Soil seed bank characteristics and regeneration potential across Sal, Pine and Deodar forests of the Western Himalayan foothills

Land-use change, deforestation, fires, and human activities are altering forest ecosystems in the Western Himalaya, impacting natural regeneration and biodiversity. Soil seed banks are crucial for forest resilience, storing viable seeds for vegetation recovery after disturbances. This study examined soil seed bank characteristics in three main forest types in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, India: Shorea robusta Gaertn. f . (Sal), Pinus roxburghii Sarg. (Chir Pine), and mixed Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) (Deodar) forests. Soil samples were collected from 0–5 cm and 5–10 cm depths in each forest type using 1 m × 1 m quadrats. Seedling emergence was monitored in a greenhouse for eight weeks, and species identification and seed density calculations were done. Statistical analyses and diversity indices were used to compare germination patterns and community composition. A total of 371 seedlings from 15 species emerged, with herbaceous species dominating, especially in Pine forests. Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Commelinaceae were the most represented families. Pine forests had higher germination potential and seed density, driven by disturbance-tolerant species like Sorghum halepense . Sal forests had the highest species richness, diversity, and evenness, while Deodar forests had lower diversity and uneven species distribution. Different seed bank assemblages were observed across forest types, influenced by forest structure, canopy cover, and disturbance history. Invasive species like Parthenium hysterophorus pose a threat to native regeneration. This study highlights the impact of forest type on soil seed bank dynamics in the Western Himalaya, providing insights for forest management, restoration, and biodiversity conservation in the face of increasing human and climatic pressures.