Influence of canopy cover on vegetation in P. roxburghii sarg (chir-pine) dominated forests in Uttarakhand Himalaya, India.

Author(s): Neeta Arya*, Jeet Ram

Abstract

Increasing anthropogenic pressure and dependence on plant products have led to widespread exploitation of natural forests in the Uttaranchal Himalaya. The present study was carried out to study the influence of canopy cover on tree, shrub and herb vegetation. For this three different canopy types, open canopy (<30%, cover), moderate canopy (30-60%, cover) and close canopy (>60%, cover) were identified in Pinus roxburghii (chir-pine) dominated forests. The study area is located between 290 20’and 290 30’ N latitude and 790 23’ and 790 42’ E longitude between 1350-2000m elevations in Uttarakhand a newly created hill state. Total tree density was high in close canopy sites basal area was greater in open canopy sites. Total shrub density varied from 26107 to 28560 shrub/ha. It was maximum for open canopy sites and minimum for moderate canopy sites. Total shrubs cover varied from 45.8 to 50.6%. Shrubs cover was maximum for moderate canopy sites and minimum for open canopy sites. Herbs density was greater in open canopy and total herbs cover was greater in close canopy. Tree and shrub diversity was high in close canopy sites and herbs diversity in open canopy sites.

10.21746/ijbio.2016.06.006

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