Biomass Fluctuations in Grazing Lands around Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

In the present paper, biomass fluctuations following grazing were studied. The plant biomass varied from month to month and season to season in controlled and grazedsite. The abovepground (live) biomass attained its peak value in the months of August/September during both the year with its maximum values as 264.88 g/m 2 and 368.08 g/m 2 on Site I (exclosure) and 157.28 g/m 2 and 124.84 g/m 2 on Site II (grazed) during the first and the second years respectively. Seasonally, aboveground (live) biomass was maximum in rainy season followed by summer and winter season. Belowground biomass was found maximum in winter season followed by rainy and summer seasons. Standing dead and litter biomass was recorded maximum in summer season followed by winter and rainy seasons. Grazing decreased the production in different plant compartments throughout the study period. Among different plants, grasses were found to be the major contributors to the community biomass. Sedges, legumes and non-legumes contribution was mainly limited to rainy season. Variety ratio was found highest in rainy season followed by summer and winter seasons. Root:shoot ratio was higher in winter seasons. Both variety ratio and root:shoot ratios were higher in Site II as compared to Site I in different months throughout the study period.