Effects of homegarden size on floristic composition and diversity along an altitudinal gradient in Central Himalaya, India

Abstract

homegardens at four altitudes, viz. very low (up to 350 m), low (350-700 m), mid (700-1500 m) and high (above 2000 m). Homegardens were categorized into three sizes: large ( > 0.007 ha), medium (0.004- 0.006 ha) and small ( < 0.003 ha). A total of 111 plant species belonging to 55 families were recorded. Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Cucurbitaceae (seven species each) formed the most diverse family, and 34 families were mono-specific. Species richness was maximum (22) in medium homegarden at mid altitude and minimum (11) in small homegardens at high altitude. Herb density was maximum (84 individuals m2) at very low altitude and diversity was maximum (2.38) at mid altitude in large homegardens. Tree density was maximum (1200 individuals ha-1) at mid altitude and diversity was maximum (2.42) at very low altitude in large homegardens. Total tree basal area was maximum (66.61 m2 ha-1) in small homegardens at very low altitude. Principal component analysis showed that the first component accounted for 54.53% most reliable and high loadings of tree (0.959) and herb density (0.922) with positive effect. The second component (74.93%) showed high factor loading of concentration of dominance for herbs (0.729) with positive effect.