The natural grasslands of the Nilgiris: past and present scenario.

摘要

The Nilgiris is one among the 14 biosphere reserve in the country and located in the confluence of the Western and Eastern Ghats. The natural grasslands of Nilgiris occupy vast stretches interrupted by numerous isolated compact, sharply well-defined small woods known as 'Sholas' (montane wet evergreen forests). This paper presents the grazing pattern followed in the Nilgiris: pre- and post-independence scenario. The common species found in the natural grasslands are also presented - perennial grasses, annual grasses, herbs, and shrubs. The conversion of grasslands and its impact are discussed. From the historic scenario, it can be concluded that diversification of available grasslands and shola forest to other commercial plantation resulted in non-availability of grazing land and fodder in the district leading to reduction in the livestock population. At present, farmers are using only inorganic fertilizers for their crop cultivation due to non-availability of sufficient cattle manure. Due to this, there is an imbalance in nutrient use; soil is not responding even higher dose of inorganic fertilizers. Livelihood of the inhabitants is tea and vegetable farming in the district. Recently, the government of Tamil Nadu, India, declared this district as an organic district for which sufficient organic manure is required.