PJB-2023-85
IMPACT OF SLOPE AND ASPECT ON NATURAL REGENERATION OF CHIR PINE STAND IN TALASH VALLEY DISTRICT LOWERS DIR
Mr. Sultan Muhammad
Abstract
Natural regeneration is a low-cost method of re-establishing vegetation and aids in the preservation of genetic identity and diversity. “The process or method or renewal of forest crop or formation of new plant by natural or artificial means using possible ability of trees to reproduce sexually or asexually is called regeneration”. There are many problems which may affect the narural regeneration of plants problems like grazing, trampling effects of animal, aridity condition and many other problems which are related to human such as collection of seed cones and the cutting of those trees which produce seed. The present study investigated the natural regeneration of chir pine along the slope gradient in Talash valley district Lower Dir, Pakistan. The study area were divided into three imaginary portions i.e transect line which were based on slope percentage. Area with steep slopes have percenage of 60% and above and the area have moderate slope with 40% to 60%, while area with gentle slope of 20% to 40%. A total of 15 plots were taken in each slope which made the total number of 45 plots. Circular plots of 8.4 meter and regeneration having height up to 1.22 meter (4 feet) were counted for chir pine regeneration. The data revealed that gentle, moderatea steep slope have 39, 63 and 42 mean number of regeneration respectively.The study concluded that moderate slope is best for optimum natural regeneration followed by steep slope. The less number of regeneration on gentle slope corresponds to heavy anthropogenic activities, grazing pressure and less number of mother trees. The study also concluded that southern aspect favour more regenration (mean 59) than northern aspect (mean 36).In the light of above study it is recommended to limit animal grazing, prohibit individuals from collecting seeds, and raise public understanding of forest and natural regeneration.
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