Natural regeneration of Alnus nitida Endl. as affected by biotic disturbances in Kullu Valley of Himachal Himalayas

Abstract

For analyzing the effect of biotic disturbances on natural regeneration of Alnus nitida Endl., various locations representing each stratum of the species were surveyed both in disturbed and undisturbed sites across the Solang Nallah- a tributary of river Beas-in the Kullu valley of the Himachal Himalayas. Various parameters considered for the assessment at each site included distribution pattern, species diversity and dominance. Maximum density of trees was recorded on disturbed site compared to the undisturbed site, whereas maximum density of saplings and seedlings was observed in the undisturbed site. The study indicated that the biotic disturbance normally checks/retards the natural regeneration of this fast growing species.