Natural Regeneration status of conifers along Altitudinal Gradient in Shopain Forest Range of J&K, India

Natural regeneration of conifers is essential for preservation and maintenance of biodiversity. Therefore present study was conducted to study natural regeneration status of conifers in Shopain Forest Range of J&K. To assess the natural regeneration of conifers, at three elevations along altitudinal gradient (Aj, 1800–2100 m amsl; A₂, 2100–2400 m amsl; A₃, 2400–2700 m amsl), the vegetation analysis was carried out by stratified random sampling. Quadrates of 2 x 2 m were laid at all the three sites. The regeneration status of the tree species was determined for recruits, un-established regeneration, established regeneration and regeneration success was determined. The maximum number of recruits (3521.58/ha), unestablished (1983.33/ha) and established regeneration (600.00/ha) was recorded for Pinus wallichiana at altitude A₂ while as the minimum number of recruits (666.67/ha), unestablished (350.00/ha) and established regeneration (100.00/ha) was recorded for Picea smithiana at altitude A₃. The maximum regeneration success percent was recorded for Pinus wallichiana at middle altitude with 41.23% and minimum regeneration success was recorded for cedrus deodara at lower altitude with 4.18% The study conducted revealed that maximum regeneration percentage of Pinus wallichiana and Cedrus deodara was recorded at middle altitude while as that of Abies pindrow and Picea smithiana was at upper altitude. The assessment of natural regeneration of conifers also envisaged that Pinus wallichiana has the highest regeneration percentage and Picea smithiana gave the lowest regeneration success percentage.