Seasonal and Altitudinal Variation of Herbaceous Biomass of Nikyal Range Land, District Kotli Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to report the seasonal and altitudinal variation in herbaceous biomass along with the productivity of area. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Nikyal valley located at altitudinal range of 1500-1900 m within the longitude 74o 04′ to 10′ east and latitude 33o 26′ to 29′ north during July 2012 to June 2013. Methodology: The forage biomass was calculated by Harvest method using 1m2 quadrat. Five quadrats were selected from each community permanently. Above ground grasses and forbs were clipped up to 2cm and were placed in separate polythene bags. Both grasses and forbs were separately weighed and average was taken. The results were expressed in Kilo grams per hectares. Monthly sampling over one year was carried to determine its productivity. Results: The average dry biomass production was 854 Kg/ha. The July and August were the most productive months (1387 Kg/ha and 1335 Kg/ha, respectively). The total dry biomass, biomass contributed by grasses and herbs generally increased from July to October and thereafter it progressively decreased till February and then again started increasing from March. Conclusion: The variation in Biomass controlled by the amount and timing of precipitation and temperature inputs during the growing season.