FOREST COVER ENHANCES REGULATORY ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND PHYTO-SOCIOLOGICAL AND SOIL PARAMETERS IN SUBMONTANE RANGELANDS OF THE SALT RANGE

Abstract

Forest cover is critical for sustaining ecosystem function and regulating environmental conditions in submontane rangelands. This study looked at how forest vegetation affected specific ecosystem services, soil qualities, and phytosociological characteristics of common plant species in Pakistan's Salt Range. The quadrat method (5 m × 5 m) was used to assess vegetation, while soil temperature and organic matter were measured in wooded and open habitats at the Jabba, Khabekki, and Kanhati locations. Soil temperature was consistently lower under forest cover, with mean values of 36.06°C, 35.76°C, and 36.42°C in Jabba, Khabekki, and Kanhati, respectively, compared to 39.78°C, 39.08°C, and 38.66°C in open regions. The one-way ANOVA revealed a highly significant difference between vegetative and open sites (F = 66.862, p < 0.001). Forest soils also contained more organic matter, with mean values of 0.76%, 0.86%, and 0.80% at the corresponding sites, but open lands only had 0.58%, 0.56%, and 0.54%. This difference was also very significant (F = 62.227, p < 0.001). Phytosociological research found that Justicia adhatoda had a much higher frequency, density, and cover in forest habitats, with a maximum frequency of 91.67% and a cover of 37.27%. Significant habitat impacts were seen in frequency (F = 59.888, p = 0.002), density (F = 28.604, p = 0.006), and cover (F = 29.621, p = 0.006). Peganum harmala and Cynodon dactylon showed similar significant changes in both forest and open habitats. Overall, the findings show that forest cover improves regulatory ecosystem services by moderating soil temperature, increasing soil organic matter, and promoting increased vegetation abundance and diversity, emphasizing the ecological significance of forest conservation in the Salt Range rangelands.