Annual nutrients budget for the grazed and ungrazed sites of an alpine expanse in North-West Himalaya,India |
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Authors: | Neelam Rawat B P Nautiyal M C Nautiyal |
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Institution: | (1) High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre (HAPPRC), Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna (HNB) Garhwal University, Post Box No. 14, Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand, 246174, India;(2) Department of Horticulture, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (HAMP), School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (ES & NRM), Mizoram University, Aizawl, 796001, India |
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Abstract: | This work was undertaken to analyze nutrient contents of vegetation in an alpine meadow—Tungnath, North-West Himalaya, India.
The study pertains to the uptake, transfer and release of four main macronutrients (organic carbon, total nitrogen, total
potassium and total phosphorus) in grazed (exposed to extensive grazing by cattles) and ungrazed (grazing completely prohibited)
communities. Mineral concentration was recorded higher for the ungrazed sites compared to the grazed sites, and maximum standing
state of nutrients was found in roots. Belowground compartment (roots) contributed maximum share of mineral elements to soil.
Litter nutrients release was low because of low microbial activity and continuous removal of phytomass. Observations reveal
that there was very little amount of nutrient release from phytomass and vegetation in alpine are very poor source of mineral
recycling. Low transfer rate of minerals from one compartment to other is adequate for greater amount of these minerals that
are translocated back into the storage organs. A small proportion get removed through rain splash or through the removal of
hay during grazing as relatively high release rates in ungrazed sites when compared to grazed sites was observed. This translocation
can be considered as an important adaptation in alpine plants for survival during adverse environmental conditions, against
all types of biotic pressures and also for regeneration in the forthcoming growing season. |
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