Plant Biodiversity and Its Role in Ecological Balance and Sustainability in the Changing Landscapes of Haryana, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55544/jrasb.5.2.7Keywords:
Plant biodiversity, Species richness, Ecological stability, Above-ground biomass, Haryana, Land-use zones, SustainabilityAbstract
Plant biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem stability, productivity, and sustainability. This study explores the variation in species richness, abundance, and above-ground biomass productivity across three land-use zones in Haryana, India: forest ecosystems (Kalesar National Park and Morni Hills), agro-ecosystems (Hisar, Rohtak, Bhiwani), and urban green spaces (Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal). A total of 108 plant species were documented in forests, 62 in urban green spaces, and 41 in agro-ecosystems, comprising trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation. Forest ecosystems exhibited the highest species richness, evenness, and above-ground biomass followed by urban green spaces while agro-ecosystems displayed the lowest diversity and productivity. Comparative analyses revealed that dominant species largely determine biomass distribution, and diversity indices confirmed greater ecological stability in forests compared to other zones. Urban green spaces, though moderately productive, serve as important biodiversity reservoirs in human-dominated landscapes, while agro-ecosystems present opportunities for enhancing ecological function through sustainable management practices. The study highlights that land-use type significantly influences plant diversity and ecosystem functioning, with natural forests providing key ecosystem services, urban green spaces supporting biodiversity amidst development, and agro-ecosystems requiring targeted interventions. These findings emphasize the importance of conservation, habitat restoration, and species-rich urban planning, providing a reference data for sustainable land-use strategies and policy development in semi-arid regions of Haryana.
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