Vegetation Analysis along the Disturbance Gradient in Tropical Dry Deciduous forest of Hastinapur

Abstract

The present study deals with vegetation and species diversity analysis of tropical dry deciduous forest in Hastinapur (Uttar Pradesh) along the disturbance gradient. Disturbance occurs in chronic form where a small part of forest is removed at a given time, besides this natural competition, grazing, fire and deforestation are other important causes of disturbances in this forest. Three sites were selected for detailed vegetation study of tree and shrub layer (Hillock, block-1 and block-2). Hillock was highly disturbed, while Block-1 and Block-2 were moderately and least disturbed sites respectively. Total tree density varied from 8.52 Ind 100 m^-2 to 9.9 Ind 100 m^-2, while total seedling and sapling density varied between 2.0 Ind 100 m^-2 to 7.0 Ind 100 m^-2 and 5.35 Ind 100 m^-2 and 6.90 Ind 100 m^-2 respectively. Density value increased with decreasing disturbance. Values of basal cover of trees seedling and sapling were also increased with decreasing disturbance. Density and abundance of shrub layer ranged between 52.25 and 97.6 Ind 100 m^-2 and 65.25 and 122.13 Ind 100 m^-2 respectively. Species richness for both tree and shrub layer decreased with decreasing disturbance. Species diversity decreased in similar fashion as species richness.