The phytosociological analysis of saline area of Tehsil Ferozewala, District Sheikhupura (Punjab), Pakistan

Abstract

This study is a broad ecological survey, and classification of the vegetation of Agro Farm plantations of a Tehsil Ferozewala (District Sheikhupura) Punjab, Pakistan. The vegetation survey description and classification was according to Zurich-Montpellier School of thought is based on over 300 Relevé Method. In all twelve associations i.e. Suaedetum fruticosae, Kochietum indicum Diplachnetum fuscae, Desmostochyetum bipinnatae, maurorae, Polypogaetum monspeliensae, Erythraeo-Polypogaetum monspeliensae, Veteviarietum cylindrieae, Scirpetum maritimae and Typhetum angustitae are recognized and each association is further sub-divided into sub-associations and classified into its respective class, order and alliances according to central European Phyto-sociological methods. Several relationships of the plant community types have been worked out during this study. The soil characteristics of each vegetation type are discussed in relation to soil texture; pH, Conductivity, Carbonates, Bicarbonates, Chlorides and Sulphate as well as ecological affinities of each association are also described. By reintegrating these trees and shrubs back into agriculture landscape to reverse salinity such as Atriplex amnicla, Tamarix aphylla, Phoenix dactilifera, Prosopis spp. Susbenia bispinasa, Sesbenia sesbena, Casorina, Grewia asiatie, Psidium guava etc. The incorporation of these plants (grasses, shrubs and trees) into agriculture land system of the Punjab has potential to increase crop, fiber, wood and animal production and degradation of land will also be halted.

Key words: Phyto-sociological, agroforestry, relev’es, plant associations, characteristic species, differential species, companion species.