We investigated the floristic composition, phytosociological and regeneration status of Sarkot Van Panchyat （community forest） in Chamoli district of Garhwal Himalaya. A total of 52 plant species of 46 genera and 26...We investigated the floristic composition, phytosociological and regeneration status of Sarkot Van Panchyat （community forest） in Chamoli district of Garhwal Himalaya. A total of 52 plant species of 46 genera and 26 families were recorded, which included 12 trees, 18 shrubs and 22 herb species. Quercus leucotrichophora was dominant tree species in sapling and seedling layers, followed by Lyonia ovalifolia and Rhododendron arboreum. Out of 12 tree species, 7 species in seedling stage and 8 species in sapling stage were recorded in the study area. The 44.41% species in the study area showed good regeneration status, 16.66% species were fairly regenerating, and 8.33% species showed poor regeneration status, while 33% species were not regenerating. Number of individuals from lower girth classes （0--10 cm and 10-30 cm） showed decreasing trend with the increase in size of girth class. Shannon index （H） for trees, shrubs and herbs was recorded as 1.82, 2.24 and 2.41 respectively. Simpsons index （Co） was recorded as 0.21, 0.12 and 0.12 for trees, shrubs and herbs respectively. The forest should be di- vided into compartments for better management purpose and each compartment should be closed for five years to assist regeneration and enrichment planting may also be carried out for sustainable management.展开更多
The present study was conducted in the alpine pastures of Tungnath （30° 14＇ N and 79° 13＇ E） to observe life-form and growth-form patterns of alpine plant species under grazed and ungrazed conditions and...The present study was conducted in the alpine pastures of Tungnath （30° 14＇ N and 79° 13＇ E） to observe life-form and growth-form patterns of alpine plant species under grazed and ungrazed conditions and to work out the plant life form spectrum. Species were categorized as plant habit, height and length of growth-cycle and life-form classes according to Raunkiaer＇s system. The results show that in total of 68 species at grazed site, hemicryptophytes （He） accounted for 50.00% species, followed by cryptophytes （26.47%）, chamaephytes （16.18%）, phanemphytes （4.41%） and therophytes （2.94%）. At the ungrazed site in 65 plant species, hemicryptophytes （He） accounted fo＇r 49.23% species, cryptophytes （26.15%）, chamaephytes （15.38%）, phanerophytes （6.15%） and ther6phytes （3.08 % species）. In general, hemicrptophyte are dominant^in both sites i.e. graged and ungrazed. Growth form categories were classified as forbs, shrubs, grasses and sedges＇and undershrubs, according to plant habit and height. On the basis of length of the growth cycle, species were categorized as plant species of short growth cycle, intermediate growth cycle and long growth cycle. The short forbs of plant habit and height, had the highest emergence, and grasses and sedges had the lowest emergence in representative species. Percentage of species with long growth cycle was highest in both sites.展开更多
The present study was an effort to understand the amount of litter fall and its subsequent decomposition and quantify the release of available nutrients and soil physicochemical characteristics in plantations of four ...The present study was an effort to understand the amount of litter fall and its subsequent decomposition and quantify the release of available nutrients and soil physicochemical characteristics in plantations of four forest tree species(Lagerstroemia parviflora, Tectona grandis, Shorea robusta and Michelia champaca) in the Chilapatta Reserve Forest of the Cooch Behar Wildlife Division in the Terai zone of West Bengal, India. The most litter(5.61 Mg ha)was produced by T. grandis plantation and the least(4.72 Mg ha) by L. parviflora. The material turnover rate to the soil through decomposition from total litter was fastest during the first quarter of the year and subsequently decreased during the next two quarters. The material turnover rate was only 1 year, which indicates that more than90% of the total litter produced decomposed within a year.The available primary nutrient content in litter varied across the four plantations over the year. The plantations generally did not significantly influence the soil physical characteristics but did significantly influence the availability of primary nutrients and organic carbon at two depths(1–15 and16–30 cm) over the year. The availability of soil primary nutrients in the four plantations also increased gradually from the first quarter of the year to the third quarter and then decreased during the last quarter to the same level as in the first quarter of the year at both depths. The availability for soil organic carbon in the plantations followed a similar trend. The amount of litter produced and the material turnover in the soil in the different plantations differed, influencing the nutrient availability and organic carbon at the plantations. The amount of soil organic carbon was highest for T. grandis(2.52 Mg ha) and lowest for L. parviflora(2.12 Mg ha). Litter is the source of soil organic matter,and more the litter that is produced by the plantations, the higher will be the content and amount of soil organic carbon in the plantation.展开更多
The present study was undertaken in five major forest types （dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia, Quercusfloribunda, Acer acuminatum, Abiespindrow and Aesculus indica, respectively） between 2400 and 2850 m a.s.1, in...The present study was undertaken in five major forest types （dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia, Quercusfloribunda, Acer acuminatum, Abiespindrow and Aesculus indica, respectively） between 2400 and 2850 m a.s.1, in a moist temperate forest of the Mandal-Chopta area in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The aim was to assess the variation in composition and diversity in different vegetation layers, i.e., herb, shrub and tree, among these five forest types. Diversity indices, such as the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, density, total basal cover, Simpson＇s concentration of dominance index, Simpson＇s diversity index, Pielou＇s equitability, species richness, species heterogeneity and r-diversity, were calculated to understand community structures. Dominance-diversity curves were drawn to ascertain resource apportionment among various species in different forest types.展开更多
This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on pine and oak forest dynamics in the midmontane central Himalayan forest and the ecosystem services associated with these vegetation types. Forest ecosystems pla...This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on pine and oak forest dynamics in the midmontane central Himalayan forest and the ecosystem services associated with these vegetation types. Forest ecosystems play a crucial role in the livelihood of the central Himalayas as well as the adjacent plains, providing a number of tangible and intangible ecosystem services, at each stage of succession. The successional sequence starts from warm temperate grasslands, followed by early successional pine forests, mid-successional pine-oak mixed forests and eventually culminating in a late successional oak community. This successional sequence is considerably influenced by disturbances like fire, grazing, and lopping, which maintain the vegetation types in their current form and can act as potential drivers of change. Fire and grazing in grasslands and pine forests inhibit the successional process by hindering the establishment of pioneer and late successional species, respectively. Potential land-cover changes with forest succession can lead to changes in ecosystem services supply. We found that the number of ecosystem services associated with these vegetation types increase from early to late successional community. Current management approaches fail to include the dynamic nature of vegetation, which is essential for maintenance of ecosystem service supply. In conclusion, the trade-offs between ES of global （biodiversity and carbon） and local importance （fuel wood and fodder） have to be examined carefully in order to have effective conservation and management plans for the region.展开更多
A study was conducted to examine the distribution pattern of four rhizomatous medicinal and aromatic plant species （MAPs） viz., Angelica glauca, Pleurospermum angelicoides, Rheum emodi and Arne- bia benthamii in dif...A study was conducted to examine the distribution pattern of four rhizomatous medicinal and aromatic plant species （MAPs） viz., Angelica glauca, Pleurospermum angelicoides, Rheum emodi and Arne- bia benthamii in different forest stands in Central Himalaya. Results show that A. glauca and P. angelicoides had a higher （50%） frequency at Chipkoan, Garpak and Phagati forest, R. emodi had a higher （60%） frequency at Rishikund, Suki and Himtoli, and A. benthamii had a higher （70%） frequency at Suki and Khambdhar The densities of A. glauca （0.6 plants·m -2 ） and P. angelicoides （0.5 plants·m -2 ） were higher at Chipkoan and Garpak sites than at other micro-sites, while densities of R. emodi （0.8 plants·m -2 ） and A. benthamii （1.0 plants·m -2 ） were higher at Suki and Khambdhar sites. A. glauca had highest total basal covers （TBC） （1.2 cm 2 ·m -2 ） at Chipkoan, P. angelicoides had highest TBC （0.92 cm 2 ·m -2） at Lati kharak site, A. benthamii had the highest TBC （6.48 cm 2 ·m -2 ） atKhambdhar, and R. emodi had highest TBC （4.53 cm 2 ·m -2 ） at Rishikund. For the four studied species, A. glauca showed a contagious distribution, P. angelicoides and R. emodi showed the random and A. benthamii showed the regular type of distribution.展开更多
The Himalayas are characterized by a broad gradient of bioclimatic zones along their elevation.However,less is known how forest growth responds to climatic change along elevation.In this study,four standard treering w...The Himalayas are characterized by a broad gradient of bioclimatic zones along their elevation.However,less is known how forest growth responds to climatic change along elevation.In this study,four standard treering width chronologies of Himalayan fir(Abies spectabilis)were developed,spanning 142–649 years along an elevation gradient of 3076–3900 m a.s.l.Principal component analysis classified the four chronologies into two groups;the ones at lower elevations(M1 and M2)and higher elevations(M3 and M4)show two distinct growth trends.Radial growth is limited by summer(June–August)precipitation at M3,and by precipitation during spring(March–May)and summer at M4.It is limited by spring temperatures and winter precipitation(December–February)at M1.Tree-ring width chronologies also significantly correlate with winter and spring Palmer Drought Severity Index(PDSI)at M1,and with summer PDSI at M3 and M4.Thus,Himalayan fir growth at high elevations is mainly limited by moisture stress rather than by low temperatures.Furthermore,the occurrence of missing rings coincides with dry periods,providing additional evidence for moisture limitation of Himalayan fir growth.展开更多
After subjecting the seeds to GA3 and H2O2 treatments for 24 h and chilling at 2-3℃ for a period of 15 days, we conducted the seed germination tests for 21 different seed sources ofPinns roxburghii from western-centr...After subjecting the seeds to GA3 and H2O2 treatments for 24 h and chilling at 2-3℃ for a period of 15 days, we conducted the seed germination tests for 21 different seed sources ofPinns roxburghii from western-central Himalaya under laboratory conditions at various temperatures viz., 20℃, 25℃ and 30℃ inside a seed germinator. The results reveal that the soaking of seeds in H2O2 （1% v/v） and GA3 （ 10 mg.L^-1） solutions manifested 82.39% and 78.19% germination, respectively whereas untreated seeds exhibited 70.79% average germination. Both GA3 and H2O2 treatments caused an appreciable shortening of the germination period by 8 days and 10 days, respectively. Moist-chilling did improve the rate and percentage of germination when germinated at 20℃ over 21 days; however total germination was not affected at temperatures 25℃ and 30℃, Although the seeds of P. roxburghii germinate well due to lack of dor- mancy, the increasing demand for large quantities of seeds of P. roxburghii for reforestation programmes make pre-sowing treatments useful in improving the rate and percentage of gemaination.展开更多
We studied the regeneration of tree species in the sub-tropical forest of Alaknanda Valley in Garhwal Himalaya, India. The overall regeneration status was fairly good in the study area. Seedling density ranged between...We studied the regeneration of tree species in the sub-tropical forest of Alaknanda Valley in Garhwal Himalaya, India. The overall regeneration status was fairly good in the study area. Seedling density ranged between 520 and 1,240 seedlings per ha while the density of saplings varied between 400 and 800 saplings per ha. Out of eight sites studied, five sites, viz., A1, A2, B1, B2 and C2 contained the highest number of seedlings （280-480 per ha） and saplings ,（200-440 per ha） for Pinus roxburghfi and remaining three sites viz., C1, D1 and D2 represented the highest number of seedlings （240-400 per ha） and saplings （200-240 per ha） for Anogeissus latifolius. The DBH class distribution of the tree species revealed that the highest number of individuals was concentrated in the lower diameter classes while smallest numbers were found in the higher diameter classes. Species such as Acacia catechu, Anogeissus latifolius, Dalbergia sissoo, Engelhardtia spicata, Lannea coromandelica, Mallotus philippensis and Pinus roxburghii have the larg- est number of saplings and seedlings in the lower DBH classes, suggesting that they have good regeneration potential. Other spec es such as Aegle marmelos, Bauhinia variegata, Bombax ceiba, Cassia fistula, Erythrina variegata, Haldinia ：cordifolia, Mangifera indica, Ougeinia oojeinensis, Phyllanthus emblica, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia alata and Toona hexandra have either no or very small number of saplings in the lower DBH classes which indicates that the status of these species implies poor regeneration.展开更多
Abstract： We investigated the effect of provenance variation on cone and seed morphology and germination behaviunr under different pretreatments in Picea smithiana. Three categories of cones were recognized： large ...Abstract： We investigated the effect of provenance variation on cone and seed morphology and germination behaviunr under different pretreatments in Picea smithiana. Three categories of cones were recognized： large （13.18 cm×3.30 cm-15.42 cm × 4.35 cm）, medium （10.85 cm × 3.93 cm-12.18 cm× 3.98 cm） and small （7.69 cm× 3.06-10.98 cm× 3.39 cm）. Significant variation was observed for various cone and seed characteristics. Seeds moisture content varied from 44.48% to 56.91%, seed size from 0.64 cmx 0.31 cm （largest seed） to 0.49 cm× 0.10 cm （smallest seed）, and the seed weight from 2.45 g per 100 seeds to 1.36 g per 100 seeds on fresh weight basis of P. smithiana. The highest seed germination （72.0±7.53%） at 10℃ was observed under chilling treatment in Tapovan provenance, while the minimum （15.0±5.71%） seed germination was recorded at 25℃ under control set in Tapovan provenance. Further among all the sources Pandukeshwar consistently had the highest average （38%） percent germination across all treatments. Compared to other temperature regimes and pretreatments, seeds subjected to 10℃ and chilling treatment had the highest germination and took the least time for germination irrespective of provenance effects. Altitude （provenance） had little or no relationship with germination following laboratory treatments. Seeds from Tapovan provenance subjected at 10℃ following chilling treatment may be suggested for further multiplication of this species.展开更多
Climate is a critical factor affecting forest ecosystems and their capacity to produce goods and services. Effects of climate change on forests depend on ecosystem-specific factors including dimensions of climate （te...Climate is a critical factor affecting forest ecosystems and their capacity to produce goods and services. Effects of climate change on forests depend on ecosystem-specific factors including dimensions of climate （temperature, precipitation, drought, wind etc.）. Available infor- mation is not sufficient to support a quantitative assessment of the eco- logical, social and economic consequences. The present study assessed shifts in forest cover types of Western Himalayan Eco-region （700-4 500 m）. 100 randomly selected samples （75 for training and 25 for testing the model）, genetic algorithm of rule set parameters and climatic envelopes were used to assess the distribution of five prominent forest cover types （Temperate evergreen, Tropical semi-evergreen, Temperate conifer, Sub- tropical conifer, and Tropical moist deciduous forests）. Modelling was conducted for four different scenarios, current scenario, changed precipi- tation （8% increase）, changed temperature （1.07℃ increase）, and both changed temperature and precipitation. On increasing precipitation a downward shift in the temperate evergreen and tropical semi-evergreen was observed, while sub-tropical conifer and tropical moist-deciduous forests showed a slight upward shift and temperate conifer showed ＇no shift. On increasing temperatm＇e, an upward shift in all forest types was observed except sub-tropical conifer forests without significant changes. When both temperature and precipitation were changed, the actual dis- tribution was maintained and slight upward shift was observed in all the forest types except sub-tropical conifer. It is important to understand the likely impacts of the projected climate change on the forest ecosystems, so that better management and conservation strategies can be adopted for the biodiversity and forest dependent community. Knowledge of impact mechanisms also enables identification and mitigation of some of the conditions that increase vulnerability to climate change in the forest sector.展开更多
Intense anthropogenic exploitation has altered distribution of forest resources. This change was analyzed using visual interpretation of satellite data of 1979, 1999 and 2009. Field and interactive social surveys were...Intense anthropogenic exploitation has altered distribution of forest resources. This change was analyzed using visual interpretation of satellite data of 1979, 1999 and 2009. Field and interactive social surveys were conducted to identify spatial trends in forest degradation and data were mapped on forest cover and land use maps. Perceptions of villagers were compiled in a pictorial representation to understand changes in forest resource distribution in central Himalaya from 1970 to 2010. For- ested areas were subject to degradation and isolation due to loss of con- necting forest stands. Species like Lantana camara and Eupatorium adenophorum invaded forest landscapes. Intensity of human pressure differed by forest type and elevation. An integrated approach is needed to monitor forest resource distribution and disturbance.展开更多
In this study, we investigated the specific gravity of wood samples collected from a total of 31 woody spe- cies, consisting of 20 trees, 10 shrubs and one species of bamboo from sub-tropical regions of Garhwal Himala...In this study, we investigated the specific gravity of wood samples collected from a total of 31 woody spe- cies, consisting of 20 trees, 10 shrubs and one species of bamboo from sub-tropical regions of Garhwal Himalayas, In- dia. Results show that among these woody species, the specific gravity of trees ranged from 0.34 for Erythrina suberosa to 0.83 for Albizia procera. For shrub species the specific gravity of Ricinus communis was 0.39 and that of Dodonaea viscosa 0.93. The average specific gravity of trees was 0.58 and of shrubs 0.66.展开更多
Accurate estimates of tree carbon, forest floor carbon and organic carbon in forest soils （SOC） are important in order to determine their contribution to global carbon （C） stocks. However, information about these ...Accurate estimates of tree carbon, forest floor carbon and organic carbon in forest soils （SOC） are important in order to determine their contribution to global carbon （C） stocks. However, information about these carbon stocks is lacking. Some studies have investigated regional and continental scale patterns of carbon stocks in forest ecosystems; however, the changes in C storage in dif- ferent components （vegetation, forest floor and soil） as a function of elevation in forest ecosystems remain poorly understood. In this study, we estimate C stocks of vegetation, forest floor and soils of a Pinus roxburghii Sargent forest in the Garhwal Himalayas along a gradient to quantify changes in carbon stock due to differences in elevation at three sites. The biomass of the vegetation changes drastically with increasing elevation among the three sites. The above-ground biomass （AGB） and below-ground biomass （BGB） were highest at site I （184.46 and 46.386 t·ha^-1 respectively） at an elevation of 1300 m followed by site II （173.99 and 44.057 t·ha^-1 AGB and BGB respectively） at 1400 m and the lowest AGB and BGB were estimated at site III （161.72 and 41.301t·ha^-1） at 1500 m. The trend for SOC stock was similar to that of biomass. Our results suggest that carbon storage （in both soil and biomass） is nega- tively correlated with elevation.展开更多
The present study deals with the regeneration status of a sub- tropical forest located between 950-1100 m above sea level in Garhwal Himalaya. The vegetation was quantitatively analyzed on four different aspects i.e.,...The present study deals with the regeneration status of a sub- tropical forest located between 950-1100 m above sea level in Garhwal Himalaya. The vegetation was quantitatively analyzed on four different aspects i.e., east, west, north and south. Results of the study indicated that across the aspects, Anogeissus latifolia was dominant in tree, sapling and seedling layers in all the aspects, except north aspect where Pinus roxburghii and Terminalia tomentosa were dominant in tree and seedling layers, respectively. The highest tree layer density （380 plant.ha^-1） was recorded on south aspect and lowest （260 plant.ha^-1） on west aspect. In shrub layer, highest density was on east aspect （1790 plant.ha-1） and lowest on west aspect （970 plant.hal）. Tree and shrub layer diversity ranged between 0.846 to 1.710 and 1.943 to 2.847, respectively. The relative lopping intensity （%） was higher in Anogeissus latifolia （45%- 57% as compared to 4%-33% in other species） which is the most important tree species on all aspects, except north aspect. The present study also reveals that if the current rate of exploitation continues, the species like Anogeissus latifolia may be replaced by other species and drastic changes may occur in species composition and regeneration of the forest. The anthropogenic pressure, aspect and soil nutrients have caused changes in regeneration status and species composition of forests.展开更多
Betula utilis D.Don.is an important species of alpine Himalaya and forms the major treeline component of western Himalaya.The different populations of B.utilis are declining and are under high risk.In the present stud...Betula utilis D.Don.is an important species of alpine Himalaya and forms the major treeline component of western Himalaya.The different populations of B.utilis are declining and are under high risk.In the present study,novel expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat(EST-SSR)primers were developed from expressed sequence tag(EST)data of different Betula species.Of the10,796 designed primers,the percentages of di-,tri-,tetra-,penta-,and hexa-repeats were 36%,35%,15%,5.5%and7.7%,respectively.For validation,50 primers were synthesized randomly and were characterized in 20 different B.utilis accessions from north-western Himalaya.Of these,45 primers amplified fragments in a range of 1-6.The 24 polymorphic primers produced 111 fragments in aggregate with 4.6 fragments on average.Polymorphism information content(PIC)ranged from 0.288 in marker BUMS-24 to 0.497 in BUMS-3 and BUMS-7,with an average of 0.447 among polymorphic markers.Dendrogram based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient and UPGMA method showed that newly developed SSR markers distinguished twenty accessions of B.utilis into two groups.As no SSR markers were available in this species,the newly developed markers will foster molecular genetics research and conservation efforts for this species.展开更多
Himalaya the acrobatic show draws the Tibet culture, and expresses its unique custom. It is the first large tourism performance in our province. It is an excellent
文摘We investigated the floristic composition, phytosociological and regeneration status of Sarkot Van Panchyat （community forest） in Chamoli district of Garhwal Himalaya. A total of 52 plant species of 46 genera and 26 families were recorded, which included 12 trees, 18 shrubs and 22 herb species. Quercus leucotrichophora was dominant tree species in sapling and seedling layers, followed by Lyonia ovalifolia and Rhododendron arboreum. Out of 12 tree species, 7 species in seedling stage and 8 species in sapling stage were recorded in the study area. The 44.41% species in the study area showed good regeneration status, 16.66% species were fairly regenerating, and 8.33% species showed poor regeneration status, while 33% species were not regenerating. Number of individuals from lower girth classes （0--10 cm and 10-30 cm） showed decreasing trend with the increase in size of girth class. Shannon index （H） for trees, shrubs and herbs was recorded as 1.82, 2.24 and 2.41 respectively. Simpsons index （Co） was recorded as 0.21, 0.12 and 0.12 for trees, shrubs and herbs respectively. The forest should be di- vided into compartments for better management purpose and each compartment should be closed for five years to assist regeneration and enrichment planting may also be carried out for sustainable management.
文摘The present study was conducted in the alpine pastures of Tungnath （30° 14＇ N and 79° 13＇ E） to observe life-form and growth-form patterns of alpine plant species under grazed and ungrazed conditions and to work out the plant life form spectrum. Species were categorized as plant habit, height and length of growth-cycle and life-form classes according to Raunkiaer＇s system. The results show that in total of 68 species at grazed site, hemicryptophytes （He） accounted for 50.00% species, followed by cryptophytes （26.47%）, chamaephytes （16.18%）, phanemphytes （4.41%） and therophytes （2.94%）. At the ungrazed site in 65 plant species, hemicryptophytes （He） accounted fo＇r 49.23% species, cryptophytes （26.15%）, chamaephytes （15.38%）, phanerophytes （6.15%） and ther6phytes （3.08 % species）. In general, hemicrptophyte are dominant^in both sites i.e. graged and ungrazed. Growth form categories were classified as forbs, shrubs, grasses and sedges＇and undershrubs, according to plant habit and height. On the basis of length of the growth cycle, species were categorized as plant species of short growth cycle, intermediate growth cycle and long growth cycle. The short forbs of plant habit and height, had the highest emergence, and grasses and sedges had the lowest emergence in representative species. Percentage of species with long growth cycle was highest in both sites.
文摘The present study was an effort to understand the amount of litter fall and its subsequent decomposition and quantify the release of available nutrients and soil physicochemical characteristics in plantations of four forest tree species(Lagerstroemia parviflora, Tectona grandis, Shorea robusta and Michelia champaca) in the Chilapatta Reserve Forest of the Cooch Behar Wildlife Division in the Terai zone of West Bengal, India. The most litter(5.61 Mg ha)was produced by T. grandis plantation and the least(4.72 Mg ha) by L. parviflora. The material turnover rate to the soil through decomposition from total litter was fastest during the first quarter of the year and subsequently decreased during the next two quarters. The material turnover rate was only 1 year, which indicates that more than90% of the total litter produced decomposed within a year.The available primary nutrient content in litter varied across the four plantations over the year. The plantations generally did not significantly influence the soil physical characteristics but did significantly influence the availability of primary nutrients and organic carbon at two depths(1–15 and16–30 cm) over the year. The availability of soil primary nutrients in the four plantations also increased gradually from the first quarter of the year to the third quarter and then decreased during the last quarter to the same level as in the first quarter of the year at both depths. The availability for soil organic carbon in the plantations followed a similar trend. The amount of litter produced and the material turnover in the soil in the different plantations differed, influencing the nutrient availability and organic carbon at the plantations. The amount of soil organic carbon was highest for T. grandis(2.52 Mg ha) and lowest for L. parviflora(2.12 Mg ha). Litter is the source of soil organic matter,and more the litter that is produced by the plantations, the higher will be the content and amount of soil organic carbon in the plantation.
基金Department of Scienceand Technology, Government of India for providing financial support (Grant No. SP/SO/PS-52/2004)and the Uttarakh and Forest Department for providing meteorological data
文摘The present study was undertaken in five major forest types （dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia, Quercusfloribunda, Acer acuminatum, Abiespindrow and Aesculus indica, respectively） between 2400 and 2850 m a.s.1, in a moist temperate forest of the Mandal-Chopta area in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The aim was to assess the variation in composition and diversity in different vegetation layers, i.e., herb, shrub and tree, among these five forest types. Diversity indices, such as the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, density, total basal cover, Simpson＇s concentration of dominance index, Simpson＇s diversity index, Pielou＇s equitability, species richness, species heterogeneity and r-diversity, were calculated to understand community structures. Dominance-diversity curves were drawn to ascertain resource apportionment among various species in different forest types.
文摘This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on pine and oak forest dynamics in the midmontane central Himalayan forest and the ecosystem services associated with these vegetation types. Forest ecosystems play a crucial role in the livelihood of the central Himalayas as well as the adjacent plains, providing a number of tangible and intangible ecosystem services, at each stage of succession. The successional sequence starts from warm temperate grasslands, followed by early successional pine forests, mid-successional pine-oak mixed forests and eventually culminating in a late successional oak community. This successional sequence is considerably influenced by disturbances like fire, grazing, and lopping, which maintain the vegetation types in their current form and can act as potential drivers of change. Fire and grazing in grasslands and pine forests inhibit the successional process by hindering the establishment of pioneer and late successional species, respectively. Potential land-cover changes with forest succession can lead to changes in ecosystem services supply. We found that the number of ecosystem services associated with these vegetation types increase from early to late successional community. Current management approaches fail to include the dynamic nature of vegetation, which is essential for maintenance of ecosystem service supply. In conclusion, the trade-offs between ES of global （biodiversity and carbon） and local importance （fuel wood and fodder） have to be examined carefully in order to have effective conservation and management plans for the region.
基金supported by financial assistantships from NATP-PB,NBPGR,Pusa Campus New Delhi
文摘A study was conducted to examine the distribution pattern of four rhizomatous medicinal and aromatic plant species （MAPs） viz., Angelica glauca, Pleurospermum angelicoides, Rheum emodi and Arne- bia benthamii in different forest stands in Central Himalaya. Results show that A. glauca and P. angelicoides had a higher （50%） frequency at Chipkoan, Garpak and Phagati forest, R. emodi had a higher （60%） frequency at Rishikund, Suki and Himtoli, and A. benthamii had a higher （70%） frequency at Suki and Khambdhar The densities of A. glauca （0.6 plants·m -2 ） and P. angelicoides （0.5 plants·m -2 ） were higher at Chipkoan and Garpak sites than at other micro-sites, while densities of R. emodi （0.8 plants·m -2 ） and A. benthamii （1.0 plants·m -2 ） were higher at Suki and Khambdhar sites. A. glauca had highest total basal covers （TBC） （1.2 cm 2 ·m -2 ） at Chipkoan, P. angelicoides had highest TBC （0.92 cm 2 ·m -2） at Lati kharak site, A. benthamii had the highest TBC （6.48 cm 2 ·m -2 ） atKhambdhar, and R. emodi had highest TBC （4.53 cm 2 ·m -2 ） at Rishikund. For the four studied species, A. glauca showed a contagious distribution, P. angelicoides and R. emodi showed the random and A. benthamii showed the regular type of distribution.
基金We thank the Kathmandu Center for Research and Education,CAS-TU,for help during the fieldwork。
文摘The Himalayas are characterized by a broad gradient of bioclimatic zones along their elevation.However,less is known how forest growth responds to climatic change along elevation.In this study,four standard treering width chronologies of Himalayan fir(Abies spectabilis)were developed,spanning 142–649 years along an elevation gradient of 3076–3900 m a.s.l.Principal component analysis classified the four chronologies into two groups;the ones at lower elevations(M1 and M2)and higher elevations(M3 and M4)show two distinct growth trends.Radial growth is limited by summer(June–August)precipitation at M3,and by precipitation during spring(March–May)and summer at M4.It is limited by spring temperatures and winter precipitation(December–February)at M1.Tree-ring width chronologies also significantly correlate with winter and spring Palmer Drought Severity Index(PDSI)at M1,and with summer PDSI at M3 and M4.Thus,Himalayan fir growth at high elevations is mainly limited by moisture stress rather than by low temperatures.Furthermore,the occurrence of missing rings coincides with dry periods,providing additional evidence for moisture limitation of Himalayan fir growth.
基金suportted by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) Dehradun
文摘After subjecting the seeds to GA3 and H2O2 treatments for 24 h and chilling at 2-3℃ for a period of 15 days, we conducted the seed germination tests for 21 different seed sources ofPinns roxburghii from western-central Himalaya under laboratory conditions at various temperatures viz., 20℃, 25℃ and 30℃ inside a seed germinator. The results reveal that the soaking of seeds in H2O2 （1% v/v） and GA3 （ 10 mg.L^-1） solutions manifested 82.39% and 78.19% germination, respectively whereas untreated seeds exhibited 70.79% average germination. Both GA3 and H2O2 treatments caused an appreciable shortening of the germination period by 8 days and 10 days, respectively. Moist-chilling did improve the rate and percentage of germination when germinated at 20℃ over 21 days; however total germination was not affected at temperatures 25℃ and 30℃, Although the seeds of P. roxburghii germinate well due to lack of dor- mancy, the increasing demand for large quantities of seeds of P. roxburghii for reforestation programmes make pre-sowing treatments useful in improving the rate and percentage of gemaination.
基金the Department of Science and Technology (SEED Division), Government of India, for providing financial support vide its Project No. SP/YO/022/2008
文摘We studied the regeneration of tree species in the sub-tropical forest of Alaknanda Valley in Garhwal Himalaya, India. The overall regeneration status was fairly good in the study area. Seedling density ranged between 520 and 1,240 seedlings per ha while the density of saplings varied between 400 and 800 saplings per ha. Out of eight sites studied, five sites, viz., A1, A2, B1, B2 and C2 contained the highest number of seedlings （280-480 per ha） and saplings ,（200-440 per ha） for Pinus roxburghfi and remaining three sites viz., C1, D1 and D2 represented the highest number of seedlings （240-400 per ha） and saplings （200-240 per ha） for Anogeissus latifolius. The DBH class distribution of the tree species revealed that the highest number of individuals was concentrated in the lower diameter classes while smallest numbers were found in the higher diameter classes. Species such as Acacia catechu, Anogeissus latifolius, Dalbergia sissoo, Engelhardtia spicata, Lannea coromandelica, Mallotus philippensis and Pinus roxburghii have the larg- est number of saplings and seedlings in the lower DBH classes, suggesting that they have good regeneration potential. Other spec es such as Aegle marmelos, Bauhinia variegata, Bombax ceiba, Cassia fistula, Erythrina variegata, Haldinia ：cordifolia, Mangifera indica, Ougeinia oojeinensis, Phyllanthus emblica, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia alata and Toona hexandra have either no or very small number of saplings in the lower DBH classes which indicates that the status of these species implies poor regeneration.
文摘Abstract： We investigated the effect of provenance variation on cone and seed morphology and germination behaviunr under different pretreatments in Picea smithiana. Three categories of cones were recognized： large （13.18 cm×3.30 cm-15.42 cm × 4.35 cm）, medium （10.85 cm × 3.93 cm-12.18 cm× 3.98 cm） and small （7.69 cm× 3.06-10.98 cm× 3.39 cm）. Significant variation was observed for various cone and seed characteristics. Seeds moisture content varied from 44.48% to 56.91%, seed size from 0.64 cmx 0.31 cm （largest seed） to 0.49 cm× 0.10 cm （smallest seed）, and the seed weight from 2.45 g per 100 seeds to 1.36 g per 100 seeds on fresh weight basis of P. smithiana. The highest seed germination （72.0±7.53%） at 10℃ was observed under chilling treatment in Tapovan provenance, while the minimum （15.0±5.71%） seed germination was recorded at 25℃ under control set in Tapovan provenance. Further among all the sources Pandukeshwar consistently had the highest average （38%） percent germination across all treatments. Compared to other temperature regimes and pretreatments, seeds subjected to 10℃ and chilling treatment had the highest germination and took the least time for germination irrespective of provenance effects. Altitude （provenance） had little or no relationship with germination following laboratory treatments. Seeds from Tapovan provenance subjected at 10℃ following chilling treatment may be suggested for further multiplication of this species.
文摘Climate is a critical factor affecting forest ecosystems and their capacity to produce goods and services. Effects of climate change on forests depend on ecosystem-specific factors including dimensions of climate （temperature, precipitation, drought, wind etc.）. Available infor- mation is not sufficient to support a quantitative assessment of the eco- logical, social and economic consequences. The present study assessed shifts in forest cover types of Western Himalayan Eco-region （700-4 500 m）. 100 randomly selected samples （75 for training and 25 for testing the model）, genetic algorithm of rule set parameters and climatic envelopes were used to assess the distribution of five prominent forest cover types （Temperate evergreen, Tropical semi-evergreen, Temperate conifer, Sub- tropical conifer, and Tropical moist deciduous forests）. Modelling was conducted for four different scenarios, current scenario, changed precipi- tation （8% increase）, changed temperature （1.07℃ increase）, and both changed temperature and precipitation. On increasing precipitation a downward shift in the temperate evergreen and tropical semi-evergreen was observed, while sub-tropical conifer and tropical moist-deciduous forests showed a slight upward shift and temperate conifer showed ＇no shift. On increasing temperatm＇e, an upward shift in all forest types was observed except sub-tropical conifer forests without significant changes. When both temperature and precipitation were changed, the actual dis- tribution was maintained and slight upward shift was observed in all the forest types except sub-tropical conifer. It is important to understand the likely impacts of the projected climate change on the forest ecosystems, so that better management and conservation strategies can be adopted for the biodiversity and forest dependent community. Knowledge of impact mechanisms also enables identification and mitigation of some of the conditions that increase vulnerability to climate change in the forest sector.
文摘Intense anthropogenic exploitation has altered distribution of forest resources. This change was analyzed using visual interpretation of satellite data of 1979, 1999 and 2009. Field and interactive social surveys were conducted to identify spatial trends in forest degradation and data were mapped on forest cover and land use maps. Perceptions of villagers were compiled in a pictorial representation to understand changes in forest resource distribution in central Himalaya from 1970 to 2010. For- ested areas were subject to degradation and isolation due to loss of con- necting forest stands. Species like Lantana camara and Eupatorium adenophorum invaded forest landscapes. Intensity of human pressure differed by forest type and elevation. An integrated approach is needed to monitor forest resource distribution and disturbance.
文摘In this study, we investigated the specific gravity of wood samples collected from a total of 31 woody spe- cies, consisting of 20 trees, 10 shrubs and one species of bamboo from sub-tropical regions of Garhwal Himalayas, In- dia. Results show that among these woody species, the specific gravity of trees ranged from 0.34 for Erythrina suberosa to 0.83 for Albizia procera. For shrub species the specific gravity of Ricinus communis was 0.39 and that of Dodonaea viscosa 0.93. The average specific gravity of trees was 0.58 and of shrubs 0.66.
文摘Accurate estimates of tree carbon, forest floor carbon and organic carbon in forest soils （SOC） are important in order to determine their contribution to global carbon （C） stocks. However, information about these carbon stocks is lacking. Some studies have investigated regional and continental scale patterns of carbon stocks in forest ecosystems; however, the changes in C storage in dif- ferent components （vegetation, forest floor and soil） as a function of elevation in forest ecosystems remain poorly understood. In this study, we estimate C stocks of vegetation, forest floor and soils of a Pinus roxburghii Sargent forest in the Garhwal Himalayas along a gradient to quantify changes in carbon stock due to differences in elevation at three sites. The biomass of the vegetation changes drastically with increasing elevation among the three sites. The above-ground biomass （AGB） and below-ground biomass （BGB） were highest at site I （184.46 and 46.386 t·ha^-1 respectively） at an elevation of 1300 m followed by site II （173.99 and 44.057 t·ha^-1 AGB and BGB respectively） at 1400 m and the lowest AGB and BGB were estimated at site III （161.72 and 41.301t·ha^-1） at 1500 m. The trend for SOC stock was similar to that of biomass. Our results suggest that carbon storage （in both soil and biomass） is nega- tively correlated with elevation.
文摘The present study deals with the regeneration status of a sub- tropical forest located between 950-1100 m above sea level in Garhwal Himalaya. The vegetation was quantitatively analyzed on four different aspects i.e., east, west, north and south. Results of the study indicated that across the aspects, Anogeissus latifolia was dominant in tree, sapling and seedling layers in all the aspects, except north aspect where Pinus roxburghii and Terminalia tomentosa were dominant in tree and seedling layers, respectively. The highest tree layer density （380 plant.ha^-1） was recorded on south aspect and lowest （260 plant.ha^-1） on west aspect. In shrub layer, highest density was on east aspect （1790 plant.ha-1） and lowest on west aspect （970 plant.hal）. Tree and shrub layer diversity ranged between 0.846 to 1.710 and 1.943 to 2.847, respectively. The relative lopping intensity （%） was higher in Anogeissus latifolia （45%- 57% as compared to 4%-33% in other species） which is the most important tree species on all aspects, except north aspect. The present study also reveals that if the current rate of exploitation continues, the species like Anogeissus latifolia may be replaced by other species and drastic changes may occur in species composition and regeneration of the forest. The anthropogenic pressure, aspect and soil nutrients have caused changes in regeneration status and species composition of forests.
基金This work was nancially supported by DBT-IPLS scheme[Reference No.BT/PR4548/INF/22/146/2012].
文摘Betula utilis D.Don.is an important species of alpine Himalaya and forms the major treeline component of western Himalaya.The different populations of B.utilis are declining and are under high risk.In the present study,novel expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat(EST-SSR)primers were developed from expressed sequence tag(EST)data of different Betula species.Of the10,796 designed primers,the percentages of di-,tri-,tetra-,penta-,and hexa-repeats were 36%,35%,15%,5.5%and7.7%,respectively.For validation,50 primers were synthesized randomly and were characterized in 20 different B.utilis accessions from north-western Himalaya.Of these,45 primers amplified fragments in a range of 1-6.The 24 polymorphic primers produced 111 fragments in aggregate with 4.6 fragments on average.Polymorphism information content(PIC)ranged from 0.288 in marker BUMS-24 to 0.497 in BUMS-3 and BUMS-7,with an average of 0.447 among polymorphic markers.Dendrogram based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient and UPGMA method showed that newly developed SSR markers distinguished twenty accessions of B.utilis into two groups.As no SSR markers were available in this species,the newly developed markers will foster molecular genetics research and conservation efforts for this species.
文摘Himalaya the acrobatic show draws the Tibet culture, and expresses its unique custom. It is the first large tourism performance in our province. It is an excellent
