Vegetation Recovery in the Abandoned Agricultural Lands in Madi Watershed, Gandaki Province, Nepal

Abandoned agricultural lands are increasingly common, yet little is known about how vegetation recovers on these lands over time. Furthermore, it is essential to understand the factors that influence ecological regeneration after land abandonment. This study was conducted across 12 abandoned sites in the Madi Watershed, Gandaki Province, Nepal, examining the status of current vegetation. The sites were distributed from 500 m to 2000 m above sea level. Vegetation survey was conducted by sampling plots, using a nested plot design to assess tree, shrub and herb species across the sites. Plant species richness, species composition and factors associated to influence the vegetation composition were measured and evaluated. A total of 172 plant species were recorded, including 107 herbs, 35 shrubs and 30 tree species, with Poaceae being the most represented family. Out of these, 12 species were invasive, 17 were naturalized and 143 were the native species. Tree species richness decreased with elevation, shrubs increased at mid-elevation and herbs increased with high elevation. Tree species like Schima wallichii, Castanopsis indica, Madhuca longifolia and Alnus nepalensis are potential pioneer contributors to vegetation recovery in the abandoned lands. Disturbances such as fire, grazing, cutting, trampling and road proximity influenced species composition. Cluster analysis distinguished seven distinct plant communities in the abandoned sites. Overall, this study provides information about vegetation recovery and ecological insights in abandoned agricultural land of Madi Watershed, Nepal.