Numerical phytosociology of the subalpine belt of the Kazbegi region,Caucasus, USSR

A vegetational transect across a glacial valley was investigated. Structure and species composition, as well as influence of disturbance by biotic factors (grazing of sheep and cattle) and abiotic factors (topography, wind, water) are discussed.According to species composition and community structure, 4 main vegetation types were distinguished by comparing field data from phytosociological relevés with results of numerical treatments (3 methods of numerical classification and DCA ordination): 1) Chamaesciadium acaule-Polygonum viviparum, 2) Festuca cf. woronowii-Carex tristis, 3) Veratrum lobelianum-Taraxacum stevenii and 4) Rhododendron caucasicum-Vaccinium myrtillus communities.Species diversity (evenness, and number of species) was low in the ungrazed dwarf-shrub alpine communities, which were dominated by Rhododendron caucasicum, in comparison with the grazed meadow. The highest values of these characteristics were found in the transitions among the types.     

Numerical analysis of vegetation complexes and community diversity of major coastal dinaric mountains

Abstract. This study includes 24 transects on slopes of the Velebit, Biokovo and Orjen mountains, the tallest coastal mountains along the Adriatic Sea, with a very high species richness according to European standards and having the largest regional concentrations of endemics. Within each transect the presence or absence of phytosociological alliances, according to the Zürich-Montpellier School, was interpreted from local studies. The alliance composition of the transects was compared with methods used in numerical syntaxonomy. Three types of vegetation complexes (N. Dinaric inland, transitional and S. Dinaric coastal) were derived from a numerical classification of the transects; they were defined on the basis of their characteristic alliances. The maritime impact affecting the mountains through the river canyons reduces the contrast in vegetation between inland and coastal slopes. The existence of a climatic macrogradient is indicated by seriation of the basic alliance/transect data matrix leading to a diagonal structure, by a gradual shift of the alliance composition within the same vegetational type, and by the distribution of the transects and alliances along the first axis of a Correspondence Analysis ordination. Transect scores on the second ordination axis are negatively correlated with transect vegetational diversity (number of alliances per transect); this axis may reflect a decrease in humidity and temperature range. This interpretation is supported by the result of a comparison of the total mountain vegetational diversity (Mann-Whitney test), which showed that Orjen is the most diverse mountain ridge. The expected correlation between plant community diversity and altitude of the transects is blurred, probably due to the impact of the cold Bora wind and subsequent compression of vegetational zones.     

桂林岩溶石山青冈群落数量分类与排序

植物群落的数量分类和排序可以客观地揭示植物群落与环境之间的关系,从而能为植被恢复与重建、森林经营与管理和生物多样性保护等提供理论依据。基于群落学调查和环境因子测定数据,采用Ward聚类、双向指示种分析(TWINSPAN)和多元回归树(MRT)对桂林岩溶石山青冈群落进行数量分类,选用冗余分析(RDA)进行排序,分析其与环境因子之间的关系。结果表明:(1)3种分类方法所得结果基本一致,可将桂林岩溶石山青冈群落划分为3个群丛类型,分别为青冈-粗糠柴+龙须藤+红背山麻杆-三穗薹草群丛(Ass.Cyclobalanopsis glauca-Mallotus philippensis+Bauhinia championi+Alchornea trewioides-Carex tristachya)、青冈-龙须藤+红背山麻杆+干花豆-宽叶沿阶草+三穗薹草群丛(Ass.Cyclobalanopsis glauca-Bauhinia championi+Alchornea trewioides+Fordia cauliflora-Ophiopogon platyphyllus+Carex tristachya)、青冈-粗糠柴+干花豆-三穗薹草群丛(Ass.Cyclobalanopsis glauca-Mallotus philippensis+Fordia cauliflora-Carex tristachya);(2)冗余分析结果较好地反映出各群丛类型的分布格局及其与环境梯度的相互关系,在10个环境因子中,岩石裸露率、土壤含水量、pH值、全氮、全磷、全钾、速效钾这7个环境因子对群落的分布影响显著。土壤含水量和全钾含量可能是影响该植物群落物种组成与分布的重要生态因子。     

The impact on the Senjogahara ecosystem of extreme run-off events from the river Sakasagawa,Nikko National Park

Vegetational data from Senjogahara moor, Nikko National Park, Japan have been analysed using two contrasting but parallel multivariate approaches as a basis for future studies. The plant communities objectively defined using a divisive polythetic classificatory approach (TWINSPAN) have been successfully overlayed on an ordination of the same data using detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). The results reveal a vegetational mosaic reflecting differential levels of flood damage to the vegetation and its subsequent rates of recovery, in a space-time continuum. The results from the TWINSPAN classification show that 13 plant communities are present in the sample area and these correlate closely with complete absence, slight, or extremely heavy disturbance. The form of the disturbance as either channel erosion or alluvial depositional features is shown to also correspond quite closely with the vegetational types and is reflected in the ordination axes derived from DCA.     

A phytosociological study of the macrophytic vegetation of running waters in western lower saxony (Federal Republic of Germany)

A survey was carried out of the macrophytic vegetation in running waters of Western Lower Saxony. Three hundred and eighty-two phytosociological relevées were classified by common table work to 30 vegetation types of different phytosociological validity. The vegetation types are described and floristically characterized. Most of them belong to the complex Sparganium emersum community, which is characterized by the dominant occurrence of the nymphaeid species Sparganium emersum Rehm., Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm., Sagittaria sagittifolia L. and Potamogeton natans L., but magnopotamid-, parvopotamid-, batrachiid- and pleustophyte-dominated communities also occur. Similarity between the different vegetation types was checked by multivariate techniques, one classification technique (minimum variance clustering) and one ordination technique (principal components analysis). Additionally, syndynamical relations between the types were studied by observing the vegetation changes of 46 sample points within 2 years. The relations between different vegetation types are shown by combination of the different approaches. Finally, some more general statements are made regarding the handling of such data sets, as well as the consequences of the results for the classification of macrophytic vegetation in Central European rivers.     

Forest ecosystems of an Arizona Pinus ponderosa landscape: multifactor classification and implications for ecological restoration

Aim We developed an ecosystem classification within a 110,000‐ha Arizona Pinus ponderosa P. & C. Lawson (ponderosa pine) landscape to support ecological restoration of these forests. Specific objectives included identifying key environmental variables constraining ecosystem distribution and comparing plant species composition, richness and tree growth among ecosystems. Location The Coconino National Forest and the Northern Arizona University Centennial Forest, in northern Arizona, USA. Methods We sampled geomorphology, soils and vegetation on 66 0.05‐ha plots in open stands containing trees of pre‐settlement (c. 1875) origin, and on 26 plots in dense post‐settlement stands. Using cluster analysis and ordination of vegetation and environment matrices, we classified plots into ecosystem types internally similar in environmental and vegetational characteristics. Results We identified 10 ecosystem types, ranging from dry, black cinders/Phacelia ecosystems to moist aspen/Lathyrus ecosystems. Texture, organic carbon and other soil properties reflecting the effects of parent materials structured ecosystem distribution across the landscape, and geomorphology was locally important. Plant species composition was ecosystem‐specific, with C₃Festuca arizonica Vasey (Arizona fescue), for instance, abundant in mesic basalt/Festuca ecosystems. Mean P. ponderosa diameter increments ranged from 2.3–4.3 mm year^?1 across ecosystems in stands of pre‐settlement origin, and the ecosystem classification was robust in dense post‐settlement stands. Main conclusions Several lines of evidence suggest that although species composition may have been altered since settlement, the same basic ecosystems occurred on this landscape in pre‐settlement forests, providing reference information for ecological restoration. Red cinders/Bahia ecosystems were rare historically and > 30% of their area has been burned by crown fires since 1950, indicating that priority could be given to restoring this ecosystem's remaining mapping units. Ecosystem classifications may be useful as data layers in gap analyses to identify restoration and conservation priorities. Ecosystem turnover occurs at broad extents on this landscape, and restoration must accordingly operate across large areas to encompass ecosystem diversity. By incorporating factors driving ecosystem composition, this ecosystem classification represents a framework for estimating spatial variation in ecological properties, such as species diversity, relevant to ecological restoration.     

Nuovi micromiceti su Pandanacee

Abstract

Helianthemetea guttati communities are pioneer spring and early summer ephemeral grasslands, dominated by non-nitrophilous therophytes. In Continental Portugal, these communities have not yet been fully investigated, and thus the objectives of the present study are: (1) to identify community types in therophytic grasslands; (2) to recognize those communities that configure the European priority habitat 6220* (pseudo-steppe with grasses and annuals); (3) to establish environmental gradients underlying their spatial variation; (4) to assess how floristic composition is affected by land use factors. Vegetation sampling using phytosociological methodology was carried out on 80 grasslands. Modified Twinspan classification and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was applied for the classification and ordination of relevés whereas partial CCA (pCCA) and variation partitioning were used to assess the relative influence of individual land use factors. Some 270 species were identified across 11 community types whose floristic patterns were mainly explained by environmental gradients related to altitude and soil type while land use variables could only explain a small part of the floristic variation. Based on biogeography and the determination of diagnostic species, four phytosociological new associations and a new subassociation are proposed: Holco-Brachypodietum distachyi, Holco-Micropyretum tenellae, Micropyro-Anthoxanthetum aristati and Leontodonto-Vulpietum bromoidis vulpietosum membranaceae.     

Multivariate approach to the classification and ordination of the forest ecosystem of Nandiar valley western Himalayas

QuestionsDoes the vegetation composition of the forests of Nandiar Valley correlate with climatic, topographic and edaphic variables? Is it possible to identify plant communities through indicator species in relation to environmental gradients? Can this approach of classification and ordination will be helpful for conservation planning?LocationForests of Nandiar Valley, Moist temperate Western Himalayas Pakistan.MethodsEighty stands were selected for quantitative and qualitative characteristic of vegetation between an elevations of 525–3817 m. Species composition was recorded by using 400 m long transects. GPS, climatic, edaphic and topographic data were recorded for each sampling site. The relationship between habitat types, species composition and distribution along with climatic, edaphic and topographic variables were analyzed using TWINSPAN, Cluster analysis and DCA ordination.ResultsSum 325 vascular plants species belonging to 97 families were recorded. Diversity index and species richness was maximum in the moist temperate zone. Classification and ordination showed that the variance in species data was 7.07. Two-ways indicator species analysis classified the vegetation into eight plant communities. Indicator species analysis revealed that slope aspect, wind speed, temperature, dew point, wet bulb, pH, organic matter and phosphorous were the strongest parameters (p ≤ 0.05) determining plant community composition and indicator species in each habitat. The results also show the strength of the environment – species relationship using Monte Carlo procedures. DCA ordination grouped different species having similar habitat and habitats having common species.ConclusionsThe multivariate analysis of the vegetation along with environmental variables of Nandiar valley confirmed the indicators of each sort of vegetation communities/microclimatic zones which could further be used in conservation planning and management not only in studied area but also in the adjacent regions as well as in the areas exhibit similar sort of climatic, edaphic and topographic conditions.     

藏北高原草地群落的数量分类与排序

采用TWINSPAN数量分类和DCA、CCA排序的方法,对藏北高原草地29个样点进行统计分析。结果显示:(1)TWINSPAN数量分类将藏北高寒草地群落划分成10种类型。(2)样点DCA排序第一轴基本反映了水分环境梯度,第二轴基本反映了热量梯度。(3)TWINSPAN分类所划分的各群落在DCA排序图上都有各自的分布范围和界限,说明DCA排序能较好的反应各优势群落与其环境资源之间的关系。(4)样点CCA排序表明,影响群落分布的首要环境因子是水分因子(年均降水量)和空间因子(经度),其次是热量因子(年均温度),CCA排序进一步阐明了群落分布决定于水分和温度等环境因子,并间接验证了TWINSPAN的分类结果。(5)物种CCA排序和TWINSPAN分类结果表明:植物群落中物种的分布格局与植物群落类型的分布格局存在一定的相似性。     

ORDINATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF WESTERN OAK FORESTS IN OKLAHOMA

Ordination and classification techniques were used to analyze patterns of forest vegetation, species diversity, and soil type in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge of southwestern Oklahoma. Cluster analysis based on tree species produced three general community types: 1) Quercus stellata-Q. marilandica forests; 2) Q. stellata forests; and 3) mesophytic forests. A polar ordination produced a gradient of vegetation that corresponded to a moisture gradient. Many high diversity forests were located on loamy drainageway soils or north facing slopes. Tree species diversity (H') was inversely related to the importance of Quercus stellata. Cluster analysis based on species composition of the tree seedlings produced four general community types: 1) Q. marilandica type; 2) Q. marilandica-Q. stellata-Juniperus virginiana type; 3) Ulmus americana-Celtis reticulata-Bumelia lanuginosa type; and 4) Acer saccharum type. The third seedling type occurred almost exclusively on loamy drainageway soils. There was no relationship between stand location on the first axis of the tree ordination and the first axis of the seedling ordination suggesting that trees and seedlings respond differently along the moisture gradient.     

A pollen-analytical investigation at Threepwood Moss

Summary

Absolute and relative pollen analyses from Threepwood Moss in south-east Scotland are presented. Three local pollen assemblage zones with sub-divisions, together with stratigraphic evidence, indicate the mire succession from minerotrophy to ombrotrophy and the vegetational history of the area during the mid-Flandrian period to present-day. The landscape was initially shrub dominated, chiefly by Corylus, with a subsequent inspread of Betula which retained its importance in the tree cover and was never displaced by Alnus while mixed oakwood taxa are poorly represented. Consequent on deforestation due to anthropogenic activities, open habitat communities replaced the woodland.

Comparisons are drawn between Threepwood Moss and other sites in Britain to establish chronozones and to illustrate the vegetational variation due to latitude and altitude.     

The halophile vegetation of the sedimentary coast of Lazio (central Tyrrhenian district,Italy)

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the results of a phytosociological survey carried out in the Lazio region (central Italy) to investigate the vegetation and conservation status of brackish habitats. Eighteen vegetation types are described, belonging to 8 alliances, 5 orders and 5 classes of vegetation. A new association and an association previously unrecorded in Italy, both assigned to the Frankenietalia pulverulentae, have been recognized. The occurrence of important floristic and vegetational features, and the potential for the development and restoration of typical ecological sequences suggest the implementation or the enhancement of conservation activities in all of the brackish sites surveyed.     

A phytosociological analysis of abandoned terraced olive grove shrublands in the Tyrrhenian district of Central Italy

ABSTRACT

A phytosociological study of the shrubland communities which colonise abandoned terraced olive groves in the Tyrrhenian district of Central Italy is presented here. The vegetational analysis was carried out using the Braun Blanquet phytosociological approach. Two main types of shrubland communities characterising distinct environmental conditions occur within abandoned terraced olive groves. On the one hand, there are those scrub types which tend to occupy the central part of the terrace; on the other hand, there are the scrubs types which develop along the stone walls bordering the terrace. Different phytosociological associations, sub-associations, and variants ranging from Pistacio-Rhamnetalia alaternii to Prunetalia spinosae are recognised and described. In the warm dry areas, both Myrto-Lentiscetum and Rhamno-Euphorbietum dendroidis occur. Also, a new Oleo-Ceratonion sub-association (Myrto-Lentiscetum spartietosum junceii) is presented here for the first time. In the inner zones of the study area, a range of aspects characterising a new Pruno-Rubion ulmifolii community type (Roso-Rubetum ulmifolii ass. nova) are identified.     

Trends in structural compositional attributes of dune-interdune vegetation and their edaphic relations in the Indian desert

Vegetation of 127 sites on different aspects of dune-interdunes in the Indian Thar Desert was classified using TWINSPAN. TWINSPAN groupings of sites separated better vegetated dunes of the northeast form the poorly vegetated dunes of the northwest and the southwest. Of the different ordinations using noncentred, centred and centred and standardized principal component analysis, reciprocal averaging and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), the site and species classes in DCA correlated well with ten edaphic and ten vegetational attributes of each site. Strong correlation of vegetation groupings with soil texture, moisture holding capacity and low correlation with pH and electrical conductivity revealed the possible importance of soil physical properties in affecting vegetation composition.The 11 species classes in TWINSPAN were regrouped into 18 species classes in DCA, which separated highly frequent species from those of less and least frequent species. Based on dominance-diversity attributes, Calligonum polygonoides-Lasiurus sindicus was brought out as bioedaphic climax stage. Correlation of ordination scores in different site groupings with vegetational attributes showed specific trends: From the zero of x, y and z axes to their maximum, the ordination scores of grasses and browse species declined while score of spinous species increased. The sites near the origin of the x, y and z axes were therefore least degraded and those at or near the maximum of x, y & z axes were most disturbed as was confirmed by the dominance diversity trends. Thus trends of compositional and functional attributes of vegetation of sites in different groupings helped in inferring a site's degradation status.Abbreviations RIV Relative importance value - TWINSPAN Two Way Indicator Species Analysis - PCA Principal Component Analysis - RA Reciprocal Averaging - DCA Detrended Correspondence Analysis - EC Electrical Conductivity - WHC Water Holding Capacity - BD Beta Diversity - DC Dominance Concentration - WWS Windward slope of the dune - LWS Leeward slope of the dune - ID Interdune Nomenclature: Bhandari, (1990)     

秦岭山地天然次生林群落MRT数量分类、CCA排序及多样性垂直格局

采用多元回归树(MRT)对秦岭山地天然次生林群落进行数量分类,采用典范对应分析(CCA)进行排序,分析了秦岭山地天然次生林群落物种多样性沿海拔梯度的变化规律。结果表明:(1) 275个样方共有种子植物195种,隶属61科128属。乔、灌、草3个层次物种多样性变化沿海拔梯度的变化趋势基本一致,呈单峰模型;(2)经交叉验证认为秦岭山地天然次生林群落可分为2类,Ⅰ冬瓜杨(Populus purdomii)+陇东海棠(Malus kansuensis)+蛇莓(Duchesnea indica)群落,Ⅱ锐齿槲栎(Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata)+黄栌(Cotinus coggygria)+茜草(Rubia cordifolia)群落;(3) CCA排序结果揭示了群落生境的分布范围,反映出生态轴的排序意义,较好地反映秦岭山地天然次生林群落与环境因子的关系,其结果表明,海拔、坡向、凋落层厚度和干扰情况4个变量对该地区次生林群落的分布有较大的影响。     

Plant communities,species richness and their environmental correlates in the sandy heaths of Little Desert National Park,Victoria

Plant community composition and its likely environmental controls were investigated for 200 sample plots (each 100 m²) from Mediterranean-type vegetation in the Little Desert National Park, Victoria. TWINSPAN classification revealed four readily identifiable vegetation types; mallee-broombush, heathland, stringybark open woodland, and an assemblage intermediate between mallee-broombush and heathland referred to here as broom-heath. Mallee-broombush was found on Parilla Sands characterized by high Ca levels relative to heathland and stringybark open woodlands on unconsolidated Lowan Sands. The first axis of a 2 dimensional non-metric MDS ordination also divided heathlands (high axis scores) from mallee-broombush (low scores), while the second separated these vegetation types from stringybark woodlands and broom-heath. Vector-fitting revealed significant correlations between the locations of samples in ordination space and exchangeable soil Ca, soil colour, aspect and Shannon–Weiner diversity. Highest species richness/diversity was associated with the ecotonal area between Parilla and Lowan Sands (i.e. broom-heath) where a number of species characteristic of different assemblages had overlapping ranges. The fire-sensitive conifer, Callitris rhomboidea, was preferentially located in stringybark woodland and broom-heath vegetation types. Its presence was positively associated with high species richness and aspects having a southerly component. Four Callitris stands sampled for population structure were all > 40 years old and showed evidence of interfire recruitment from seeds released by old, serotinous cones. Overall, results suggest that variations in plant community composition and structure in the eastern block of the Little Desert are primarily due to variations in soil properties associated with the distribution of the two dominant substrate types, Parilla Sand and Lowan Sand. However, the interplay of topography and fire behaviour has probably been more important than substrate type in determining the distribution and population structure of longer-lived, fire-sensitive species such as Callitris rhomboidea.     

Ecological gradients in forest communities on Groote Eylandt,Northern Territory,Australia

Vegetational changes over a series of geological boundaries through an area of managanese mineralization on the western side of Groote Eylandt, have been analysed using pattern analysis techniques. Hierarchical classification of data on the frequency of occurrence of plant species in the transects through each of the vegetational zones gave five ecologically identifable groups. The degree of interrelatedness between the sites was emphasized by ordination of the groups, incorporating minimum spanning analysis. The vegetational groups represent developments under different environmental conditions in which differences in water relations and the presence of an impermeable barrier in the soil profile were important. Comparison of the soil nutrient contents of the sites indicated major differences in the total manganese concentration in the topsoil. Even though manganese levels in Eucalyptus tetrodonta leaf tissue were high, no evidence could be found for an iron-chlorosis induced by a low Fe/Mn ratio. The levels of other nutrients in eucalypt foliage were similar to those measured elsewhere. In each vegetational grouping the frequency of occurrence of termite species varied according to site and food type. The role of termites in nutrient cycling needs to be further studied. The closed-forest maybe the climatic climax on the acid red earth soils since in the absence of fire it extends into the surrounding Eucalyptus tetrodonta open-forest. On the Sandstone and Manganese ares the stable state of the vegetation is likely to be composed of the Australian element of the vegetation modified to various extents by fire.     

中国特有植物短丝木犀(Osmanthus serrulatus Rehd.)群落结构及其环境解释

为了解环境因子对短丝木犀植物群落的影响,研究了四川省宝兴县东拉山短丝木犀植物群落地区的环境因子、TWINSPAN分类、物种和多样性指数与环境因子的DCCA排序。结果表明:1)TWINSPAN将东拉山短丝木犀24个植物群落里划分为12个群落类型,分类结果在空间上反映了东拉山植物群落的演替变化趋势。2)短丝木犀植物群落生长在土壤含水量较高、郁闭度较高,并处于西南和南坡向的沟边。短丝木犀群落的主要伴生物种为鹅耳枥Carpinus turczaninowii、宝兴木姜子Litsea moupinensis、领春木Euptelea pleiosperma、云锦杜鹃Rhododendron fortunei、宝兴过路黄Lysimachia baoxingensis、糙苏Phlomis umbrosa和铁角蕨Asplenium trichomanes。3)DCCA排序结果验证了TWINSPAN分类结果的合理性,同时指出影响东拉山短丝木犀植物群落类型及空间分布的重要环境因子是土壤有机质和腐殖质含量。     

Habitat requirements of Cardaminopsis petraea — Rare and relict species of the Czech Republic

Vegetation with Cardaminopsis petraea was sampled by phytosociological relevés at almost all the known Czech sites, and characterized by indicator values, influence of potential direct solar irradiation, and bedrock type with the aid of multivariate methods. It has been declared that C. petraea prefers open natural or seminatural drier to mesophilous habitats without some preference to the bedrock. It occupies habitats with various slopes, but it prefers more extreme slants and northerly exposed slopes. The classification and ordination methods showed clear distinction between Moravian and Bohemian habitats. Apart from other types, in Bohemia this species occurs uniquely in acidophilous rock communities, whereas in Moravia it grows uniquely within calcareous grasslands. Relictness of the species was discussed in relation to the specific site conditions (light supply, disturbance regime, and geographical isolation) and to the occurrence of other rare taxa and habitats. Occurrence on some man-made habitats was also observed.     

嵊州市公益林群落数量分类、排序及环境解析

为探讨群落分布和环境间的内在关系,采用二元指示种分析(TWINSPAN)和典范对应分析(CCA)法对嵊州市公益林植物群落94 块固定监测样地(20 m×20 m)进行数量分类与排序.结果表明,采用TWINSPAN 可将94 个公益林监测样地分成14 组,其中以马尾松为建群种的群丛最多,是该区域主要的优势群落类型.CCA 排序结果较好地反映了植物群落与环境因子的关系,其中坡向和坡位是植物群落分布的主导环境因子.此方法可有效解释植物群落分布格局与环境之间的内在联系,为区域公益林分类经营管理提供科学依据.