Assessment of species diversity and its management challenges in avenue plantation (study of Shankhamul and Balkumari road)

Abstract

Greenery is importantly significant in city to maintain the fresh air and recreation. Hence roadside plantations have been done here, but study regarding the species diversity is very limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore species diversity in roadside plantations and assess the factor affecting the management on it. Sankhamul and Balkumari areas in the Kathmandu city were selected as the study sites. The observation was done from 25th February to 1st March 2021 to collect field data. A total of thirty 5mx5m samples were collected particularly species were counted and their diameter at breast height and heights were recorded. Similarly, their photographs were also taken so that the unknown species could later be identified. Total 26 local people were asked to find the factors affecting the management of roadside plantation. The Likert scale was used to categorize the factors. The collected data were analyzed using Shannon diversity index, Simpson’s index, and species richness. The factors affecting the roadside plantation were calculated applying principle component analysis. A total of 30 plant species were planted in the roadside plantation. The highest value of Shannon diversity index was 2.53 in Janata Road, Balkumari, and Simpson’s index was also the highest at same road section with 0.96 while species richness was the highest around 2.40 at Satya Sai Udhan, Shankhamul Road. The Sorenson index was the highest among Janata Road and Chhitijnagar, Balkumari with 0.38. One-way ANOVA and post-hoc test Turkey’s b showed that there was a significant difference in Shannon -Wiener index between tree species of the study sites at a 5% significance level. Lack of fencing and solid waste disposal near trees were the main factors affecting the Janata Road Balkumari with scoring 5 and principal component analysis showed Vandalism by People and Animals (VPA), lack of irrigation, and Low Maintenance and Care of Species were positively correlated. The research will be useful to understand the biodiversity of plantation areas on the roadside.