Phytosociological status of Daksum range grasslands in Kashmir valley

Abstract

The present study was carried out at three altitudes viz., Arishan, Harkani and Deesu, and migratory grazing status in Daksum range of Anantnag Forest Division, Kashmir in the year 2014-15. A total of 50 plant species belonging to 21 families were recorded from the study area out of which 12 were trees. Over storey (Tree species) dominant and co -dominant species differed from each other in each sample plot. Results revealed that total density of trees, shrubs and herbaceous species ranged between 66 to 688, 994 to 187 and 1 to 98 tillers/m2 at all the three sites. Among the trees Picea smithiana and Pinus wallichiana were present at all the study sites. Cedrus deodara (IVI 98.98) and Pinus wallichaina (IVI 81.93) were the most dominant species on lower altitude site while Abies pindrow and Picea smithiana were the dominant species on middle and upper altitude ranges. Amongst the shrub species Juniperus squammata exhibited highest frequency value of 85% at higher altitude, Rhododendron anthopogon (70%) and Vibernum spps (78%) displayed maximum frequency value respectively at middle and lower sites. The IVI of herbaceous species indicated that Poa annua (63.72) was dominant at lower altitude while Fragaria nubicula (75.66) and Poa pratense (77.10) dominates the upper altitude site respectively.