The significance of edaphic factors in describing forest vegetation patterns is becoming more well acknowledged, with significant implications for the description of biogeographical regions and biome classification, as well as abundance and growth patterns at regional levels. The current study examines the vegetation association in the Zabarwan mountain range of the Western Himalayas and its association with edaphic factors. To collect data on forest types, we employed a systematic random sampling strategy in 60 plots (0.1 ha) across five forest types. We investigated data using ordination and cluster analysis approaches after calculating the important value index (henceforth IVI) for each plant species and edaphic data from forests. In total, 76 plant species from 39 different families were found in the area. The Rosaceae family was the most numerous, followed by Fabaceae and Asteraceae. Scrub forest types have lower diversity indices, while broad-leaved forest types have greater diversity indices. Two-way cluster analyses classified the forest vegetation of the Zabarwan mountain range into two plant communities on the basis of indicator plant species. The ordination analysis (canonical correspondence analysis) indicated that vegetation association tended to be influenced differently by distinct levels of soil parameters. The soil pH and calcium content were the main factors influencing the species distribution in the different forest types. The phytosociological features (basal area) were higher in coniferous forest type (74.49 m²ha⁻¹) compared to broad-leaved (58.63 m²ha⁻¹) and scrub forest type (15.4 m²ha⁻¹). Overall, the goal of this research is to gain a better understanding of the impact of soil elements on forest composition and associations in order to develop scientifically based management options for forest ecosystem protection in the Himalayan region.

Climber–abiotic parameter interactions can have important ramifications for ecosystem’s functions and community dynamics, but the extent to which these abiotic factors influence the spatial distributions of climber communities in the western Himalayas is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the taxonomic diversity, richness, and distribution patterns of climbers in relation to abiotic variables in the Jhelum District. The data were collected from 120 random transects between 2019 and 2021, from 360 sites within triplet quadrats (1080 quadrats), and classification and ordination analyses were used to categorize the sample transects. A total of 38 climber species belonging to 25 genera and 11 families were recorded from the study area. The Convolvulaceae were the dominant family (26.32%), followed by the Apocynaceae (21.05%), and Leguminosae (15.79%). The majority of the climbers were herbaceous in nature (71.05%), followed by woody (23.68%). Based on the relative density, the most dominant species was Vicia sativa (12.74). The majority of the species flowered during the months of March–April (28.04%), followed by August–September (26.31%). Abiotic factors have a significant influence on the distribution pattern and structure of climbers in the study area. The results show that the climbers react to the biotic environment in different ways. The findings will serve as the foundation for future botanical inventories and will be crucial for understanding the biological, ecological, and economic value of climbers in forest ecosystems. This will help forest management, conservation, and ecological restoration in the Himalayas.

Plant diversity is lower in arid regions around the world. However, semi-arid regions have very high species richness and are notable in terms of vegetation structure and plant diversity. The major goal of this study was to assess the composition and diversity of woody species with respect to edaphic properties in semi-arid lowlands of Kasur, Punjab Pakistan. Comprehensive field surveys were conducted to study the botanical diversity of woody vegetation in Kasur district (Punjab) during 2020–2022. Based on geography and vegetation richness, 120 sampling sites were selected, with each site comprising 05 transects of 500 m² randomly. Therefore, from each sampling site, 25 quadrats were taken for exploring the biological assortment of woody vegetation. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 9 to 12 cm and placed in a polythene bag. The soil samples were tested for soil pH, EC, OM, macronutrients (N, P, and K), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). A total of 86 woody species belonging to 61 genera and 26 families were documented from diverse habitats of semi-arid lowland of Kasur, Punjab, Pakistan. The leading family was Leguminosae having 13 genera and 21 species, followed by Moraceae, including four genera and nine species, and Bignoniaceae with seven genera and 09 species. Overall, five woody plant communities were renamed by means of the maximum indictor-valued plant species, such as those listed below; 1. EDM: Eucalyptus-Dalbergia-Morus community; 2. PBM: Populus-Bombax-Morus community; 3. ZTZ: Ziziphus-Tamarix- Ziziphus community; 4. PAP: Prosopis-Acacia-Prosopis community, and 5. BCR: Broussonetia-Conocarpus-Ricinus community. The CCA ordination makes it apparent that appropriate edaphic aspects, such as pH, organic matter, N, P, K, soil texture (silt, sand, and clay), and cation exchange capacity (CEC), have a significant influence on how woody species are distributed. The current effort provides a fundamental layout to realize the influences of environmental variables on the arrangement, variety, and relations of woody vegetation, which is useful to improve the conservation and management events for the ecological restoration of degraded habitation in the studied district.

The peri-urban landscape is a highly dynamic area between the urban zone and the rural belt. The heterogeneous natural landscape around the cities provides several ecosystem services, but progressive urbanization affects it and results in the loss of biodiversity, greenery, and related benefits. This study attempts to quantify the social amenities associated with ecosystem services in the peri-urban landscape of the Gujrat district, in Pakistan, by using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) The results show that the peri-urban landscape provides amenities for the well-being of the community. Such amenities and the related recreational opportunities represent ecosystem services that are highly regarded by the residents, so much so that a significant willingness to pay can be associated with them. Therefore, this study highlights that natural areas and green areas’ landscapes must be taken into account when facing the social and economic necessity to provide for city expansion in developing countries, especially when aiming to achieve development in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. The ecosystem services and their evaluation are confirmed as indispensable tools for conservation and fortification of landscape development.