Influence of Environmental Factors on Plant Diversity and Distribution in the Kashmir, Western Himalaya

The study, conducted in Kashmir, Western Himalayas, sheds light on the complex interaction of environmental variables and plant species diversity and distribution. The research area’s vegetation composition and distribution were thoroughly investigated, identifying 246 species from 69 families. Herbs comprised 70.7% of the flora, followed by shrubs (9.8%) and trees (8.5%). The most common families were Asteraceae, Polygonaceae, and Poaceae. Therophytes were the most frequent type of life form, followed by Hemicryptophytes, Geophytes, and Nanophanerophytes. Leaf size is associated with climatic conditions, with Microphylls and Nanophylls dominating. The most prominent species were Pinus wallichiana, Viburnum grandiflorum, and Abies pindrow, demonstrating their importance in community formation. The phytosociological study indicated diversified ecosystems with moderate species richness and low maturity index values. Soil mechanical and physicochemical characteristics varied with elevation, with a positive association between altitude and soil organic carbon, moisture, and nutrient content but a negative correlation with pH and phosphorus. Principal component analysis revealed how dominant species and environmental conditions influence vegetation distribution. The GLM results revealed a positive relationship between altitude and species diversity and a negative correlation with species evenness. Pearson’s correlation study highlighted altitude’s influence on soil properties, with substantial positive connections with soil organic carbon, moisture, and nutrients but negative correlations with pH and phosphorus. Overall, the findings presented light on the study area’s vegetation, community organization, and soil qualities, highlighting the complex relationship between environmental variables and plant distribution. These findings contribute to a better understanding of ecosystem dynamics and may influence conservation and management strategies in similar ecological conditions.