Regeneration Status of Different Conifers in Gulmarg Forest Range of Kashmir Himalayas

Abstract

The present study was concentrated in the four forest blocks, namely Khaipora, Tangmarg, Ferozpora and Baderkut of Gulmarg Forest Range in Kashmir Himalayas. Natural regeneration and edaphic factors affecting regeneration status of different conifers was studied. Quadrats of 2x2m in the main plot of size 50x20m were laid down to study the regeneration at four blocks of Gulmarg Forest Range. The maximum numbers of recruits (current year seedlings, less than height of 8 cm), unestablished (height more than 8cm to 200cm) and established (height more than 200cm) plants were found for Abies pindrow at all the sites with the exception at Ferozpora where unestablished plants of Pinus wallichiana were found highest. Highest establishment stocking per cent and regeneration success was found for Abies pindrow at Khaipora, Ferozpora and Baderkut. Overall regeneration success was found to be highest at Baderkut followed by Khaipora while as the lowest regeneration success was found at Ferozpora respectively. Simple correlation study reveal that the regeneration success has a significant positive relationship with Light Intensity, pH, Electric conductivity, organic carbon, available nitrogen and available potassium while as litter layer and available phosphorous had a significant negative correlation with regeneration success.