Problem of Fir and Spruce Regeneration

Increasing demand for raw material for the paper industry has focussed attention on the immense resources locked up in Fir (Abies pindrow and A. webbiana) and Spruce (Picea morinda) forests. There are numerous difficulties in the proper exploitation of these forests, viz., absence of motorable roads and other means of communication, occurrence of black heart-wood which makes the timber liable to sink while being floated down and inadequate natural regeneration. The absence of adequate natural regeneration in these forests has drawn the attention of forest officers for a long time. Various factors responsible for the inadequacy of regeneration are discussed. It has also been noted that silver fir and spruce seedlings are shade demanders in early stages. Reproduction of both occurs plentifully at lower elevations under broad leaved trees. A large number of exotic and indigenous species ace under trial as nurse crops, e.g., Populus monolifera, P. generosa , P . ciliata, Aesculus indica, Prunus padus, Fraxinus excelsior, Thuja plicata, Larix europea and L. leptolepis, Cupressus torulosa and C.obtusa. The junior author while touring in the U.S.A. observed that aspen (Populus tremuloides) acted as a nurse crop in the regeneration of spruce. It is suggested that further work on the role of broad leaved associates may be taken up. Aspen seems to be a very promising nurse crop and is worth trial.