Abstract
The paper describes the silviculture system and management of Cedrus deodara and Pinus wallichiana forests of Western Himalayas. The study covered an area of 4,173.74 ha. The forests were stock mapped and total enumeration carried out. The growth data were collected from sample trees and the local volume table prepared Growing stock and annual increment were assessed (average volume 228.73 m3/ha.; number of trees 331.28/ha.; average annual increment 4.33 m3/ha).
Conversion to Uniform System with Floating Periodic Block I, rotation period of 120 years, exploitable diameter of 55 cm and regeneration period of 30 years have been prescribed. Annual yield of 8,000 m3 timber against the annual increment of 13,700 m3 has been fixed. From P.B. Un allotted, only 1,000 m3 annual removal is allowed under salvage markings with ban on green fellings. Restocking is relied mainly upon artificial regeneration. Subsidiary silvicultural operations have been prescribed for the success of regeneration. Forests have to be protected against grazing lopping and fire.
With the scientific management of forests, the growing stock will be normal in 50 years, which is a prerequisite for sustained timber production.
Keywords