Population Structure and Natural Regeneration of Sal (Shorea Robusta Gaertn. F.) in Dry Deciduous Forests of West Bengal

Abstract

Sal (Shorea robusta) is one of the most important timber species and has high production potential in the tropical dry deciduous forest in the lateritic zone of West Bengal. We studied population structure and regeneration of Sal by laying 34 quadrats in three differently managed forests- Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary (protected, artificially created), Illambazar (natural, disturbed) and Garhjungle (natural, sacred). Total 595 trees were recorded. Mean tree density and basal area were highest in Garhjungle (2233.3 N ha -1 and 13.89 m 2 ha -1 ) and lowest in Ballavpur (1441.7 N ha -1 and 12.89 m 2 ha -1 ). The diameter class distribution of the tree species revealed that the highest number of individuals were concentrated in the lower diameter classes indicating a young and expanding population of Shorea robusta in all the three forests. The overall regeneration was fairly good in the study area. The density of regenerating individuals (seedling and sapling) was highest in Garhjungle (4266.7 N ha -1 ) and lowest in Illambazar (2710 N ha -1 ). The seedling density was highest in Ballavpur (1016.7 N ha -1 ). The information on the regeneration of tree species has implications for the management of the forest stand.