Crown Architecture as a Non-destructive Indicator of Competition and Relative Site Conditions in Taxus baccata in Deoban Forest, Chakrata, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate whether crown width and the crown width–DBH (CW/DBH) ratio can serve as non-destructive proxy indicators of competition and relative site condition in natural stands of Taxus baccata. Crown architecture regulates light interception, competition, and growth in forest trees and can serve as a non-destructive indicator of stand condition and site quality. We assessed crown width and stem diameter relationships in natural stands of Taxus baccata in Deoban Forest, Chakrata (Uttarakhand). A quadrat-based survey sampled 223 trees; girth at breast height (GBH) was measured at 1.37 m and converted to DBH, and crown width was measured along two perpendicular axes. The crown width–DBH ratio (CW/DBH) was used as an index of competition. Mean DBH was 50.23 cm (SD 19.55); mean crown width was 595.29 cm (SD 244.50); mean CW/DBH = 11.80 (SD 2.41). The linear regression between DBH and crown width was highly significant: Crown width = 12.38 × DBH − 26.82 (R² = 0.98, p < 0.001). DBH class distribution was concentrated in the 40–60 cm classes, with limited representation of smaller classes, indicating weak recruitment. Quadrat-wise variation in CW/DBH revealed heterogeneous competition environments. The results of this research indicated that crown metrics could serve as suitable indicators for assessing competition for resources among individuals of Taxus baccata and for determining the overall site conditions in  natural stands. This provides information which can be used to enhance both conservation and forestry practices targeted toward improving the survivability of Taxus baccata.