PLANT COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND SPECIES DIVERSITY IN BALKASSAR, DISTRICT CHAKWAL PAKISTAN

Abstract

The present study was conducted in Balkassar, a rapidly growing village in Chakwal, to analyze the plant community structure and species diversity of the area, which had previously been undocumented. Using the Quadrat 
method, 45 plant species were identified and studied from 15 distinct sites based on topography, altitude, and floristic composition. Among these, the herbaceous flora displayed the highest diversity compared to shrubs and 
trees, suggesting a significant influence of climatic factors on the vegetation. Dominant families identified included Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, Apocynaceae, Fabaceae, and Moraceae. The most dominant species across the sites had the highest Importance Value Index (IVI), highlighting their ecological prevalence. Sorenson’s Community Index was used to assess the similarity among the plant communities, revealing a notable degree of homogeneity across some sites, while others exhibited more distinct floristic compositions. This study underscores the dynamic nature of plant diversity in Balkassar, driven by human activity, land use changes, and climatic variations. Recommendations include the need for sustainable land management practices to conserve and maintain the region’s diverse vegetation.