Distribution, Utilization, and Ecological Services of Sal (<i>Shorea robusta</i> C. F. Gaertn.)

Rakhee Dimri; Saraswati Majhi; Kadambini  Das; Sanjeet Kumar

doi:10.36808/if/2026/v152i5/171045

Distribution, Utilization, and Ecological Services of Sal (Shorea robusta C. F. Gaertn.)

Authors

Rakhee Dimri Department of Botany, Dr. P. D. Barthwal Govt. P.G. College, Kotdwar, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Saraswati Majhi Department of Botany, Shailabala Women's Autonomous College, Cuttack, Odisha
Kadambini Das University Department of Botany, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar
Sanjeet Kumar Biodiversity and Conservation Lab., Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2026/v152i5/171045

Keywords:

Conservation, Livelihood, Non-timber forest produces, Sustainability, Tribals.

Abstract

Shorea robusta C.F. Gaertn., known as Sal, is a key species in India's tropical deciduous forests, holding immense ecological, medicinal, cultural, and economic significance. Its various parts are utilized by local tribal and rural communities, and find their way into urban markets as value-added products under Non-Timber Forest Produces (NTFP). It is deeply intertwined with the cultural practices of tribal communities, featuring prominently in their rituals and traditions. Ecologically, it provides vital services such as water regulation, soil conservation, fertility enhancement through ectomycorrhiza, and carbon sequestration. Therefore, an attempt has been made to study its uses and significance in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Uttarakhand. The paper presents a comprehensive overview on importance, uses and conservation status of Sal tree, highlighting the need for sustainable utilization and conservation of this valuable tree species.

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