Analyzing Forest Management Practice in Different Felling Series: A Case Study from Community Forest of Rupandehi District, Nepal

Abstract

Abstract Scientific Forest management (SciFM) in community forestry emphasizes establishing and growing regeneration by adopting different silvicultural systems. To assess the effectiveness of forest management practices, we examined the regeneration condition and its pattern in the forest with a scientific forest management plan. Data relating to regeneration status and its growth pattern were collected from two community forests using stratified random sampling. The results depicted good regeneration conditions (Seedling > 5000, Sapling > 2000) in all the felling series of both the forest. The number of seedlings and saplings was found highest in the sixth-year felling series (22,000 per ha) in Kanchan CF while it was highest in the fifth-year felling series (35,700 per ha) in the case of Rajapani CF. The forest of both the CF was dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta) followed by Asna (Terminalia alata) and Karma (Adina cordifolia). The number of seedlings per hectare was found higher in the strata with the latest regeneration felling while the number of poles per hectare is found higher in the strata with the oldest regeneration felling in a condition where there was less human pressure. The overall growth pattern of regeneration based on average diameter and an average height of Kanchan CF showed an upward sloping curve with the increase in years after the regeneration felling while that of Rajapani CF showed a slightly irregular curve representing irregular growth of regeneration based on average height. There were altogether 14 and 13 species in Kanchan CF and Rajapani CF respectively where both CF showed a similar degree of species richness and evenness. This research contributes to assessing forest sustainability based on regeneration growth with appropriate management strategies. It recommends the implementation of SciFM with proper monitoring and continuous management practices to enhance the forest's health and growth.