Characteristics and Growing Stocks Volume of Forest Stand in Dry Temperate Forest of Chilas Gilgit-Baltistan

Abstract

Chilas forest sub division in Diamer district, of Gilgit-Baltistan is located at northern regions of Pakistan. We estimated tree density, diameter, height and volume of the dominant tree species in four blocks (Thore, Chilas, Thak Niat and Gunar) of Chilas forest sub division. The tree density of deodar was maximum with average 26 tree∙ha−1 and minimum was of Chalgoza 4 trees∙ha−1. The maximum average height showed by the dominant species (Fir, Kail, Deodar, and Chilgoza) of the study area to be 20.40, 16.06, 12.24 and 12.12 m respectively. Moreover the average maximum volume attained by the Kail, Fir, Deodar and Chalgoza trees was 1.92, 1.57, 0.46 and 0.291 m3∙tree−1 respectively. Regression analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between diameter (cm), height (m), tree density (trees∙ha−1) and volume (m3∙ha−1). The findings of the study will help the future scientific management of the forest for sustained yield. The study also provides information about the unexplored growing stock and structure of the forests. Additionally, this study will help to understand the patterns of tree species composition and diversity in the northern part of Pakistan with dry temperate climate.