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 57
- Downloads 0
A Comprehensive insight into the phytoconstituents and health benefits of Clematis species
The genus of Clematis is a buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), recognized for its flowers and adaptable as an ornamental plant in colder climates. It contains around 300 species. Clematis has a variety of active phytocons...
Effect of molybdenum trioxide nanoparticle-mediated seed priming on the productivity of green gram (Vigna radiata L.)
A field experiment was undertaken in the post-Rabi season of 2019-2020 to reveal the response of greengram (Vigna radiata L.) to seed dressing and seed priming with nano molybdenum trioxide (MoO3). The experiment was la...
Water quality assessment of Kuwano River, Basti (U.P.) India, with reference to statistical analysis
The present study analyses water quality parameters in the Kuwano River, Basti district, using correlation and regression analysis to establish relationships between variables and provide a comprehensive understanding o...
Characterization of a cotton interspecific hybrid of American cotton with wild species G. armourianum
Wild species constitute a source of valuable genes for many adverse climatic conditions, disease and pests. To match up the level of quick depleting insect pest and disease resistance and fast evolving pests, it is the...
Performance of different rice-based cropping systems in the wet temperate zone of Himachal Pradesh
A field experiment to diversify the rice‒wheat system to increase employment and income was conducted during 2017-18 at the research farm of CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Palampur with eight cropping syste...