Vegetation structure and dynamics of Pinus gerardiana forests in Balouchistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract. 44 forest stands, including 42 stands with Pinus gerardiana Wall, ex Lamb dominant and two stands with broad‐leaved trees, were sampled in the Suleiman Range in Balouchistan. Density oi Pinus gerardiana trees ranged from 24 to 930 trees / ha with a mean of 266 individuals / ha; the average basal area was 25.5 m2 ha‐1.Adequate recruitment of Pinus seedlings was observed; higher seedling density is recorded from east‐facing slopes, while tree density was higher on west‐facing slopes.The average growth rate was estimated as 0.08 cm / yr radial growth. However, trees on high elevations and cooler slopes grow faster.Soil variables showed no correlation with density, basal area or importance values. It is suggested that the present degraded stage of the forests in the study area is of anthropogenic origin.