Effect of slope aspect on vegetation characteristics in mountain rangelands of Tajikistan: considerations for future ecological management and restoration

Tajikistan’s rangelands are mostly mountainous and consist of summer winter pastures. Vegetation structure composition in these diverse landscapes generally influenced by environmental factors. The objective this study was to assess the effects aspect on vegetation characteristics two pastures (summer winter) over seasons (autumn spring) Tajikistan. A three-way ANOVA conducted using GLM procedures test main interactions factors attributes. biomass production (kg DM ha−1) significantly greater north-facing aspects for both spring (483.4, 326.1) autumn (57.2, 143.9), compared with south-facing 143.9 18.5, 48.2 autumn, respectively). Plant cover plant density were also north than slopes autumn. Aspect affected species diversity, botanic composition, life forms mainly grasses geophytes. There responses slopes, implying that is important when designing mountain rangeland restoration. Given complexity, land managers should thoroughly conditions target site before defining restoration objectives interventions.