Ecological and Soil Quality Dynamics of Juniperus Excelsa Stands in Wali Tangi Area of Balochistan, Pakistan

Hazrat Noor; Shaista Anjum; Kanval Shaukat; Ayeesha Masood; Tariq Zaid; Abdul Samad; Mereen Nizar; Ateeq Ullah Kakar; Tariq Ismail

Authors

Hazrat Noor Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
Shaista Anjum Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
Kanval Shaukat Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
Ayeesha Masood Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
Tariq Zaid Agriculture Research Institute, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan
Abdul Samad Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
Mereen Nizar Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
Ateeq Ullah Kakar Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
Tariq Ismail Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

Keywords:

Basal area physical, Density per ha, Ground flora, Juniperus excelsa, Sex ratio, Soil physico-chemical analysis, Wali Tangi area

Abstract

The conservation of forests is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity in an area. Among the forests found in Balochistan, the Juniperus excelsa forest is considered as one of the largest remaining tracts of pure juniper species. This study aims to explore the ecological and soil quality dynamics of Juniperus excelsa forests in the Wali Tangi area in 2021. The study involved the sampling of 25 stands and analyzed various parameters, including density ha-1, basal area m2 ha-1, ground flora, sex ratio, and soil physical and chemical characteristics. The study found an average density of 327± 101 stems ha-1 with a range of 214-699 stems ha-1 and basal area of 1802±864. The data revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.25) between juniper trees for basal area and densities at a significant level (p<0.01). The seedling density ranged from 26-206 with a mean of 79±62. The relative abundance value of associated flora was contributed by herbs 56%, shrubs 28% and grasses 16%. The size class frequency indicated a balanced size class structure overall. Although most of the population of juniper trees was healthy, some stands had a dominance of unhealthy and over mature trees, and the sex ratio was predominantly male. Soil variables were free from salinity, calcareous in nature, and basic in reaction.

Author Biographies

Hazrat Noor, Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

The conservation of forests is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity in an area. Among the forests found in Balochistan, the Juniperus excelsa forest is considered as one of the largest remaining tracts of pure juniper species. This study aims to explore the ecological and soil quality dynamics of Juniperus excelsa forests in the Wali Tangi area in 2021. The study involved the sampling of 25 stands and analyzed various parameters, including density ha-1, basal area m2 ha-1, ground flora, sex ratio, and soil physical and chemical characteristics. The study found an average density of 327± 101 stems ha-1 with a range of 214-699 stems ha-1 and basal area of 1802±864. The data revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.25) between juniper trees for basal area and densities at a significant level (p<0.01). The seedling density ranged from 26-206 with a mean of 79±62. The relative abundance value of associated flora was contributed by herbs 56%, shrubs 28% and grasses 16%. The size class frequency indicated a balanced size class structure overall. Although most of the population of juniper trees was healthy, some stands had a dominance of unhealthy and over mature trees, and the sex ratio was predominantly male. Soil variables were free from salinity, calcareous in nature, and basic in reaction.
Shaista Anjum, Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

The conservation of forests is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity in an area. Among the forests found in Balochistan, the Juniperus excelsa forest is considered as one of the largest remaining tracts of pure juniper species. This study aims to explore the ecological and soil quality dynamics of Juniperus excelsa forests in the Wali Tangi area in 2021. The study involved the sampling of 25 stands and analyzed various parameters, including density ha-1, basal area m2 ha-1, ground flora, sex ratio, and soil physical and chemical characteristics. The study found an average density of 327± 101 stems ha-1 with a range of 214-699 stems ha-1 and basal area of 1802±864. The data revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.25) between juniper trees for basal area and densities at a significant level (p<0.01). The seedling density ranged from 26-206 with a mean of 79±62. The relative abundance value of associated flora was contributed by herbs 56%, shrubs 28% and grasses 16%. The size class frequency indicated a balanced size class structure overall. Although most of the population of juniper trees was healthy, some stands had a dominance of unhealthy and over mature trees, and the sex ratio was predominantly male. Soil variables were free from salinity, calcareous in nature, and basic in reaction.
Kanval Shaukat, Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

The conservation of forests is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity in an area. Among the forests found in Balochistan, the Juniperus excelsa forest is considered as one of the largest remaining tracts of pure juniper species. This study aims to explore the ecological and soil quality dynamics of Juniperus excelsa forests in the Wali Tangi area in 2021. The study involved the sampling of 25 stands and analyzed various parameters, including density ha-1, basal area m2 ha-1, ground flora, sex ratio, and soil physical and chemical characteristics. The study found an average density of 327± 101 stems ha-1 with a range of 214-699 stems ha-1 and basal area of 1802±864. The data revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.25) between juniper trees for basal area and densities at a significant level (p<0.01). The seedling density ranged from 26-206 with a mean of 79±62. The relative abundance value of associated flora was contributed by herbs 56%, shrubs 28% and grasses 16%. The size class frequency indicated a balanced size class structure overall. Although most of the population of juniper trees was healthy, some stands had a dominance of unhealthy and over mature trees, and the sex ratio was predominantly male. Soil variables were free from salinity, calcareous in nature, and basic in reaction.
Ayeesha Masood, Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

The conservation of forests is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity in an area. Among the forests found in Balochistan, the Juniperus excelsa forest is considered as one of the largest remaining tracts of pure juniper species. This study aims to explore the ecological and soil quality dynamics of Juniperus excelsa forests in the Wali Tangi area in 2021. The study involved the sampling of 25 stands and analyzed various parameters, including density ha-1, basal area m2 ha-1, ground flora, sex ratio, and soil physical and chemical characteristics. The study found an average density of 327± 101 stems ha-1 with a range of 214-699 stems ha-1 and basal area of 1802±864. The data revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.25) between juniper trees for basal area and densities at a significant level (p<0.01). The seedling density ranged from 26-206 with a mean of 79±62. The relative abundance value of associated flora was contributed by herbs 56%, shrubs 28% and grasses 16%. The size class frequency indicated a balanced size class structure overall. Although most of the population of juniper trees was healthy, some stands had a dominance of unhealthy and over mature trees, and the sex ratio was predominantly male. Soil variables were free from salinity, calcareous in nature, and basic in reaction.
Tariq Zaid, Agriculture Research Institute, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan

The conservation of forests is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity in an area. Among the forests found in Balochistan, the Juniperus excelsa forest is considered as one of the largest remaining tracts of pure juniper species. This study aims to explore the ecological and soil quality dynamics of Juniperus excelsa forests in the Wali Tangi area in 2021. The study involved the sampling of 25 stands and analyzed various parameters, including density ha-1, basal area m2 ha-1, ground flora, sex ratio, and soil physical and chemical characteristics. The study found an average density of 327± 101 stems ha-1 with a range of 214-699 stems ha-1 and basal area of 1802±864. The data revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.25) between juniper trees for basal area and densities at a significant level (p<0.01). The seedling density ranged from 26-206 with a mean of 79±62. The relative abundance value of associated flora was contributed by herbs 56%, shrubs 28% and grasses 16%. The size class frequency indicated a balanced size class structure overall. Although most of the population of juniper trees was healthy, some stands had a dominance of unhealthy and over mature trees, and the sex ratio was predominantly male. Soil variables were free from salinity, calcareous in nature, and basic in reaction.
Abdul Samad, Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

The conservation of forests is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity in an area. Among the forests found in Balochistan, the Juniperus excelsa forest is considered as one of the largest remaining tracts of pure juniper species. This study aims to explore the ecological and soil quality dynamics of Juniperus excelsa forests in the Wali Tangi area in 2021. The study involved the sampling of 25 stands and analyzed various parameters, including density ha-1, basal area m2 ha-1, ground flora, sex ratio, and soil physical and chemical characteristics. The study found an average density of 327± 101 stems ha-1 with a range of 214-699 stems ha-1 and basal area of 1802±864. The data revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.25) between juniper trees for basal area and densities at a significant level (p<0.01). The seedling density ranged from 26-206 with a mean of 79±62. The relative abundance value of associated flora was contributed by herbs 56%, shrubs 28% and grasses 16%. The size class frequency indicated a balanced size class structure overall. Although most of the population of juniper trees was healthy, some stands had a dominance of unhealthy and over mature trees, and the sex ratio was predominantly male. Soil variables were free from salinity, calcareous in nature, and basic in reaction.
Mereen Nizar, Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

The conservation of forests is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity in an area. Among the forests found in Balochistan, the Juniperus excelsa forest is considered as one of the largest remaining tracts of pure juniper species. This study aims to explore the ecological and soil quality dynamics of Juniperus excelsa forests in the Wali Tangi area in 2021. The study involved the sampling of 25 stands and analyzed various parameters, including density ha-1, basal area m2 ha-1, ground flora, sex ratio, and soil physical and chemical characteristics. The study found an average density of 327± 101 stems ha-1 with a range of 214-699 stems ha-1 and basal area of 1802±864. The data revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.25) between juniper trees for basal area and densities at a significant level (p<0.01). The seedling density ranged from 26-206 with a mean of 79±62. The relative abundance value of associated flora was contributed by herbs 56%, shrubs 28% and grasses 16%. The size class frequency indicated a balanced size class structure overall. Although most of the population of juniper trees was healthy, some stands had a dominance of unhealthy and over mature trees, and the sex ratio was predominantly male. Soil variables were free from salinity, calcareous in nature, and basic in reaction.
Ateeq Ullah Kakar, Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

The conservation of forests is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity in an area. Among the forests found in Balochistan, the Juniperus excelsa forest is considered as one of the largest remaining tracts of pure juniper species. This study aims to explore the ecological and soil quality dynamics of Juniperus excelsa forests in the Wali Tangi area in 2021. The study involved the sampling of 25 stands and analyzed various parameters, including density ha-1, basal area m2 ha-1, ground flora, sex ratio, and soil physical and chemical characteristics. The study found an average density of 327± 101 stems ha-1 with a range of 214-699 stems ha-1 and basal area of 1802±864. The data revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.25) between juniper trees for basal area and densities at a significant level (p<0.01). The seedling density ranged from 26-206 with a mean of 79±62. The relative abundance value of associated flora was contributed by herbs 56%, shrubs 28% and grasses 16%. The size class frequency indicated a balanced size class structure overall. Although most of the population of juniper trees was healthy, some stands had a dominance of unhealthy and over mature trees, and the sex ratio was predominantly male. Soil variables were free from salinity, calcareous in nature, and basic in reaction.
Tariq Ismail, Department of Botany, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

The conservation of forests is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity in an area. Among the forests found in Balochistan, the Juniperus excelsa forest is considered as one of the largest remaining tracts of pure juniper species. This study aims to explore the ecological and soil quality dynamics of Juniperus excelsa forests in the Wali Tangi area in 2021. The study involved the sampling of 25 stands and analyzed various parameters, including density ha-1, basal area m2 ha-1, ground flora, sex ratio, and soil physical and chemical characteristics. The study found an average density of 327± 101 stems ha-1 with a range of 214-699 stems ha-1 and basal area of 1802±864. The data revealed a positive correlation (r = 0.25) between juniper trees for basal area and densities at a significant level (p<0.01). The seedling density ranged from 26-206 with a mean of 79±62. The relative abundance value of associated flora was contributed by herbs 56%, shrubs 28% and grasses 16%. The size class frequency indicated a balanced size class structure overall. Although most of the population of juniper trees was healthy, some stands had a dominance of unhealthy and over mature trees, and the sex ratio was predominantly male. Soil variables were free from salinity, calcareous in nature, and basic in reaction.

References

Farjon A. The taxonomy of multiseed junipers (Juniperus Sect. Sabina) in southwest Asia and east Africa (Taxonomic notes on Cupressaceae I). Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 1992;49(3):251-83.

Ahmad SS, Abdul W, Akbar KF. Multivariate classification and data analysis of vegetation along motorway (M-2), Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Botany. 2010;42(2):1173-85.

Daneshvar A, Tigabu M, Karimidoost A, Farhadi M, Odén PC. Growth characteristics and reproductive output of dwarf mistletoe-infected Juniperus polycarpos in Iran. Journal of forestry research. 2014;25:827-34.

Sela F, Karapandzova M, Stefkov G, Cvetkovikj I, Kulevanova S. Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Juniperus excelsa Bieb.(Cupressaceae) grown in R. Macedonia. Pharmacognosy Research. 2015;7(1):74.

Champion GH, Seth SK, Khattak GM. Forest types of Pakistan. Pakistan. Forest Institute, Peshawar. 1965:238.

Sheikh MI. Afforestration in Juniper forests of Ziarat, Balochistan. Pak. J. For. 1985:46.

Ahmad SS, Abdul W, Akbar KF. Multivariate classification and data analysis of vegetation along motorway (M-2), Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Botany. 2010;42(2):1173-85.

Sarangzai AM, Ahmed M, Ahmed A, Tareen L, Jan SU. The ecology and dynamics of Juniperus excelsa forest in Balochistan-Pakistan. Pak. J. Bot. 2012;44(5):1617-25.

Rizvi MA, Ali SA. Medicinal flowers of Pakistan. Int. J. Adv. Res. 2016;4(2):1313-41.

Ahmed M, Shaukat SS, Buzdar AH. Population structure and dynamics oi Juniperus excelsa in Balouchistan, Pakistan. Journal of vegetation science. 1990 Apr;1(2):271-6.

Ahmed M, Qadir SA. Phytosociological studies along the way of Gilgit to Gopies, Yasin and Shunder. Pak. J. For. 1976;26:93-104.

Kakar AU, Sarangzai AM, Leghari SK, Sher B, Zareen B, Tareen MY. Structure and regeneration patterns of Pinus gererdiana (Wall. es Lamb) forest Zhob district, Balochistan, Pakistan. Int. J. Biosci. 2020; 16 (3): 103-114.

Ahmed M. Ecological and dendrochronological studies on Agathis australis Salisb.(kauri) (Doctoral dissertation, ResearchSpace@ Auckland). 1984.

Batool H, Bazai ZA, Jabeen R, Aqil T. Evaluation of extent of heart rot fungi infection and impacts on live Juniperus excelsa trees in ziarat juniper forest Balochistan. IJBAS-IJENS. 2012;12:76-9.

Achakzai K, Firdous S, Bibi A, Khalid S. Juniper (Juniperus excelsa M. BIEB) forest of Ziarat in danger of vanishing: a review. American-Eurasian Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. 2016;16(2):320-5.

Ahmad SS, Abdul W, Akbar KF. Multivariate classification and data analysis of vegetation along motorway (M-2), Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Botany. 2010;42(2):1173-85.

Ahmed M, Shaukat SS, Buzdar AH. Population structure and dynamics oi Juniperus excelsa in Balouchistan, Pakistan. Journal of vegetation science. 1990;1(2):271-6.

Faliński JB. Vegetation dynamics and sex structure of the populations of pioneer dioecious woody plants. Vegetatio. 1980;43:23-38.

Ward LK. The conservation of juniper: longevity and old age. Journal of Applied Ecology. 1982; 1:917-28.

Zaman MB, Khan AA, Khan MS. Survey of juniper berries in Balochistan forests and prospects for their exploitation. Pak. J. For. 1968;18(4):503-9.

Muhammad D, Kakar AU. 2021. Structure and species composition analysis of Shaban forest zarghun mountains, Quetta, Pakistan. EC Agriculture. 2021;(7.4): 16-27.

Jaffar S, Rafiq N, Jaffar MN, Ahmed HA, Sajjad N, Khan GM, Ara T, Aslam K, Baloch HK, Tariq S, Ejaz A. Prevalence and Taxonomic Identification of Ectoparasites (Ticks) Collected from Sheep in Sinjawi (Ziarat) Balochistan Pakistan. Pak-Euro Journal of Medical and Life Sciences. 2022;5(2):257-66.

Ecological and Soil Quality Dynamics of Juniperus Excelsa Stands in Wali Tangi Area of Balochistan, Pakistan

Authors

Keywords:

Abstract

Author Biographies

References

Downloads

Published

Issue

Section

License