A study of stand structure of temperate forests of Kaghan valley, Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
A study of stand structure of temperate forests of Kaghan valley, Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Anwar Ali, Muhmmad Ayaz, Saz Muhammad
ABSTRACT
Kaghan valley is located in Balakot Sub-Division of District Mansehra. The valley lies between 34° 15' and 34° 57' North latitudes and 73° 20' and 73° 57' East longitudes. A study on stand structure of the forests of Kaghan Valley was conducted during August-November, 2017. Systematic random sampling technique was used for collecting data in the field using a grid of 700x700 m. Data was collected from 304 sample plots. The tree species sampled predominantly consisted of conifers (85%). The remaining 15% trees were broad-leaved trees belonging to 23 different species. In conifers, Fir (Abies pindrow) is the dominant species (38%) followed by Kail (Pinus wallichiana) with 35%, Deodar (Cedrus deodara) 11% and Spruce (Picea smithiana) with 10% share. The average stocking/density was estimated at 250 trees per ha. In Reserved Forests, the average number of trees per ha was estimated at 285 whereas in Guzara Forests, the tree density was 176 stems per ha. The results of the inventory show that the forests of Kaghan Valley are well represented by all age classes. About 65% of the trees fall in immature class followed by sub-mature with 18% sample trees. Thus, about 83% of the trees are young and sub-mature and about 17% of the sample trees are mature. This shows that sufficient mature trees are available in Kaghan Valley. In coniferous species, about 65% of the trees fall in young and 22% fall in sub-mature stages whereas only 13% are mature. Highest percentage of mature trees are present in spruce (17%) followed by fir (15%). Deodar and Kail have 12% and 11% mature trees respectively. It was found that the mean canopy cover in the forest area is 47% indicating forest degradation in the area. Canopy cover in Reserved Forests is higher than Guzara Forests indicating that Guzara Forests are more degraded than Reserved Forests. Basal area of trees in Reserved forests is also significantly higher than Guzara forests. A poor regeneration condition was recorded in the forest area of Kaghan. There were 332 plants per ha in the forest area. Reserved forests have significantly higher number of regeneration than Guzara Forests. It was astonishing to know that the highest number of regeneration was recorded for Fir which was 43%, followed by Kail as 27%, deodar 14%, Spruce 12% and Taxus wallichiana as 4%. The study recommends adoption of assisted natural regeneration techniques and opening of canopy for improvement of stand structure.
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March 2017
Vol. 67, Iss. 1
