Net primary productivity and species diversity of herbaceous vegetation in banj-oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) forest in Kumaun Himalaya, India

Net primary productivity and species diversity of herbaceous vegetation of banj-oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) forest in Kumaun Himalaya, India were analyzed. Across different growth forms (tall forbs, short forbs, cushion and spreading forbs, grasses), short forbs were most dominant component during rainy season (IVI=152) and winter season (IVI=167) and grasses during the winter season (IVI=148). Maximum above-ground production occurred during rainy season (132.5 g m⁻²) and minimum during winter season (2.8 g m⁻²). Below-ground production was maximum (85.9 g m⁻²) during winter season and minimum (14.9 g m⁻²) during summer season. Annual net shoot production was 150 g m⁻² and below-ground production was 138 g m⁻². Of the total input 61 % was channeled to aboveground parts and 39% to below-ground parts.