Ecosystem functions and services in Delhi: regeneration under the canopy of prosopis juliflora
Student name: Ms Niyati Naudiyal
Guide: Dr Joachim Schmerbeck
Year of completion: 2012
Host Organisation: TERI University, New Delhi and University of Freiburg, Germany
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr Stefanie Gartner
Abstract: The regeneration of other plants under the canopy of Prosopis juliflora in the National capital
territory of Delhi was studied for different grades of protection and crown densities of P.
juliflora. To understand the role of protection and crown density in the ability of P. juliflora to
foster the growth of other plants under its canopy, comparisons in the species composition,
richness, diversity and evenness were made between protected and non-protected areas and
dense and open plots within each group. The influence of P. juliflora on the humus
characteristics was studied by comparing depth of different humus horizons in varying protection
and crown densities. The study reveals that diversity and richness of regenerating trees and other
growth forms was much higher in case of protected areas as compared to non-protected areas.
The species composition was found to be significantly different in protected and non-protected
areas. While the protected areas showed very limited regeneration of P. juliflora, most of the
regeneration in non-protected areas was in the form of P. juliflora coppices. Leucaena
leucocephala and Pongamia pinnata were the commonly regenerating trees in protected areas.
There was no significant influence of the crown density on the diversity and richness of plants.
The humus characteristics were found to be different in protected and non-protected areas
although no differences could be found in dense and open plots within each group. The
disturbances (cutting, lopping and grazing) in non-protected areas are the major reasons behind
the reduced diversity. Long term monitoring of a strictly protected area would give a clearer
picture on the ability of P. juliflora to act as a nurse tree for the regeneration of other species.
Keywords: Prosopis juliflora, exotic species, regeneration, Delhi ridge, forest protection
