Population Dynamics of Schima wallichii in an Undisturbed vs a Disturbed Tropical Forest Stand of North-East India

Abstract

Seed production, dispersal, fate of seeds, seedling recruitment, mortality and growth behavior of Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth. Choicy were investigated during 2004-05 in an undisturbed and a disturbed tropical forest stand of North-East India. Five fruiting trees, each with different diameter at breast height, growing 100 m apart, were selected and concentric circles of 2.5m radial increments were marked in both stands to study seed production, fate of seed population and seedling recruitment. Significant (P<0.01) differences were observed in mean seed yield per year between the stands and dbh class. More seeds disappeared during post-seed-fall period than during seed-fall period. Germination was lowest in the innermost circle as distance had remarkable effect (P<0.01). Seedling recruitment and relative shoot growth were higher (P<0.05) in the disturbed than the undisturbed stand in the first year. Controlled disturbance could be a favourable management tool for increased recruitment, survival and growth of Schima wallichii seedlings.