DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT The inhabitants of Mithawan protect family owned rangelands in summer each year by constructing loose stone walls for free grazing during winter In October 1995, species wise cover percent, density and above ground biomass data were collected to detect vegetation differences between protected and unprotected area. Twenty 1 m2 quadrats were studied randomly in both the areas. The cover percent (10%) and above ground biomass (216 kg/ha) of Chrysopogon aucheri were higher three times in protected area than that of unprotected area, but its density remained unchanged which shows that the species is a grazing resistant The cover percent (5%), above ground biomass (78 kg/ha) and density (3) of Cymbopogon jawarancusa were higher in un-protected area. The data show that Chrysopogon aucheri is a decreaser while Cymbopogon jawarancusa is an increaser under prevailing free grazing in Mithawan rangelands. The higher cover percent, above ground biomass and density of Chrysopogon aucheri and Eleusine compressa in protected area reveals that the grazed rangelands of Mithawan can be improved by providing periodic rest from grazing during growing season.