Population Dynamics of Juniperus macropoda Bossier Forest Ecosystem in Relation to Soil Physico-Chemical Characteristics in the Cold Desert of North-Western Himalaya

Juniperus macropoda is the only tree species of a cold desert ecosystem that experiencing high anthropogenic pressure and has poor regeneration status due to harsh environmental conditions. Due limited distribution in this region, have remained largely unexplored terms understanding pattern along elevation soil fertility gradients. Therefore, current research was carried out elevational gradient, starting from base line at 3000 m above sea level (m asl) asl with an plot distance 180 m. The study revealed average density J. declined gradually first range, i.e., 3000–3180 onward, extended up range 3900–4080 asl. However, seedling sapling densities were highest mid-elevation 4080–4260 population formed reverse J-shaped structure 3540–3720 maximum total biomass carbon recorded lowest decreased subsequently. primary nutrients under sharply gradient. Seedling, distributions had significantly positive relationship (p < 0.05) available N, P, K, SOC, silt clay contents negatively correlated sand contents. outcome will form basis for devising plan management conservation forests.