SEASONAL VARIATION IN LEAF RELATIVE WATER, DRY MATTER AND LIVE FINE FUEL MOISTURE CONTENTS IN SOME COMMON PLANT SPECIES OF QUETTA, BALOCHISTAN
Abstract
An analysis was made of the seasonal variation in leaf relative water content (RWC), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), live fine fuel moisture (LFFM) in 3 woody species of Quetta, Balochistan, RWC results suggest that the stable plant species have more efficient mechanisms to reduce water losses and maintain water supply between seasons and the RWC was found with variation from season to season and plant to plant. Highest RWC was noted in Pinus halepensis Miller. during spring, followed by summer and autumn. LDMC was higher in the autumn season as compared to spring and summer suggesting a more efficient conservation of nutrients. The LFFM contents were also noted higher in autumn, followed by summer and spring.