PLANTATION HISTORY AND GROWTH OF OLD PINE STANDS IN KATHMANDU VALLEY: A DENDROCHRONOLOGICAL APPROACH

Authors

  • DINESH R BHUJU Nepal Academy of Science and Technology GPO Box 3323 Kathmandu, Nepal
  • NARAYAN P GAIRE Nepal Academy of Science and Technology GPO Box 3323 Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

Pinus roxburghii Sarz. makes sub-tropical dry forest in the Himalaya and considered a potential species for dendrochronological studies. In Kathmandu valley, its distribution seems to be fluctuating from historical time. This study was carried out to disclose the plantation history of P. roxburghii inside Kathmandu valley as well as to extend understanding of its diameter, age and growth rate relationships. Tree core samples were collected from four locations in Kathmandu and one in Bhaktapur. The plantation history of Sallaghari (Bhaktapur), Singha Durbar Baraf Bag and Kumari temple, Thapathali (Kathmandu) was determined around 1870 AD, 1900AD and1875AD, respectively. The radial increment rate of this tree at Sallaghari (Bhaktapur) was 0.25±0.05cm/yr, Singh Durbar was 0.31±0.08 cm/yr, and Kumari temple was 0.32 ±0.03 cm/yr. The tree growth noticeably varied with location and topo-climatic conditions. Therefore, it is suggested that site selection is crucial for the suitability of this species to dendroclimatic study.

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Published

2012-12-20