Effect of Soil Moisture on Composition and Diversity of Trees in Tropical dry Forest

摘要

The rainfall gradients and the availability of soil water are highly associated with the distribution, diversity and primary productivity of plant communities. Studies have also indicated the association of drought with increased mortality and decreased growth rates in tropical plants. Here we are presenting some results from our study in tropical dry forests of India where we have observed the influence of soil moisture content (SMC) on composition and diversity of trees in the forest region. The research was conducted in a mature, naturally established and unmanaged tropical dry forest. In our study, Shannon-Wiener index, Whittaker’s index of species evenness and Margalef’s index of species richness of the trees in the three growth stages (i.e., adult, saplings and seedlings) exhibited significant positive relationships with SMC. We suggest that the climate change led alterations in environmental conditions may become lethal to a large number of established species, which could immediately be replaced by the immigrants. Therefore, the species response to variations in SMC should be properly investigated while designing the reforestation programs for the tropical dry forest.