Sheetal Koranga

Soil is a vital component of forest ecosystems, influencing productivity and ecological health. This study examines variations in soil physico-chemical properties and species composition across four forest types—Shorea robusta (Sal), Pinus roxburghii (Chir-pine), Quercus leucotrichophora (Banj-oak), and mixed Banj-oak—at elevations ranging from 600 to 1900 m asl in Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. Soil samples were collected at three depths (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–30 cm) and analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics. Results indicated that with increasing altitude, water-holding capacity, soil moisture, total nitrogen, organic carbon, tree/shrub/herb density, species richness and tree basal area generally increased, while bulk density, porosity, and pH decreased significantly. Oak forests exhibited superior soil moisture, water retention, organic carbon, and nitrogen compared to Chir-pine and Sal forests. Mixed Banj-oak forests had the highest tree, shrub and herb density, species diversity, and basal area, followed by Banj-oak, Sal, and Chir-pine forests. These findings highlight the ecological benefits of oak-dominated forests, which enhance soil fertility and biodiversity. Consequently, oak forests should be prioritized over pine and Sal forests in afforestation and conservation programs to sustain ecosystem health and productivity in the Himalayan region.

Background: Butea pellita Hook.f. ex Prain, a critically endangered and endemic shrub of Uttarakhand, India, lacks documented phenological records crucial for its conservation. Aim: This study investigates the phenological patterns of B. pellita to provide insights into its seasonal life cycle and regeneration strategies. Methodology: Field observations over two years (2022 & 2023) in Patwadangar village (29.33°N, 79.43°E) recorded key life cycle events, including vegetative growth, flowering, fruiting, and dormancy. Results: B. pellita exhibited a nine-month growth cycle, with shoot emergence in April, peak flowering in June-July, and seed maturation by November. Pollination was primarily facilitated by bees and butterflies, while natural regeneration relied on rootstock proliferation. Conclusion: The study highlights significant challenges for conservation, including low seed viability and poor germination rates. These findings provide crucial insights for undertaking conservation strategies, and emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to ensure the long-term survival of this species in its natural habitat.

Ecosystem functioning and management are primarily concerned with addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, which are closely linked to carbon stock and species diversity. This research aimed to quantify forest understory (shrub and herb) diversity, tree biomass and carbon sequestration in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Using random sampling methods, data were gathered from six distinct forest communities. The study identified 271 vascular plants from 208 genera and 74 families. A notable positive correlation (r² = 0.085, p < 0.05) was observed between total tree density and total tree basal area (TBA), shrub density (r² = 0.09), tree diversity (D) (r² = 0.58), shrub diversity (r² = 0.81), and tree species richness (SR) (r² = 0.96). Conversely, a negative correlation was found with the concentration of tree dominance (CD) (r² = 0.43). The Quercus leucotrichophora, Rhododendron arboreum and Quercus floribunda (QL-RA-QF) community(higher altitudinal zone) exhibited the highest tree biomass (568.8 Mg ha⁻¹), while the (Pinus roxburghii and Quercus leucotrichophora) PR-QL (N) community (lower altitudinal zone) in the north aspect showed the lowest (265.7 Mg ha⁻¹). Carbon sequestration was highest in the Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus floribunda and Rhododendron arboreum (QL-QF-RA) (higher altitudinal zone) community (7.48 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) and lowest in the PR-QL (S) (middle altitudinal zone) community in the south aspect (5.5 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). The relationships between carbon stock and various functional parameters such as tree density, total basal area of tree and diversity of tree showed significant positive correlations. The findings of the study revealed significant variations in the structural attributes of trees, shrubs and herbs across different forest stands along altitudinal gradients. This current study’s results highlighted the significance of wildlife sanctuaries, which not only aid in wildlife preservation but also provide compelling evidence supporting forest management practices that promote the planting of multiple vegetation layers in landscape restoration as a means to enhance biodiversity and increase resilience to climate change. Further, comprehending the carbon storage mechanisms of these forests will be critical for developing environmental management strategies aimed at alleviating the impacts of climate change in the years to come.

Background: Traditional medicine relies heavily on plant-based remedies for immune system modulation, offering advantages of affordability, reduced toxicity, minimal side effects, and better accessibility compared to synthetic alternatives. Symplocos paniculata (Thunb.) Miq. has been traditionally used in ethnomedicine for various ailments, though its chemical composition and therapeutic properties remain inadequately studied. Objectives: Thus, this study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of leaf and bark extracts from S. paniculata. Material and Methods: The study employed qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening methods, along with in vitro assays including DPPH radical scavenging and metal chelation for antioxidant activity, and protein denaturation for anti-inflammatory effects. GC-MS analysis was conducted to identify the phytoconstituents. Results and Conclusion: Phytochemical screening revealed diverse compounds, with leaf extracts showing higher concentrations of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins compared to bark extracts. Bark extract demonstrated superior antioxidant properties with DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 61.37 μg/ml) and metal chelating (IC50 = 30.06 μg/ml) activities. Moderate anti-inflammatory activity was observed, with leaf extract showing slightly higher potency (IC50 = 222.81 μg/ml). GC-MS analysis identified terpenes, phytosterols, and fatty acids as major constituents in both extracts. The study provides scientific validation for traditional medicinal applications of S. paniculata through comprehensive characterization of its phytochemical profile and demonstration of significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, establishing its potential for pharmaceutical development.