Grassland Communities of Dachigam - Telbal Catchment, Kashmir

Abstract

The paper analyses the ecoogical status of three grasslands in Dachigam - Telbal Catchment, Kashmir. Study has revealed the presence of Themeda anathera - Chrysopogon echinulatus association on the slopes subject to light grazing, Poa stewartiana - Stipa sibirica on the slopes subject to moderate grazing and Cynodon dactylon - Bothriochloa pertusa association on the slopes subject to heavy gazing. The results further indicate that grazing reduces the vegetal cover significantly. Mild grazing is observed to increase the plant species diversity, richness and evenness at the first instance and with heavy grazing these parameters are observed to be reduced significantly. More of protection is also observed to bring slight decrease in the values of these parameters. Similarity between the grasslands is reported to be effected both qulitatively and quantitatively with varying degrees of protection/grazing. Possible causes of occurence of these changes in the grasslands under study are discussed. Many points are raised in the text of the paper for further research. Suggestions are made not to allow heavy grazing or comp1ete protection of grasslands as both of these treatments lead to homogenisation and decrease in plant diversity which is a great threat to the community as a whole.