Herb stratum diversity and community structure in Gurez valley of Kashmir Himalaya: application of multivariate techniques in community analyses

In temperate forests, herbs comprise up to 90% of species richness yet received less attention, and their community structure, diversity patterns, driving mechanisms still remain understudied. We provide a phytosociological overview herb stratum develop vegetation model characterize designate groups interpret distribution patterns. Multivariate analyses – classification (TWINSPAN) ordination (indicator analysis [ISA], non-metric multidimensional scaling [NMDS], Canonical Correspondence Analysis [CCA]) were applied data set collected from 32 plots across Gurez valley, Kashmir Himalaya recognize the understory plant communities, determine environmental predictors highlight significance. Altogether, 131 38 families recorded. TWINSPAN classified into three communities: Tanacetum multicule Pedicularis pectinata Aconitum heterophyllum (TPA), Taraxacum officinale Trifolium repens Plantago major (TTP), Impatiens brachycentra Tussilago farfara Galium boreale (ITG). Diversity indices vary significantly, following trend TTP>TPA>ITG. CCA revealed that disturbances, canopy, altitude, moisture strongest parameters determining differentiation. The study outlines methodological workflow based on analytical methods vegetation-plot describe might be helpful in further in-depth syntheses decision-making conservation, global change issues, management.