Effect of Elevation and Land Use Systems on Phytosociology of Shrub and Herbage Vegetation in Indian Central Himalayas

Natural land use systems (LUS) are the backbone of people’s livelihood and economy in Himalayas.
The phytosociology of herbage and shrubs along the elevation gradient was investigated in the
watershed (2B4D6). The watershed was grouped into five elevations i.e., <1100 m, 1101-1400 m,
1401-1700 m, 1701-2000 m and >2000 m. Six parcels of size, 10 m x 10 m (shrubs) and six quadrats
of size 50 × 50 cm (herbage) were randomly laid out to study vegetation of LUS. In grasslands (Gr)
herbage density (11.3%) and basal area (18.5%) was significantly higher compared to silvipasture
(SP) LUS. Likewise, in Gr shrubs density (48.9%) and basal area (36.8%) was significantly higher as
compared to SP LUS. Both density and basal area of shrubs and herbage decreased along the
altitude in LUS. Herbage species dominance changed with elevation in Gr and SP LUS. In SP LUS
compared to Gr and along altitude gradient the decrease in basal area and density herbs and shrubs
can have relation to altered climate. The study could be worthwhile to understand the changes in the
phytosociology in different LUS and along elevation.