Home

Proceedings of the International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2023, 13(4): 158-172
[XML] [EndNote] [RefManager] [BibTex] [ Full PDF (217K)] [Comment/Review Article]

Article

Tree diversity, stand structure and species composition in three tropical dry deciduous forests of Madhya Pradesh, Central India

Debojyoti Raha2, Subashree Kothandaraman2,3, Javid Ahmad Dar1,2, Mohammed Latif Khan2
1Terrestrial Ecology and Modelling Lab (TEaM Lab), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University, Andhra Pradesh, India - 522502
2Forest Ecology and Ecosystems Laboratory, Department of Botany, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India - 470003
3Department of Biotechnology, KL Deemed to be University, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India - 522502

Received 20 April 2023;Accepted 30 May 2023;Published online 5 June 2023;Published 1 December 2023
IAEES

Abstract
Diversity, stand structure and species composition are the key elements of forest ecosystems. For the present study, three forest types: dry deciduous teak (DDTF), dry deciduous mixed (DDMF) and Boswellia (BF) forests were selected with the aim of assessing tree diversity, structure and species composition in tropical dry deciduous forests of Central India. The phytosociological survey was done by laying a total of 42 plots (14 plots in each study site). A total of 25 tree species (24 genera, 14 families) were recorded. The mean tree density was 635 trees/ha and mean basal area was 23.5 m2/ha. The total tree density and tree basal area (juveniles and adults) were 26,688 individuals (mean 490) and 988.8 m2 (mean 22.9 m2) in 42 plots respectively. The mean tree adult density and basal area ranged 448 (BF) - 529 (DDMF) individuals/ha and 19.5 (DDMF) - 29.24 (BF) m2/ha respectively. The tree species richness ranged 14 (DDTF) - 23 (DDMF). The Shannon's index values for the total trees (adults + juveniles) were 1.15, 2.09 and 1.76 for DDTF, DDMF and BF forest sites, respectively. Among the 14 families recorded across three study sites, Fabaceae was the most diverse family with 7 genera and 8 species. Both species density and richness decreased with increase in diameter class. The current study would be helpful in understanding the diversity patterns, stand structural attributes and species composition in tropical dry deciduous forests of Central India for better forest management and conservation measures.

Keywords phytodiversity;structural dynamics;composition;tropical dry deciduous forests;Central India.


International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. E-mail: office@iaees.org
Copyright © 2009-2024 International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. All rights reserved.
Web administrator: office@iaees.org, website@iaees.org; Last modified: 2024/5/13


Translate page to: