Studies on phyto‐ecological attributes and soil parameters of <i>Swertia thomsonii</i> C.B.Clarke assemblages in Kashmir Himalaya

Phyto‐ecological studies are crucial in developing insights into community structure and functioning. Here, we studied the phytosociological and soil parameters of Swertia thomsonii – an endemic medicinal plant of western Himalaya. Thirty quadrats were laid out across three different habitats of S. thomsonii in Kashmir Himalaya. Soil samples were collected from each site and soil properties were determined by using standard methods. A total of 62 species belonging to 51 genera and 34 families were recorded across the three study sites. Herbs were dominant (83.87%) followed by shrubs (9.67%), trees (4.83%), and ferns (1.61%). Based on importance value index (IVI) values Cynodon dactylon (42.84), Gaultheria trichophylla (42.44) Leucanthemum vulgare (39.93), Poa angustifolia (30.33), Trifolium pratense (26.67), Galium aparine (25.88), and Androsace rotundifolia (25.82) were found to be dominant species within S. thomsonii assemblages. The maximum (23.14) IVI value of S. thomsonii was recorded at the Doodhpathri site followed by Gulmarg (22.12) and Pahalgam (16.34). Diversity indices varied across three study sites. Plant species richness was recorded maximum at Pahalgam (30 species) followed by Doodhpathri (26 species) and Gulmarg (20 species). Also, Shannon index was recorded maximum (H = 3.03) at the Pahalgam site followed by Doodhpathri (H = 2.99) and Gulmarg (H = 2.62). Simpson index and species evenness were recorded maximum (0.93 and 0.79 respectively) at the Doodhpathri site followed pahalgam (0.92 and 0.67 respectively) and Gulmarg site (0.90 and 0.65 respectively). Soil parameters also varied significantly across study sites. Nitrogen and phosphorous were recorded maximum (465.32 ± 4.26 kg ha −1 and 80.2 ± 3.63 kg ha −1 respectively) at the Gulmarg site and minimum (301.33 ± 2.62 kg ha −1 and 33.63 ± 4.22 kg ha −1 respectively) at Pahalgam site. Potassium was recorded maximum (295.5 ± 3.34 kg ha −1 ) at the Pahalgam site and minimum (165.83 ± 4.25 kg ha −1 ) at the Gulmarg site. The scientific information generated could contribute to better management practices for target species and thereby ensuring ecosystem health and sustenance of ecosystem services.