Land Use Ecology of Major Ecosystems in Cold Deserts of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The present study was conducted in Goshal, one of the largest villages of Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh during 2010 to 2013 to study the land use pattern of village Goshal by classifying the study area into three major ecosystems viz; Forest ecosystem, alpine pasture ecosystem and agro-ecosystem and to assess the soil physical properties of these ecosystems. Land use pattern in agro ecosystem revealed that of the total area of village Goshal, maximum area was occupied under second grade irrigated area and maximum area under non cultivable lands was reported under grasslands. Pea occupied maximum per cent area which showed the shifting of the farming community from traditional cropping pattern to cash crops. It was further observed that the villagers opted plantations of poplars and willows. The soil physical properties of all the three ecosystems were found medium in available nutrient status.