Informatics Publishing Limited

Adnan Abubakr ¹, Afsah Nahvi ², M. R. D. Kundangar ³

Affiliations
1 Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Camp: Shuhma, Alusteng, Srinagar-190 006, J&K, IN
2 Krishi VighyanKendra, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, IN
3 Lake Sciences & Water Management Department, SSM College of Engineering & Technology, Pattan, Kashmir, IN

Abstract

The wetlands of Kashmir are highly productive life support systems and are of immense socio-economical value to the people. The present studies concern with wetlands viz., Khushalsar, Anchar, Ahansar, Waskursar, Mansbal and Wular lake, which fall on the flood plains of River Jhelum and enjoy typical rural environment. The littoral zones of all these wetlands are occupied by emergent aquatic plants like Typha angustata and Phragmites communis, followed by ischolar_mained floating leafy aquatic plants like Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaea alba, Nymphoides peltata, and Trapa natans which are extensively used for fodder, food and medicinal purpose. In the present study survey of such valued aquatic plants, their density, frequency, phenology, dry weight and therapeutic values were recorded in order to assess their role in maintaining the health of their users. The distribution frequency and density of various aquatic plants varied from wetland to wetland which could be because of availability of nutrients and the nature of the bottom sediment. It has been observed that the local knowledge on such valued plants abounds and their use is an important link between the dwelling communities and the biodiversity of the area.

Keywords

Kashmir Wetlands, Aquatic Plants, Phenology, Biomass, Therapeutic Uses.

Full Text

   

Adnan Abubakr ¹, M. R. D. Kundangar ²

Affiliations
1 S. K. University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shuhama, Alasteng, Srinagar, Kashmir, IN
2 Limnology and Water Management Lab., Civil Engg. Deptt., SSM College Of Engineering, Parihaspora Pattan, Kashmir, IN

Abstract

The paper analyses attribute of plankton communities and macrophytes along with environmental variables of five floodplain lakes within Jhelum River basin, during various seasons of the year 2005-2006. The Bacillariophyceae dominated Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae in all the lakes whereas zooplankton communities were predominated by rotifers except for the deepest lake Manasbal, where copepods were the dominant group. A close association of Ceratophyllum- Myriophyllum and less frequently with Nymphoides was observed in all the lakes. The waters of all the studied lakes were alkaline and well buffered. The high content of chloride is indicative of presence of organic matter while progressive increase in nitrogen and phosphorus in all the lakes could be attributed to anthropogenic pressure and sewage contamination. The chemical parameters in all the lakes are on higher side when compared to earlier records.

Keywords

Jhelum River Basin, Floodplain Lakes, Biodiversity, Nutrient Enrichment, Plankton Community, Macrophytes.

Full Text