Regeneration Potential of Different Species of Conifers in Natural Forests of Kashmir Himalaya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2019/v145i5/145685Keywords:
Regeneration potential, Seedlings, Saplings, Abies pindrow, Kashmir Himalaya.Abstract
Regeneration potential refers to processes including production, dispersal and germination of tree seeds and the subsequent establishment of seedlings. Regeneration of forests is a major concern for forest managers now a day on account of large-scale deforestation. For the purpose, a thorough survey of the affected forests is a prerequisite. In the present study, an attempt was made to get an insight about the present status and future prospects of dominant tree species of forests of Langate Forest Division in Kashmir Himalaya. The tree community of the studied forests is dominated by conifers. A total of five species represented the coniferous community of Langate forests. Among the species Abies pindrow, Picea smithiana and Cupressus sp. showed contagious distribution (A/F > 0.05) while as Cedrus deodara and Pinus wallichiana depicted randomly to regular distribution patterns. The study revealed different facets of regeneration potential for different species. Cedrus deodara and Pinus wallichiana were found to have fair prospects of regeneration with a density of mature trees, saplings and seedlings varying in the order: seedlings > saplings > mature trees at all the four selected sites. The populations of third dominant species Abies pindrow were found dwindling as is evident from a low density of seedlings and saplings at all the sites and hence needs immediate attention.References
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