Phytosociology of Subtropical Chir Pine Forest of Matta Forest Subdivision
Phytosociology of Subtropical Chir Pine Forest of Matta Forest Subdivision
Muhammad Ashfaq Khan, Basheer Ahmad, Sami Ul Haq, Bilal Ahmed Qazi*, Saifullah
ABSTRACT
A study was carried out to quantitatively describe the phytosociological characteristics of the Chirpine forest in the Matta Forest subdivision of Swat valley. The phytosociology of the study area has been analyzed using a total of 35 sample plots in the field to provide a detailed description and analysis of the plant species present in the ChirPine forest. The study area is characterized by a dominant presence of Pinus roxburgii, accounting for a substantial 73.0% of the total trees. However, this forest is not a monoculture; it boasts a diverse array of tree species. Robinia pseudacacia, Pyrus pashia, Alianthus altissima, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis make up significant portions of the forest at 6.4%, 0.1%, 4.6%, and 4.3%, respectively. Other species like Prunus domestica, Pyrus communis, and Olea spp. contribute as well, at 1.0%, 1.4%, and 6.9%.The study also identified key soil factors influencing species distribution in the area, which included soil pH, electrical conductivity, moisture content, and organic carbon. These factors had average values of 7.04, 4.83 ms/cm, 6.11%, and 2.21%, respectively. The Matta subdivision of Swat valley has a notable prevalence of pinus roxburghii, which emerges as the predominant coniferous species within the chir pine zone of the subdivision. The forest ecology is primarily threatened by the conversion of forest land to agriculture and the illicit harvesting of trees for fuel wood and construction reasons. Implementation of strict regulations and community-based forest management to combat the threats of land conversion and illicit tree harvesting, while promotion of reforestation and alternative energy sources in the Matta subdivision of Swat Valley are highly recommended.
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