Studies on floristic diversity of an organic farm of Himachal Pradesh, India: Transformation of a barren land to a productive niche

摘要

The ecological aspects pertaining to floral diversity, cropping systems and crop diversification of an organic farm CSKHPKV, Palampur were studied. The data for two years, that is, 2006-07 and 2007-08 was analyzed. The initial recorded data pertaining to various activities in the organic farm before 2006-07 showed low fertility soil status, very low productivity and least biodiversity in a so called barren land before the initiation of organic farming. The results over the period of two years showed how a barren land was converted to a lush green, fertile and productive land with increased biodiversity of flora through organic management practices. There was rich plant diversity on cultivated as well as uncultivated land. As many as 45 species of native plants and 50 species of introduced plants were found. However, 358 trees were found on the organic farm, out of which most were fodder trees and for green manuring. Ample crop diversification of introduced plants, cropland weeds and non-cropland weeds as well as trees was found on the organic farm. Crop diversification increased as soil status improved through organic management practices.