Phytosociology and Regeneration Status in Different Permanent Preservation Plots Across Different Forest Types in Madhya Pradesh, Central India

Tropical forests are a global biodiversity centre providing enormous ecosystem services to the humankind. The present study was undertaken to examine and analyze the phytosociology and regeneration status of tree species in 39 permanent preservation plots spread across 22 different forest sub-types in Madhya Pradesh, India. A total of 975 quadrats were laid with a sampling intensity of 2.42% of the total area under study. 109 tree species were recorded. Density range varied from 516 individuals/hectare (ind/ha) in southern tropical dry deciduous forests to 3,412 ind/ha in dry grassland forests. Most of the forest sub-types showed log normal distribution owing to relatively high species richness, diversity and evenness, but a low dominance. Out of 62,228 live stems recorded, 68.52% were poles followed by saplings (26.39%), young trees (5.01%) and mature trees (0.08%). The result also showed high seedling density in each forest sub-type ranging from 1,040 ind/ha to 51,124 ind/ha, indicating a healthy population of mature reproducing adults. The diameter distribution in all the forest sub-types showed negative slope and followed the classic inverse J-shaped curve frequently observed in natural forests. Most of the forest sub-types in these preservation plots are regenerating successfully owing to the absolute protection given to the studied sites. It is recommended to study carbon sequestration in these permanent preservation plots over a time, which will inform climate policymakers about the true potential of Indian tropical forests as carbon sink.