Sarvesh Suyal

Effects of slope aspects on forest compositions, community structures and soil properties in natural temperate forests of Garhwal Himalaya

The present study was undertaken in seven natural forest types of temperate zone (1500 to 3100 m, a.s.l.) of Garhwal Himalaya to understand the effects of slope aspects viz., north-east (NE), north-west (NW), south-east (SE) and south-west (SW), on the forest structure, composition and soil characteristics of each selected forest type. The sample plots in each forest type were laid out by using stratified random approach. The indices i.e., the Importance Value Index, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpson’s concentration of Dominance, Simpson diversity index, Pielou equitability and Margalef species richness index were calculated statistically using standard softwares to elucidate the differences in forest structure and composition of forest types on different slope aspects of the sites. The composite soil samples were taken from each forest stand and the physico-chemical properties of the soil i.e., moisture content (MC), water holding capacity (WHC), pH, organic carbon (OC), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and available nitrogen (N) were analyzed. The results show that the higher values of total basal cover (74.4 m2·ha−1 in Quercus semecarpifolia forest), Concentration of dominance (0.85 in Pinus roxburghii forest) and Tree diversity (1.81 in Quercus floribunda forest) in the forests were recorded in the northern aspects. MC (40.8% in Quercus leucotrichophora forest), WHC (48.9% in Cupressus torulosa forest), OC (3.8% in Cedrus deodara forest), P (31.9 kg·ha−1 in Quercus leucotrichophora forest) and N (1.0% in Pinus roxburghii forest) had also higher values in the soils of northern aspects. Consequently the higher productivity of the forests was also noticed on the northern aspects.

Regeneration dynamics of dominant tree species along an altitudinal gradient in moist temperate valley slopes of the Garhwal Himalaya

The present study was undertaken in moist temperate forest of Mandal-Chopta area in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The aim of the present study was to understand the regeneration dynamics of the dominant tree species along an altitudinal gradient in naturally regenerating, restricted access forest. The overall regeneration status was fairly high in the study area. Most of the native canopy and undercanopy dominants had frequent reproduction and expanding populations, which suggests the stability of forest structure/composition and further expansion of dominant species. The overall regeneration of trees in the forest had a greater contribution of middle and understorey species. Because of infrequent reproduction and declining populations of some of the dominant native species viz., Abies pindrow, Alnus nepalensis and Betula alnoides, structural/compositional changes in the future are expected in respective forests dominated by them. Abies pindrow and Taxus baccata need immediate attention by forest managers for their survival in the area. Seedlings were found to be more prone to competition from herb and shrubs than saplings.

Tree species composition and diversity along an altitudinal gradient in moist tropical montane valley slopes of the Garhwal Himalaya, India

The study was conducted along an altitudinal gradient (1500 to 2850 m above sea level) in moist tropical montane valley slopes of the Mandal-Chopta area in the Garhwal region of India. Twelve forest types according to the altitude, slope aspect, and species compositions were selected for the study. The aims of the study were to describe and examine the structure and composition of the tree vegetation along an altitudinal gradient, and to compare the results of the present study with the other forests of Uttarakhand Himalaya growing at similar altitudinal range. High values of stem density and species diversity were recorded in mixed broad-leaved forest types growing between 1600 and 2400 m a.s.l., whereas forest types growing at higher altitudes (>2400 m a.s.l.) had low species richness and stem density. Tree density (tree ha−1) showed positive relationship with species richness and Shannon–Wiener diversity index. Forest types growing at higher altitude (>2400 m a.s.l.) showed geometric dominance-diversity curves. The values of stem density and total basal area in most of the forest types were higher than the earlier reported values from other parts of the Uttarakhand Himalaya.

Forest utilization pattern in relation to socio-economic status of people in Dudhatoli area of Garhwal Himalaya.

ABSTRACT Over the past few decades, the Himalaya has experienced unprecedented land use changes driven by rapid population growth and intensified human activities. Pressure on forests and their products has dramatically increased. Understanding forest products consumption is thus fundamental for assessing human-environment interactions and designing effective conservation policies in the Himalaya. This case-study focused on the relationship between the socio-economic status of the inhabitants, the forest utilization pattern and the anthropogenic pressures on the forest in the Dudhatoli area of Garhwal Himalaya, between 1750 m and 2200 m asl. Agricultural production and labour employment were the main occupation of the villagers in the study area. Approximately 82% (35,48 Quintals/annum/household) of total fuel wood and 78% (39,81 Quintals/annum/household) of the total consumed fodder was extracted from the forest, Dudhatoli forest is thus facing tremendous anthropogenic pressure. A total of 22 forest tree species were recorded to be used for a variety of purposes by the villagers. Anthropogenic pressure was highest in the forests close to the villages, and Quercus species were the most affected. Tree species richness and canopy cover was higher whereas stem density was lower in the undisturbed forests than in forests near the villages.