Abstract : Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is one of the conservation sites in India. The physicochemical properties of soil collected from these sites (Rhododendron forest, mixed forest and mixed temperate deciduous forest) were analyzed for organic carbon and holding capacity. The results showed that the higher percent of moisture and organic carbon (OC) percentage was in Joshimath (mixed forest) and highest population of V. jatamansi was also found in Joshimath. Better soil moisture and maximum soil (OC) must have supported greater population of the V. jatamansi plants. At Chamoli site, where both soil moisture and soil OC were low, the population of plants was also lowest across the three sites.