Structure and Diversity of Temperate Forest of Garhwal Himalaya, India: Phytodiversity, Forest Composition, Growing Stock and Regeneration Status in Mandal-chopta Forest of Garhwal Himalaya

All decision making requires information. This study provides an array of information on floristic inventory, composition, diversity, regeneration, population structure of the dominant tree species, growing stock, tree biomass, physico-chemical properties of soils and soil-vegetation interrelationship in different forest types of the moist temperate Mandal-Chopta forest in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. Taking this biodiversity rich forest as a case study, the author has made an attempt to understand the forest dynamics of the region. This study also provides the quantitative comparisons between the results of the present study with the earlier reported values from the different parts of the Uttarakhand Himalaya. The scientific information provided in this book can be used to develop adequate strategy and action plan by the forest managers and scientists. Data is useful for predicting suitable sites for plantation silviculture of some important dominant trees of the region. Baseline data collected in the study can also be used for evaluating and monitoring the structural changes in the vegetation due to environmental or climatic changes in the future.