Stand Structure, Species Richness, and Diversity of Community Forests with Reference to the Soil Characteristics in Western Himalaya, India

The present study examines the vegetation structure, density, basal area, species richness, diversity, and soil parameters of community forests in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, located in the Western Himalayas. Each community forest was divided into three sub- sites to achieve concrete, real-time vegetation data. Vegetation data for different parameters were collected using 30 quadrats in each sub-site of each community forest. Soil samples were taken from a depth of 0–30 cm at each site using a soil corer. Tree density, basal area, diversity, and richness of these forests varied significantly, ranging from 373.3 to 1200.0 ind. ha^-1, 25.0 to 31.9 m² ha^-1, 0.1 to 2.5, and 0.2 to 1.4, respectively. Shrub density, basal area, diversity, and richness of these forests varied significantly, ranging from 1026.7 to 3789.7 ind. ha^-1, 0.1 to 0.4 m² ha^-1,0.4 to 1.3, and 0.33 to 1.0, respectively. Herb density, diversity, and richness of these forests varied significantly, varying from 9.2 to 14.6 ind. m², 0.3 to 2.5, and 0.15 to 3.3, respectively. The Important Value Index (IVI) of dominant tree species in community forests ranged from 119.5 (Quercus leucotrichophora) to 289.64 (Pinus roxburghii). Forests are facing significant depletion of natural resources due to unsustainable resource extraction, inadequate management, and increasing impacts of climate change. The study suggests implementing an integrated approach to conservation and management for the biodiversity conservation and sustainable development of the western Himalayan forests in the country.