Uniyal, S K and Awasthi, A and Rawat, G S (2005) Biomass availability and forage quality of Eurotia ceratoides Mey in the rangelands of Changthang, eastern Ladakh. Current Science, 89 (1). pp. 201-205. ISSN 0011-3891

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Abstract

Rangeland conditions can be assessed based on the biomass availability and nutrient quality of major forage plants. While conducting ecological studies on the rangelands of Changthang, eastern Ladakh, we assessed the above-ground biomass and nutrient quality of Eurotia ceratoides Mey (Chenopodiaceae), a common shrub in the area, following standard methods. Its density, cover and biomass were highest in the lower slopes and sandy plains, while it was completely absent in the marsh meadows. Nutritive quality of Eurotia was found to be significantly (P < 0.005) higher compared to other dominant species. As expected, a seasonal variation in nutrients was found. Crude protein content decreased from 21% in summer to 12% in winter, whereas anti-quality factors increased during winter. Patterns and processes of Eurotia degradation and its implications for the management of rangelands are discussed

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Ecology; bamboos, Ladakh, India
Subjects:	Plant sciences Ecology
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Dr. Aparna Maitra Pati
Date Deposited:	27 Dec 2011 11:20
Last Modified:	27 Dec 2011 11:20
URI:	http://ihbt.csircentral.net/id/eprint/175

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