Phytosociological status of trees and shrubs of Romshi range of Shopian forest division in Kashmir valley

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Phytosociological status of trees and shrubs of Romshi Range of Shopian Forest Division in Kashmir valley, India” was conducted in Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir India during 2015-2016. A total of 16 plant species were recorded from the study area out of which 8 were trees and 8 were shrubs. The maximum average density in case of trees was found for Picea smithiana (400/ha), whereas in case of shrubs it was recorded in Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana (622/ha). Among trees Abies pindrow exhibited highest frequency value of 100% at Walkhain (2600-2800m). In case of shrubs Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana were the most frequent species at Kooler (2200-2400m). The maximum average basal area in case of trees was found for Abies pindrow (158.76 m2/ha) at Walkhain (2600-2800m). In shrubs it was found maximum for Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana (3.65 m2/ha) at Kooler (2200-2400m). The IVI of the tree species indicated that Abies pindrow was most dominant species atWalkhain (2600-2800m) with IVI value of (172.41). In case of shrubs the maximum IVI was recorded in Viburnum grandiflorum with IVI value of (168.11). Among trees the maximum value of Shannon Weiner diversity index was (1.66) at Gadder (2400-2600m) whereas the minimum value (0.69) was recorded at Walkhain (2600-2800m). In case of shrubs Shannon Weiner diversity index shows a decreasing trend from Kooler (2200-2400m) to Walkhain (2600-2800m) with maximum value of (1.74) at Kooler (2200-2400m). In trees the maximum value of the species richness index (1.15) was at Gadder (2400-2600m), whereas in case of shrubs the maximum value of the index was (0.96) at Gadder (2400-2600m).