs species belonging to 46 families were recorded from all the ridge top Oak forests. The highest mean tree density (607±33.60 trees ha-1) was observed in Q. floribunda forest with lower mean total basal cover (TBC) value (48.02± 3.67 m2ha-1), whereas highest TBC value (80.16±3.30 m2ha-1) was recorded for Q. semecarpifolia forest, with lowest mean stem density (594±23.43 stems ha-1). The total biomass density (TBD) across three Oak forests ranged between 497.32±83.70 (FT1) and 663.16±93.85 t ha-1 (FT3), while the total carbon density (TCD) values ranged between 228.75±22.27 (FT1) and 304.31±18.12 t ha-1 (FT3). Most of the tree species were found with good regeneration (GR) status (average 45%) in all the forest types whereas, few species were found not regenerating (NR) (average 17%) however, few new recruitments were also recorded. ANOVA (Post-Hoc Tukey’s test at 5% significance level) indicated significant forest-wise differences in TBC, TBD and TCD (in tree layer); family and evenness (in shrub layer only) values, while insignificant differences were noticed in density values of tree, seedling and herb layer.

Forest structure, diversity and regeneration potential along altitudinal gradient in Dhanaulti of Garhwal Himalaya

Aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to understatnd the forest composition, structure, diversity and regeneration potential along altitudinal gradient.Area of study: The study was carried out in Dhanaulti forest which falls under temperate region of Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand state, India.Material and Methods: Vegetation analysis was carried out using 10 quadrats at each altitude using a quadrate size of 10×10 m2. In each quadrate, categories of trees &gt;30 cm cbh were considered as trees, 10-30cm cbh as saplings and &lt;10 cm cbh as seedlings. The data were quantitatively analyzed.Main results: In upper and middle altitudes, Cedrus deodara was reported dominant tree whereas, in lower altitude Quercus leucotrichophora was reported dominant. Tree density was highest in lower altitude which reduced middle and upper altitudes whereas, total basal cover increased with increasing altitude. The increasing total basal cover with altitude could be because of the presence of Cedrus deodara trees having higher girth classes. In tree, sapling and seedling layers, diversity (H) and equitabiltiy (EC) decreased with increasing altitude. However, concentrations of dominace (CD) and beta diversity (BD have shown reverse trend with H and EC which increased with increasing altitudes, in each layer of tree, sapling and seedling.The distribution pattern of most species in all layers of trees, saplings and seedlings was contagious. The regeneration potential of the species has shown that some of the species in the absence of tree layer are still regenerating particularly, Rhododendron arboreum, Benthamidia capitata, Neolitsea pallens etc. It indicates that most of the species are shifting upward as they are getting suitable conditions.Research highlights: Altitude influence species composition, diversity and regeneration potential of species.Key words: Distribution pattern; tree diversity; regeneration; mountains; temperate; Himalaya.

Long-term Sandhills prairie responses to precipitation, temperature, and cattle stocking rate

Understanding of Sandhills prairie, the most expansive sand dune region stabilized by perennial grasses in the Western Hemisphere, is limited by lack of long-term vegetation data. We used a 26-year dataset to evaluate Sandhills prairie responses to year-to-year variation in precipitation, temperature, and cattle stocking rate. Basal cover, a measurement that is constant seasonally and used to detect long-term changes in bunchgrass vegetation, was measured in 38–40 permanent plots positioned along four transects spanning 769 ha from 1979 to 2007. Across this period, total basal cover averaged 2.4 % and was dominated by warm-season grasses (81.1 %). Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem), the dominant warm-season bunchgrass, consisted of 60.0 % relative basal cover. Warm-season grass and total basal cover responded positively to lag 3-year growing season precipitation indicating delayed responses to improved growing season conditions, but these variables also were positively associated with stocking rate. The positive responses may be due to slow spread of warm-season grasses by vegetative structures in response to favorable growing conditions in light to moderately stocked rangeland. Despite its dominance, however, warm-season grass cover had no influence on cover of other functional groups providing weak support for competition as regulator of Sandhills prairie composition. Forb cover was best related in a negative manner to 3-year running mean total precipitation, a surprising result that maybe signaling factors governing basal responses in prairie remain largely unresolved. Woody species cover, however, was positively associated with mean growing season temperatures indicating potential of these to spread under warming scenarios.

Anthropogenic disturbances and their impact on vegetation in Western Himalaya, India

The present study assesses anthropogenic disturbances and their impacts on the vegetation in Western Himalaya, India on the basis of various disturbance parameters such as density, Total Basal Cover (TBC) of cut stumps, lopping percentage and grazing intensities. On the basis of canopy cover and frequency of disturbances (%), the studied forests were divided into highly disturbed (HD), moderately disturbed (MD) and least disturbed (LD) categories. The HD forests had the lowest canopy cover, lowest density and lowest TBC and the LD had the highest canopy cover, highest density and highest TBC. The MD forests occupied the intermediate position with respect to these parameters. Species richness was least in HD forests, highest in one of the MD forests while LD forest occupied an intermediate position. The percentage of regenerating species was lowest (54%) in HD and highest (72%) in MD. The density of seedlings and saplings was higher in one of the MD forests as compared to HD and LD. We concluded that the moderate disturbances do not affect the vegetation adversely; however the increased degree of disturbance causes loss in plant diversity; affects regeneration and changes community characteristics. Construction of hydroelectric projects at various places in the study area was found to be one of the most important sources of anthropogenic disturbances in addition to the routine anthropogenic disturbances like grazing, fuelwood collection and fodder extraction. If all proposed dams in the Indian Himalaya are constructed combined with weak national environmental impact assessment and implementation, it will result in a significant loss of species. Therefore, various agents of disturbances should be evaluated in cumulative manner and any developmental activities such as hydropower projects, which trigger various natural and anthropogenic disturbances, should be combined with proper cumulative environmental impact assessment and effective implementation to minimise the anticipated loss of vegetation.