Pasture and Land Degradation by weedy invasion on frost heaves in Changthang-Ladakh: Retrospect and Prospects

Abstract

This article provides quantitative information on the occurrence of pastoral farms in Leh-Ladakh region. Cover of this weed (Canadian thistle) is spread throughout Ladakh, around water channels, wetlands, cropped areas, its fencings, seabuckthorn vegetation, pastoral systems, and east Ladakh (Changthang). A survey using random sampling procedure was performed and data from the surveyed villages (Chushot, Stakna, Thiksey, Changthang, Spituk,) showed farmers do not weed out the unwanted plants and 80% of Leh agriculture directly and indirectly support weedy growth including most devastating world’s worst weed Cirsium arvense (locally known as Ljangtser). The degree of indirect support to Cirsium is 30% by pastoralists, 50% by cultivators, 80% by farmers near water channels, 40-60% around seabuckthorn vegetation and near farm fencing and 30% by farmers for wetland in Changthang. This weed is fast spreading in pastoral/ wetland systems across Changthang; the peak percentage grazed area covered by Cirsium is overall 6% (4%, 6%, 6%, 12% and 6% for beef, dairy, deer, sheep and sheep/beef farms, respectively).