Journal of Forest and Environmental Science

Institute of Forest Science, kangwon National University (강원대학교 산림과학연구소)
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Forest Structure and Composition in the Vicinity of Srinagar Hydroelectric Power Project in Alaknanda Valley, Garhwal Himalaya, India

  • Received : 2017.08.01
  • Accepted : 2020.03.17
  • Published : 2020.06.30
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Abstract

We studied forest structure and composition in the vicinity of Srinagar Hydroelectric Power Project in Alaknanda Valley, Garhwal Himalaya, India to provide baseline data for the management of forests. Eight sites were selected in the vicinity of power project based on elevation and species composition. Density varied from 650 to 340 ind ha-1 for trees and from 4,360 to 6,480 ind ha-1 for shrubs. TBC ranged from 35.02 to 54.02 ㎡ ha-1 for trees and from 0.875 to 2.628 ㎡ ha-1 for shrubs. On the basis of density and IVI, Pinus roxburghii was found dominant tree species in most of the sites, whereas among the shrubs, Carissa opaca was dominant. Dominance of Pinus roxburghii in most of the sites is an indication towards possible threat to associated species in the area. The dominance-diversity curve of trees showed a geometric distribution, whereas the shrubs displayed log-normal curves. The forest has rich and diverse species composition however; habitat degradation caused by the construction of Power Project might lead to reduction of plant species from the area. The information obtained from this study will be helpful in predicting possible changes in the forest ecosystem properties in near future after completion of the power project.

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References

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