Impact of Silvicultural Management and Regeneration of Chir pine (<i>Pinus roxburghii</i>) in Felled and Unfelled areas of Bilaspur District of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Forest ecosystem needs continuous replenishment of the stock for a healthy and balanced ecosystem which emphasises the importance of regeneration of the forest crop. The impact of silvicultural management on the regeneration status of Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) and other species in the forests of Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh was studied. This study was done by comparing the areas where felling prescriptions for Chir pine working circle were executed with areas where no felling or any silvicultural management has been done so far. Natural regeneration studies revealed 10.6% regeneration in Chir pine felled area whereas in unfelled areas there was 0% regeneration. Both the areas have same age group trees. The only difference was the intervention and scientific management by the forest department. Artificial regeneration in the felled area has shown a survival of 89%. Soil analysis of both the areas, even though inconclusive, shows a promising future for the felled area as it has shown favourable pH in 3 years' time after felling. The NPK level in the soil would also become favourable over the years when different species, established in the area contribute to different favourable effects. The study has also thrown light on the importance of scientific silvicultural operations on the regeneration of the Chir pine and other species and hence the restoration of ecological balance and biodiversity.