Abstract

In the present study the understory vegetation or communities under the canopy of tree species of Cholistan desert (27° 42’ and 29° 45’ North and longitudes 69° 52’ and 75° 24’East) and the effect of canopy cover on the soil chemistry were studied. Quadrats of 1 m²were laid to record the different plant species underside the canopy cover of tree species and then frequency, density and plant cover were recorded, whereas relative frequency, relative density, relative cover and IVI for each of the plant species were computed following the standard methods. The study was repeated for three times and field guides were used to identify the plant species. Soil analysis showed that tree species greatly modified the soil chemistry beneath the canopy cover. Stipagrostis plumosa, Salsola baryosma andCenchrus cilaris were the major plant species that form the understory communities of tree species due to their close association with each other in the Cholistan desert. Other plant species also take part in forming the understory vegetation of tree species but to some less extent as they fail to form any type of association with each other.

Key words: Understory, vegetation, Cholistan desert, canopy, quadrat, IVI, soil.