Quarterly reports and results
In the first quarter of 2009 the plots were all located and marked out. Over the next year trees have been tagged and censused in all except two of the teak plantation plots. Tree data for all the evergreen and deciduous plots have been collated, and are awaiting analysis. Coarse woody debris in the plots has been surveyed and data are awaiting analysis. Recruitment and mortality surveying has begun, and has been completed in one plot.
Over 27,000 trees in 12 plots have been measured. Full data analysis is ongoing, but basic data as to number of trees per plot and number of species is presented below (Figure 1) there seems to be a trend for the evergreen plots to have more trees and a greater number of species per plot.
By the second quarter of 2010, all 12 natural plots (six evergreen, six deciduous) and the three teak plots had been censused, and data from the natural plots had been entered into spreadsheets. Data validation, involving re-censusing 20% of the 1 ha plots, was completed, as was analysis of soil samples for soil organic carbon and bulk density.
Preliminary analysis of the data from the 12 natural plots indicates substantial regeneration and a healthy distribution of trees across the different size classes.
In the 3rd quarter of 2010 data validation was completed in all 12 natural plots, i.e. 20% of each plot was re-censused. Soil sample analysis for the deciduous plots was completed, and soil organic carbon and bulk density were estimated. Progress of field work and data analysis is on target.
A survey of local households to assess community dependence on local forests has begun, which should provide important information on ecosystem services provided by forests in this region.
Figure 1 Number of species and number of trees in evergreen and deciduous plots
In the first plot for which recruitment and mortality have been measured, there were 539 new recruits, and only five mortalities (Figure 2).
Figure 2 Recruitment and mortality of trees in a plot.
Between January and March 2011, re-censusing of the evergreen plots was initiated, two years after the first census. This will yield important information about forest community dynamics. Climate champions have been busy helping with this re-census, which also includes recording tree mortality and re painting and re-tagging trees where necessary. Following data analysis, it has been found that managed and natural forests in the Sirsi region of the Western Ghats are regenerating, and that biomass is increasing despite community dependence on the forests.
April to June is the monsoon season at Sirsi, which prevents field work, but the team are working hard to be ready for the next climate champions and field season.