Page 560 - e-Book

Methodology

First of all, reconnaissance survey was conducted of the whole study area to identify
the gregarious patches of grass species for further detailed investigation for density

assessment. Sites so selected in road sites, former land, forest land, near River and Pond,
waste land, TFRI and SFRI campus.

After identification of the study sites square shaped quadrats of size 1m x 1m were
randomly laid out in the field for detailed observations on growth and phyto-sociological

parameters. A total 25 such quadrats have been laid out in various study sites. Coordinates of

the quadrats have been recorded with the help of G.P.S., Soil type of the quadrats also
recorded. Grass species standing in the quadrats have been identified in the field by the field

expert.

Wherever needed, the help of the Flora of Madhya Pradesh (Roy et al., 1992) was
also taken for identification. Grass specimens were also collected and their identification was

verified with the standard specimens kept in the herbarium of State Forest Research Institute,
Jabalpur (MP).

The data collected was analyzed for various phyto-sociological parameters, such as
density, frequency, abundance and IVI (Importance Value Index), using standard method as

per Mishra (1968).

The Shannon and Wiener diversity index (Hꞌ) have been calculated using following
formula (Shannon and Wiener, 1963).

Where, pi = proportion (n/N) of individuals of one particular species found (n), N =
total number of individuals, ln = natural log, = sum of the calculations, S = number of

species.
Concentration of dominance (D) has been calculated by Simpson’s index formula

(Simpson, 1949)

Where, pi = proportion (n/N) of individuals of one particular species found (n),

N = total number of individuals, = sum of the calculations, S = number of species.

Pilou evenness (J) has been calculated by using formula (Pilou, 1969)

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