Analysis of forest vegetation at and around Naini Tal in Kumaun Himalaya

Abstract

Certain forests at and around Naini Tal were quantitatively analysed. On the basis of IVI, a total of five forest types, viz., Pinus roxburghii, Quercus floribunda, Q. lanuginosa, Q. leucotricltophora and Q. semecarpifolia were recognized. The total tree basal cover ranged from 2686.7 to 6045.8 cm² 100 m^-2. The composition of tree and shrub layers differed markedly among various types of forest. Q. floribunda forest supported the largest shrub population, while P. roxburghii and Q. semecarpifolia were the poorest in this regard. P. roxburghii forest indicated zero diversity, whereas Q. floribunda forest on basal cover basis and Q. leucotricltophora forest on density basis, had maximum diversity. Among the oak forests, Q. floribunda forest (indicated relatively greater equitable share of resources among the various species. Generally, a total of four tree strata and a shrub stratum sheltering, in turn, a layer of herbs were recognizable in the present forests. The forests could be graded, as follows, in a decreasing order of soil protection potential: Q. floribunda (site 2) > Q. leucotricltophora > Q. floribunda (site 3) > Q. lanuginosa > Q. semecar pifolia > P. roxburghii. The trees in the oak forest were more wind stable, while in P. roxburghii they were specially susceptible to wind effect. With the exception of Q. leucotrichophora and Q. semecarpifolia in their respective forest types, the dominant species in all the forests had a stable population indicating good regeneration.