STM Article Repository

We have studied Sal Mixed Moist Deciduous Forest along a disturbance gradient in Uttarakhand and the study made known that tree diversity had a negative relationship with disturbance. Shrub and herb species diversity favors moderate disturbance conditions as the highest diversity in shrub and herb layers were recorded in the moderately disturbed forest zone. The study also revealed a random distribution of Mallotus philippensis in the Undisturbed Sal forest showed that species have the least social interaction with other species. We recommend a scientific study on the status of Mallotus philippensis in the Sal forest. Moreover, more scientific studies needed to be conducted to assess the impact of disturbances and devise appropriate policy and action plans for restoring ecological processes and promoting natural succession in sal dominated forest ecosystems.