Effect of aspect on distribution pattern of <i>Anogeissus latifolia</i> (Wall Ex Bedd) in subtropical belt of Garhwal Himalaya, India

Abstract

This paper reports on effect of aspect on distribution pattern of Anogeissus latifolia is an important fuel, fodder and timber species of sub-tropical belt of Garhwal Himalaya. The study was carried out in two aspects i.e., south-east (SE) aspect and south-west (SW) aspect in sub-tropical region (300 29’ N and 780 24’ E) of Garhwal Himalaya between 700 and 1000 m elevations. The total density and total basal cover values were 990 (SW aspect) and 1150 (SE aspect) trees ha-1 and 8.753 (SE aspect) and 10.448 m2 ha-1 (SW aspect) respectively. The tree density and basal cover values for A. latifolia was 900 trees ha-1 and 6.767 m2 ha-1 on SE aspect and 770 trees ha-1 and 7.630 m2 ha-1 on SW aspect. The higher density of A. latifolia on SE aspect, could be due to warmer favorable conditions for new growth, which influenced higher girth classes of 11-20 and 21-30 cm. Similarly the higher total basal cover values of A. latiflolia on SW aspect might be due relatively low number of tree species and open habitat favored higher girth classes of 41-50 and 51-60 cm. The distribution pattern of species was contagious. The concentration of dominance was higher on SW aspect and lower on SE aspect. Similarly, the diversity followed a in reverse trend. The higher and lower values of equitability were on SE and SW aspects. The diversity values were 0.960 (SW aspect) and 1.155 (SE aspect).

Keywords: Anogeissus latifolia - Distribution pattern – Aspect – Garhwal – Himalaya – Sub - tropical