Effect of aspect on the structure of vegetation community of moist Bhabar and Tarai Shorea robusta forest in Central Himalaya.

Abstract

The composition of forest vegetation and community structure of Moist Bhabar and Tarai Sal forest were examined on four different aspects; namely, North-East, North-West, South-East and South-West, in District Pauri Garhwal to understand the growth behaviour of Shorea robusta individuals under different micro-climatic conditions. S. robusta was found dominating on all the aspects with maximum lVI, density, frequency and TBC values and has reflected regular and random distribution patterns. the highest TBC value of this species was recorded on NE facing slope (5009.04 cm 2 /100 m 2 ) and the highest Cd value (0.4321) on SW facing slope, where minimum diversity persisted. On the other hand the lowest cd value (0.3115) was observed on SE aspect where maximum diversity existed. The maximum accumulation of organic matter was noticed on NE aspect (average value 1.510.61 %) due to occurrence of mature Sal stand.