Soil Properties and Vegetation Dynamics: Interactions Shaping Angiosperm Diversity in the Pasturelands of Mavli Block, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Author(s): Mohan Singh Rathore, Kiran Nagda
Publication #: 2508022
Date of Publication: 29.08.2025
Country: India
Pages: 1-4
Published In: Volume 11 Issue 4 August-2025
Abstract
Pasturelands in semi-arid regions like Rajasthan are critical for biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods, yet they face degradation from overgrazing, climate variability, and invasive species. This study investigates soil-vegetation interactions in five pastureland sites (Naharmagra, Salera Kala, Bheemaal, Mavli Village, and Namri) in Mavli Block, Udaipur district, Rajasthan. Soil properties—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), water holding capacity (WHC), pH, and organic carbon (OC)—were analyzed across seasons (Rainy 2022, Summer 2022, Rainy 2023), alongside vegetation sampling using quadrats to assess species composition, density, frequency, and ecological indices (Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index H', Simpson Dominance Index D, Species Evenness e). Results reveal significant seasonal peaks in soil fertility during rainy seasons (e.g., N up to 320 kg/ha in Mavli Village), correlating with higher vegetation density. However, high fertility sites like Mavli Village showed low diversity (H' = 1.587) due to invasive dominance (Parthenium hysterophorus RD: 46.63%), while nutrient-poor Bheemaal exhibited high diversity (H' = 1.943) and evenness (e = 0.843). Cynodon dactylon dominated across sites (RD: 24.87–51.87%), underscoring its role in soil stabilization. Findings highlight the need for site-specific management: invasive control in fertile areas and nutrient enrichment in degraded ones. This research provides insights for sustainable pasture management in semi-arid ecosystems.
Keywords: Soil properties, Angiosperm diversity, Pasturelands, Mavli Block, Invasive species, Ecological indices.
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