Research Articles
Effect of irregular shelterwood system-based scientific forest management on tree species distribution, diversity, and regeneration in Shorea robusta (Sal) forest of Kailali district, Nepal
Authors:
P. Khadka,
Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, 44600, NP
About P.
Kathmandu Forestry College
K. Ayer,
Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, NP
About K.
Kathmandu Forestry College
M. S. Miya
Tribhuvan University, Pokhara, 33700, NP
About M. S.
Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus
Abstract
In Nepal, there had been an attempt to shift forest management practices (from conservation-oriented to productive forest) via Scientific Forest Management (SciFM) approach; applying an irregular shelterwood system. However, SciFM faced conflicting arguments regarding logging, regeneration capacity, and species diversity. Thus, this study investigated the effects of irregular shelterwood system-based scientific forest management on tree species distribution, diversity, and the regeneration of a Shorea robusta dominated forest in the Kailali district, Nepal. The quadrat method based on simple random sampling was used for vegetation sampling with a total of 20 quadrats for unmanaged blocks and ten quadrats for managed blocks. In each quadrat, the diameter at breast height (DBH) and height of the trees and saplings were measured, while the number of seedlings was counted. Importance Value Index, Diversity indices, Jaccard’s Index, and total regeneration were calculated to compare the dominance, diversity, similarities of species between the blocks, and regeneration status, respectively. Shorea robusta was the most dominant species in managed and unmanaged blocks. Higher species diversity, evenness, and richness were found in unmanaged blocks. However, species dominance, seedling density, and sapling density were higher in managed blocks. The majority of the tree species showed a contagious distribution. There were significant differences in diversity and regeneration status between managed and unmanaged blocks. Therefore, this study supports the implementation of an irregular shelterwood system for the improved regeneration status of valuable species like Shorea robusta to manage the forest sustainably for the future.
How to Cite:
Khadka, P., Ayer, K., & Miya, M. S. (2023). Effect of irregular shelterwood system-based scientific forest management on tree species distribution, diversity, and regeneration in Shorea robusta (Sal) forest of Kailali district, Nepal. Ceylon Journal of Science, 52(1), 23–31. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v52i1.8101
Published on
01 Mar 2023.
Peer Reviewed
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