Effects of grazing conditions on the vegetational features and production potential of an alpine zone

摘要

The density pattern of an alpine grazingland in Panwalikantha (U.P., Himalaya) has been analyzed. The study was conducted under grazed and ungrazed conditions with varying slope angles and altitudes. Six stands were selected of which three were protected and rest three open to grazing. Grasses viz., Danthonia cachemyriana and Poe annua contributed maximum density among species. Total density ranged between 1872.25 fillers m~(-2) (PTC) to 7655.25 tillers m~(-2) (PTE) in June due to continuous grazing which stimulated tillering. However, total net production (TNP) and annual production was maximum at FDE (protected) and FDC where grasses had maximum density and steep slopes prevented the grazing intensity.