Survival Rate, Regeneration Status and Growth Performance of Plantations Raised Under the Billion Trees Afforestation Project in District Karak
Survival Rate, Regeneration Status and Growth Performance of Plantations Raised Under the Billion Trees Afforestation Project in District Karak
Asad Ali, Anwar Ali, Muhammad Farooq and Basheer Ahmad*
ABSTRACT
The present research aimed to evaluate the survival rate, status of natural regeneration, and growth performance of plantations established under BTAP in Karak district. A total of 99 sample plots measuring 0.1 hectares were established across the selected sites. Data collection included information on regeneration, species planted, pit density, survival rate, aspect, and species composition. Analysis of the field data revealed a pit density below the required 10x10 spacing, with only 663 pits found compared to the required 1075 pits per hectare. The average regeneration per hectare was estimated at 75 plants in pits and trenches at the plantation, with a composition of 70% Prosopis juliflora, 19% Zizyphus nummularia, and 7% Phoenix. The study identified established regeneration, while unestablished regeneration (below 9 inches) was not observed. The data showed an average survival rate of 93% in both subdivisions (Teri and Karak) of the Kohat forest division, with Karak Forest Subdivision recording a 92% survival rate and Teri Forest Range having a 93% survival rate. Species composition in the plantation consisted of 55% eucalyptus, 18% phulai, 16% Shisham, 7% kikar, and 3% sanatha. Acacia modesta exhibited an average girth of 3.4 cm and a height of 0.4 m in 15 months, while Acacia nilotica reached an average girth of 5.8 cm and a height of 1 m in 16 months. Eucalyptus had an average girth of 4.4 cm and a height of 1 m in 12 months, Dodonaea viscosa reached an average girth of 4 cm and a height of 0.5 m in 20 months, Tamarix aphylla had an average girth of 1 cm and a height of 0.4 m in 18 months, and Dalbergia sissoo exhibited an average girth of 5 cm and a height of 0.4 cm in 8 months.
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