EFFECT OF CANOPY COVER ON NATURAL REGENERATION OF PINUS WALLICHIANA IN MOIST TEMPERATE FOREST OF YAKH TANGAY, DISTRICT SHANGLA, SWAT PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study was conducted in the moist temperate forest of Yakh Tangay, District Shangla during 2013-14. It is situated in the Valley of Swat having Latitude 34°-31' to 33°-08' and Longitude 72°-33' to 73°-01'. This study aimed to establish the canopy cover, natural regeneration status and other factors affecting natural regeneration of Pinus wallichiana in the study area. Forty sample plots (Plot size 25m x 25m) were taken at different altitudinal gradient i.e. (1707-1920 m), (1921-2134 m) and (2135- 2347 m). The Canopy cover was closed at lower elevation gradient i.e. (1707-1920 m ) while open at elevation gradient i.e. (1921-2134 m).Canopy cover and natural regeneration status was measured in each sample plot. Soil samples of study area were tested for chemical properties (pH, EC and TSS) and soil fertility (OM, N, P, and K). Density of Seedlings and Saplings were higher (Mean = 37/plot) and (Mean= 23.5/plot), respectively at elevation gradient of (1921-2134 m). Seedlings and Saplings were maximum (Mean = 31.8/plot) and (Mean = 21.5/plot) at Southern aspect, respectively. The trees were more dense (Mean=28.4) at Northern aspect. Good regeneration status was maximum (28 %) at first elevation gradient, (20 %) at Northern aspect, (31 %) in the region of open canopy cover while minimum (9 %) at third elevation gradients, (15 %) at Southern aspect and (27 %) in the region of moderately closed canopy cover. Fair regeneration status was maximum (34 %) at first elevation gradient, (40 %) at Northern aspect, and (69 %) at closed canopy cover whereas minimum (33 %) at third elevation gradient, (30 %) at Southern aspect and (27 %) at moderately closed canopy cover. Poor regeneration status was maximum (15 %) at first elevation gradient, (15 %) at Northern aspect and (9 %) in moderately closed canopy cover but was minimum (10 %) at third elevation gradient, (15 %) at Northern aspect and (6 %) in Closed canopy. None category of regeneration status was maximum (29 %) at third elevation gradient, (37 %) in moderately closed canopy and same (20, 20 %) at both aspects although minimum (16 %) at second elevation gradient, and (25 %) closed canopy cover. New regeneration status was maximum (25 %) at second elevation gradient, (35 %) at Southern aspect and (61 %) at open canopy cover even though minimum (15 %) at first elevation gradient, (5 %) at Northern aspect and in closed canopy cover. New regeneration of Pinus wallichiana was observed with soil pH (6.82), EC (0.71 dS.m^-1), TSS (0.0041 %) OM (2.88 %), N (0.38 %), P (14.00 ppm) and K (88.00 ppm) while poor regeneration occurred with soil pH (7.22), EC (1.36 dS.m^-1), TSS (0.0070 %), OM (0.28 %), N (0.015 %), P (7.50 ppm) and K (80.50 ppm) respectively. The present study will help in the sustainable management of the forest in future.