Evaluation of natural regeneration status and site quality characteristics of Taxus wallichiana forests in Himachal Pradesh.

摘要

The present study was carried out in Kullu, Banjar and Karsog Forest Divisions of Himachal Pradesh from 2400 to 3200 m amsl. In the study, there were two sites under each forest division, which were further sub-divided into lower and upper elevations. To carry out this study, three main plots of 20x20 m were taken at each elevation and within which 10 quadrates of 2x2 m were laid down for the regeneration study. The regeneration of Taxus wallichiana was not recorded in all the selected sites. The maximum regeneration success of the species was found in lower elevation of Kathoundhar forest. The main factors responsible for poor regeneration of Taxus wallichiana in the study areas seem to be low soil moisture, solar influx and thick organic matter layer. The per cent moisture, per cent organic carbon, available nitrogen and phosphorus showed a decreasing trend with the increase in soil depth, while soil pH and available potassium showed a reverse trend.