Characterization of species structure and regeneration patterns under different density gradients in a tropical Sal forest of Achanakmar-Amarkantak biosphere reserve in Central India
Journal Title: Environment Conservation Journal - Year 2024, Vol 25, Issue 3
Abstract
Understanding disturbances that are of significant significance requires a critical focus on preventing forest degradation and addressing problems related to vegetation loss. Hence, the primary objective of this work was to examine the structure of species and the patterns of regeneration at various density gradients within the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve in India. This study involved the selection of one closed site (CS) and one open site (OS) from both the Mixed Sal Forest (MSF) and the Pure Sal Forest (PSF). In order to ascertain population structure and regeneration status, plants were classified into seedlings, saplings, and adults based on their Girth at breast height (GBH). The results of our study revealed that the population density of seedlings, saplings, and trees was higher in MSFCS (49250, 980, and 920 ind/ha) compared to PSFCS (41500, 740, 890 ind/ha), MSFOS (16750, 580, and 370 individuals ind/ha), and PSFOS (9750, 180, and 334 ind/ha). Both forests exhibited a reverse-J shaped curve in the CS and an interrupted reverse-J shaped curve in the OS of overall tree species. Nevertheless, the distribution curve at the species level displayed diverse patterns. For instance, Shorea robusta displayed irregular shapes in the OS of both forests, while Terminalia tomentosa displayed a bell-shaped GBH density distribution population curve across all the sites. Differences in regeneration status were observed among different tree species. At the four sites, 18.75% of the species showed good regeneration, 21.87% showed fair regeneration, and a substantial portion, 35.94%, displayed poor to no regeneration. Additionally, 23.44% of the species showed new regeneration. Among these species, Diospyros melanoxylon and Syzygium cumini showed strong regeneration capabilities, while Shorea robusta shown moderate regeneration potential. In the future, the population structure, dominance, and richness of the present tree community may undergo changes. Hence, it is imperative to conduct study on the survival of seedlings and use appropriate management techniques in order to guarantee the long-term viability of the forests.
Authors and Affiliations
Samyak Singh, Bhavana Dixit, Lata Prajapati, Shishir Chandrakar, Aakriti Tamrakar
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP745665
- DOI https://doi.org/10.36953/ECJ.27542830
- Views 27
- Downloads 0
Advancing disaster management through biofuel integration: A comprehensive review
Scientific evidence has demonstrated that biofuels have the ability to reduce environmental contamination, hence addressing the underlying causes of potential disasters. Renewable fuels produced from biological resources...
Exploring the bioactive potential and safety profile of Caesalpinia decapetala seeds and seed oil
The rationale for this work was to investigate the phytoconstituents of the Caesalpinia decapetala species and their possible antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities, based on their traditional use in treating conditi...
Evaluating thermotolerant sunflower genotypes with temperature induction response (TIR) technique
High temperature affects various physiological processes of the plant. Delayed sowing and changing climate both subject the crop to increasing temperatures during the crop growth period. There is a need to take on a tec...
Molluskicidal activity of synthetic organic compounds (on the foot of Achatina fulica (Bowdich)
Terrestrial snails are economically destructive agricultural pests that cause great damage to vegetables and crops. The present study was performed to evaluate the toxicity of synthetic organic derivatives and subsequent...
Priming techniques for sustainable Agro-Ecological system and abiotic stress mollification: A Review
Abiotic stress refers to the diverse range of environmental challenges that plants encounter. Environmental stressors such as salt, temperature, nutritional deprivation, and heavy metal toxicity can lead to problems in t...