Three elevations Arishan, Harkani, and Deesu were chosen for the study based on altitudinal variations in the Daksum range of the Anantnag Forest Division in Kashmir during the year 2023–24. Three 0.1-hectare transects were chosen for biomass estimation at each of the three locations based on altitude. Additionally, soil samples and samples of leading grass species were gathered for nutrient analysis. The grasses' biomass content varied from 18.50 q/ha to 35.15 q/ha, with lower altitude (Deesu) exhibiting the highest biomass content at 35.15 q/ha due to less biotic interference, followed by intermediate site at 27.98 q/ha, and upper altitude (Arishan) exhibiting the lowest biomass content at 18.15 q/ha with maximum grazing intensity.

Biomass, Daksum, Arishan, Harkani, Deesu, migratory, soil, grazing

In the present study the total above ground biomass of grass vegetation varies in grazing and non-grazing sites respectively. The biomass values of grasses were higher in non-grazing sites (Deesu) in comparison to extensive grazing site (Arishan). An insight of the data showed that the above ground biomass varied between a minimum of 18.50 q/ha (ARISHAN) to a maximum of 35.15 q/ha (Deesu). The data related to biomass evinces that the total above ground biomass in lower elevation was 35.15 q/ha with the species Poa balbusa (4.21 q/ha) contributing maximum biomass production. The total above ground biomass production at middle altitude ranged from 1.65 to 4.10 q/ha. Further aboveground biomass at middle elevation was (27.98 q/ha) with the species Fragaria nubicula (04.10 q/ha) contributing to the maximum biomass production. Further at upper altitude the biomass content ranged from 1.49 to 3.95 q/ha with a total biomass content of 18.50 q/ha, Poa pretense (3.95 q/ha) contributing to the maximum biomass production.

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