Biomass Fluctuations in Alpine Pasturelands of Kashmir Himalayas

Abstract

In the present paper, biomass fluctuations in a free grazing alpine pastureland of Kashmir Himalayas have been studied. The plant biomass fluctuation showed no definite trend in both grazed and fenced sites. Above-ground (live) biomass attained its peak values 118.23 gm/m^-2 in grazed sites and 113.65 gm/m^-2 in fenced sites, in the month of August. Root/Shoot ratio was higher in grazed sites than in fenced sites. The results of studies conducted in alpine meadows of Kashmir Himalayas (Rupri Marg) indicate tbat the seasonal grazing by the transhumant and nomadic grazing societies significantly affect the structural and functional attributes of alpine pasturelands of the State.