青藏高原高寒草甸植被特征与温度、水分因子关系

以广布于青藏高原的高寒草甸为研究对象,进行模拟增温实验,探讨高寒草甸植被特征与温度、水分因子关系,并试图论证高寒草甸植被是否符合生物多样性代谢理论.结果表明:①高寒草甸植被物种多样性的对数与绝对温度的倒数呈显著线性递减关系,空气-地表-浅层土壤(0-20 cm)温度(R2 ＞0.6,P＜0.01)较深层土壤(40-100 cm)温度(R2＜0.5,P＜0.05)对物种多样性影响大;其植被新陈代谢平均活化能为0.998-1.85 eV,高于生物多样性代谢理论预测值0.6-0.7 eV,这是高寒草甸植被对长期低温环境适应进化的结果.②除趋势对应分析和冗余分析显示,温度对植被地上部分影响较大,而土壤水分对全株影响均较大,适当的增温与降水均可极显著促进高寒草甸植被生长.③逐步回归和通径分析显示,40 cm、60 cm深度土壤水分对植被地上部分产生直接影响,20 cm高度空气相对湿度和40 cm深度土壤温度对其产生间接影响;40 cm深度土壤温度和60 cm深度土壤水分对植被地下部分产生直接影响,红外地表温度对其产生间接影响.深层土壤温度和水分对高寒草甸植被具有影响作用,这可能与增温后冻土的融化有关,但其机理尚待进一步研究.     

The association pattern of structural and biomass traits of capparis spinosa L. with topographic and soil factors

Understanding the plant's functional traits is the first step for recognition of present patterns in plant vegetation, responding to environmental conditions and how they affect the environment. Capparis spinosa is one of the important medicinal, edible and marketable species which sparsely grows in large parts of Marl lands on semi-arid rangelands of East Azerbaijan province, Iran. Therefore, in addition to measuring plant traits (structural and biomass traits), ecological association of these traits with environmental factors were also studied in August 2016. For this purpose, vegetation cover studied through selecting four representative masses having different environmental properties within research grazing exclusion area and establishing sampling network inside the areas. So, for each mass, thirty 3m² plots (1.5 × 2 m) with 30 m intervals from each other established along with three 300 m-long transect. A composite soil sample up to plant rooting depth was collected from each transect. Slope percent, aspect and elevation were recorded as topographical factors. Also, vegetation traits measured in 5 healthy plant stands in each mass. In order to study the association pattern of structural and biomass traits with environmental factors (soil and topography), according to calculated gradient length, the method of redundancy analysis (RDA) was used. Totally, on the spatial scale, the soil factors had a greater influence on structural and biomass traits than topographic factors. So that the percentage of clay, electrical conductivity, acidity, silt percentage and gypsum content had the greatest impact on biomass traits. Structural traits were also most affected by the percentage of clay, electrical conductivity, soil moisture content and amount of gypsum. By investigating the relationship between plant characteristics and environmental factors, the results of this research are applicable to preservation, rehabilitation and development of this species as a multi-purpose plant in pasture areas. Meanwhile, measured traits are the essential requirements for calculating the diversity of performance.     

Relationships between the vegetation and soil conditions in beech and beech-oak forests of northern Germany

In this study we examine the relationships between the vegetation of beech and beech-oak forest communities (Hordelymo-Fagetum, Galio-Fagetum, Deschampsio-Fagetum, Betulo-Quercetum) and their soil conditions in the lowlands of northern Germany, based on 84 sample plots. In all plots the vegetation was recorded and soil parameters were analysed (thickness of the O- and the A-horizons, pH, S-value, base saturation, C/N, mean Ellenberg moisture indicator value). The vegetation classification according to the traditional Braun-Blanquet approach was compared with the result of a multivariate cluster analysis. Vegetation-site relationships were analysed by means of an indirect gradient analysis (DCA).Both traditional classification methods and the cluster analysis have produced comparable classification results. So far as the species composition is concerned, a similar grouping of sample plots was found in both approaches. Multivariate cluster analysis thus supports the classification found by the Braun-Blanquet method. The result of the DCA shows that the four forest communities mentioned above represent clearly definable ecological units. The main site factor influencing changes in the species composition is a base gradient, which is best expressed by the S-value. In addition, within the series Hordelymo-Fagetum - Galio-Fagetum - Deschampsio-Fagetum the C/N-ratios and the thickness of the organic layers (O-horizon) increase continuously. By contrast, the floristic differences between oligotrophic forest communities (i.e., Deschampsio-Fagetum and Betulo-Quercetum) cannot be explained by a base gradient and increasing C/N-ratios. It is suggested that a different forest management history in some cases (e.g., promotion of Quercus robur by silvicultural treatments) is responsible for differences in the species composition, but on the other hand the result of the DCA indicates that Fagus sylvatica is replaced by Quercus robur with increasing soil moisture (i.e., with the increasing influence of a high groundwater table). Summarizing these results, it can be concluded that the ecological importance of single site factors affecting the species composition changes within the entire site spectrum covered by the beech and beech-oak forests of northern Germany.     

塔里木盆地南缘旱生芦苇生态特征与水盐因子关系

选择位于塔里木盆地南缘极端干旱区的克里雅河流域于田绿洲为靶区,结合经典统计学和冗余分析技术,研究了旱生芦苇生态特征与水盐因子的分布规律及相互关系。统计学分析显示:芦苇沿河岸至荒漠方向株高、盖度和地上生物量减少、地下生物量增加,水分与土壤盐分也呈现一定的梯度变化规律。冗余分析结果表明:水分为芦苇生态特征变化的关键驱动因子,地下水埋深和土壤水分与芦苇的生态特征呈现极显著的相关关系,钠吸附比、全盐与芦苇的生态特征呈现显著的相关关系,其他指标与芦苇生态特征的相关性均不显著。水盐因子对芦苇生态特征影响的重要性排序为地下水埋深土壤水分钠吸附比全盐HCO-3pH值Cl-/SO2-4。综合水盐要素,水分对芦苇生态特征的影响大于盐分。     

新疆天山森林公园土壤螨类群落多样性与环境因子的相关性

为探讨西北干旱区森林土壤螨类群落和环境因子的相互关系,于2014年对新疆天山森林公园七种不同生境进行土壤螨类群落调查与环境因子测定,并采用除趋势对应分析法(DCA)和冗余分析法(RDA)对土壤螨类群落结构和多样性特征及其与环境因子之间的关系进行相关分析。结果表明,共捕获土壤螨类成体标本24399只,隶属4目56科108属(包括9个中国新记录属),其中小甲螨属Oribatella为优势类群。方差分析表明,在7种不同生境之间土壤螨类群落多样性指标均存在显著差异(P<0.05),Shannon-Wiener多样性指数(H)依次为针叶林>苗圃林>阔叶林>灌木林>针阔混交林>草甸草原>林中草地。RDA分析结果表明,第一主轴和第二主轴分别解释了土壤螨类主要群落总变量的34.8%和27.3%,所有环境因子共解释了土壤螨类群落物种组成变异的82.1%。蒙特卡罗置换检验显示,十种环境因子与全部排序轴(F=7.355,P=0.002)均存在极显著的相关性。研究表明,海拔、土壤含水量和有机质含量对螨类群落结构和多样性的影响显著。     

戴云山黄山松群落与环境的关联

基于戴云山黄山松群落类型31个样地(20 m×20 m)野外调查,筛选4个地形因子和11个土壤环境因子,采用除趋势典范对应分析法(DCCA)探讨黄山松群落分布格局与环境之间的关联,定量分析环境因子间相互关系及其对黄山松群落格局的影响。结果表明:(1)DCCA第一排序轴主要反映黄山松群落的海拔变化,第二轴主要反映坡向变化,即沿第二轴从上到下,坡向越朝向阳坡,黄山松群落分布越明显。(2)DCCA表明第一轴与海拔的相关系数达0.5570,即海拔是黄山松群落分布起着决定性作用的环境因子,呈现海拔越高,黄山松优势种群越显著,在海拔1400-1600 m表现突出。(3)黄山松群落主要物种在DCCA排序图的相对位置,反映坡向、坡位、有机质、人为干扰因素是影响黄山松群落分布的重要因素。(4)DCCA排序图中黄山松群落种类排序轴与环境排序轴的相关系数高于DCA,且消除CCA的 "弓形效应",更能凸显海拔、有机质等环境因子对黄山松群落的影响,即黄山松群落与环境因子之间关联以DCCA排序方法为最佳。     

Classification and ordination of plant communities in Abune Yosef mountain range,Ethiopia

Understanding how topography-soil-disturbance drives spatial distribution of vegetation is the interest of ecologists. This study was, conducted to investigate the topography-soil-disturbance and vegetation relationships in Abune Yosef mountain range, Ethiopia. A total of 85 nested sample plots measuring 400 m², 25 m² and 1 m² were established for trees, shrubs and herbs respectively. Topographic, soil and disturbance variables were also assessed from each plot. Plant community classification was described and identified by agglomerative hierarchical clustering using Ward's minimum variance clustering methods. Shannon diversity index was employed to determine community diversity. After detecting the length of the first Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) axis, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) forward and backward stepwise selection of environmental variables was performed based on their p-value by running permutation tests. The first axis explained 43.63% of the overall inertia and is correlated with Elevation, pH, slope aspect, total Nitrogen, soil organic Carbon & Clay. On the other hand, the second axis explained 32.06% of the total inertia and is correlated with bulk density, slope, logging, & available Phosphorus. The present study revealed that topographic variables have a profound influence on vegetation spatial distribution than soil and disturbance factors.     

Influence of environmental variables on algal associations from a floating vegetation mat (Schwingmoor Lake Lunzer Obersee,Austria)

In 2002, periphyton samples were collected 14 times from six stations within a floating vegetation mat in Lake Lunzer Obersee, a small mountain lake in Austria. Water temperature, conductivity, pH, alkalinity, Ca²⁺- and total-hardness were measured and quantitative samples were taken for algal biomass and chlorophyll-a analysis. Algal biomass results clearly indicated the dominance of green algae. Cluster analyses were carried out, based on both algal data and environmental parameters. The algal data separated sites, whereas the abiotic clustering revealed a temporal aspect. An indicator species analysis determined the characteristic taxa for each species group. Indicator species were then related to environmental factors using a redundancy analysis (RDA). Both pH and conductivity were significant factors, whereas water temperature, alkalinity, Ca²⁺- and total-hardness were not. The results of the RDA show that three species groups could be identified along a gradient of pH. One group was positively correlated with high alkalinity and another group occurred at higher values of conductivity.     

The effects of vegetation types and microhabitats on carabid beetle community composition in cool temperate Japan

The effects of vegetation types and environmental factors on carabid beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) communities were studied. Carabid beetles were collected using pitfall traps (total 2844 trapping days) and seven microenvironmental factors were measured in four vegetation types: grassland, natural evergreen coniferous forest (Pinus densiflora), deciduous broad-leaved natural forest (Quercus crispula, Betula platyphylla, Alnus japonica, or Fagus crenata), and deciduous coniferous plantation (Larix kaempferi) in cool temperate Japan. These four vegetation types provided a novel comparison between natural forests and plantations because the vast majority of related studies have investigated only deciduous broad-leaved natural forests and evergreen coniferous plantations. PERMANOVA indicated that vegetation types affected carabid community composition. Ordination plots showed that community composition differed greatly between grassland and forest vegetation types, but that community composition in the plantation forest overlapped with that of natural forest types. Characteristics differentiating the grassland included a high proportion of winged species and a low mean carabid body weight. Among the examined environmental factors, litter depth, soil water content, and depth of the soil A-horizon had large effects on carabid communities. These results suggest that the effect of afforestation on carabid communities in cool temperate Japan might be insignificant compared with the effects of cover types (deciduous vs. evergreen) and microenvironmental factors.     

中条山混沟地区森林乔木种的数量分类与环境解释

通过对中条山混沟地区森林植被调查资料的多元分析——TWINSPAN分类、CCA排序与环境解释,划分了该地区的植被类型,给出了植被与环境因子的定量关系。结果如下:1)40个样地可划分为青檀林(Form.Pteroceltis tatarinowii)、栾树林(Form. Koelreuteria paniculata)、槲栎林(Form. Quercus aliena)、栓皮栎林(Form. Quercus variabilis)、鹅耳枥+葛萝槭林(Form. Carpinus turczaninowii+Acer grosseri)、元宝槭+千金榆林(Form. Acer truncatum+Carpinus cordata)和辽东栎林(Form. Quercus liaotungensis)7种群落类型,体现了中条山地带性植被类型为暖温带落叶阔叶林的特点。2)群落类型的划分主要反映了CCA排序第一、二轴的环境梯度,CCA排序第一轴突出反映了海拔与土壤养分梯度,第二轴与土壤pH值、湿度指数和坡度显著相关。总体来说,海拔和土壤因子是影响混沟地区乔木物种分布分异的最主要环境因子。3)环境因子和空间因子解释了物种格局变化的46.14%,其中环境因子占30.79%,空间因子占8.48%,空间因子和环境因子交互作用解释的部分占6.87%。良好的环境解释反映了调查取样和环境因子选取的合理性,同时也体现了混沟地区植被的原始性。     

黄土区露天煤矿排土场土壤与地形因子对植被恢复的影响

在脆弱的生态环境改善和恢复过程中,植被恢复与重建扮演着重要的角色。黄土露天煤矿区生态环境极其脆弱,认识矿区损毁土地植被恢复与地形、土壤因子之间的作用规律对矿区土地复垦与生态恢复改善至关重要。为此,选择山西平朔安太堡露天煤矿南排土场对2条样带27个复垦样地的土壤、地形、植被参数进行了采集与测定,并应用单因素方差分析与CANOCO4.5软件的降趋势对应分析和冗余分析研究了地形与土壤因子对植被恢复的影响。结果表明:植被与土壤变量之间呈显著相关,与地形变量之间相关性不明显;坡度主要影响草本覆盖度,坡向与有机质和速效磷之间具有线性相关性;速效钾对植被的变化起着重要的作用;土壤容重与砾石含量对土壤养分含量具有明显的指示作用;有机质与全氮呈显著正相关,各土壤养分指标之间存在明显的相关关系。为了改善和恢复黄土区露天煤矿排土场脆弱的生态系统,应该考虑植被和土壤的联合演替。在当地的生态环境状况下土地复垦与生态恢复的关键是改善土壤状况和增加人工植被,同时加强对排土场人工和自然植被的保护。     

Root hydraulic conductivity and vessel structure modification with increasing soil depth of two oak species: Quercus pubescens and Quercus robur

There are numerous studies on water transport characteristics of trees from the base to tops, but only few deal with the variation in xylem conduit diameters from shallow to deep roots. This study compares variation in root conduit properties as a function of increasing soil depths for two oak species (Quercus pubescens Willd and Quercus robur L.) growing on two different plots. We measured root vessel characteristics at three soil depths including 0, 50 and 100 cm, and calculated the associated root-specific hydraulic conductivities. Vessel diameter and specific hydraulic conductivity increased with increasing soil depth from 0 to 50 cm, but did not change in the deeper soil layer in both species. We conclude that freeze–thaw events in upper soil layer limit vessel diameters and thus hydraulic conductivity of roots.     

黄河三角洲植被空间分布特征及其环境解释

为了解黄河三角洲地区植被空间分布与环境因子之间的关系,通过局地植被样方调查、区域遥感影像提取归一化植被指数(NDVI)及地形高度、地下水位埋深、表层土壤Cl~-含量等环境数据采集,综合样地植被与环境数据进行了除趋势对应分析(DCA)和除趋势典范对应分析(DCCA),并对区域NDVI与主要环境变量进行了单因子相关性分析和多元逐步回归分析。结果显示:DCA排序可将黄河三角洲植被分为翅碱蓬、柽柳-翅碱蓬、芦苇-柽柳、芦苇4个主要群落类型(群丛),DCCA与DCA排序图总体相似,但DCCA更清晰地表明其第一轴主要代表的是潜水Cl~-浓度等关键水盐因子,且随着水土环境系统盐分含量的减小,群落由翅碱蓬逐渐向芦苇演变。区域典型植被群落和NDVI分布格局与变化趋势受地下水位埋深和潜水Cl~-浓度2个环境因素影响较大(NDVI与2个环境变量间建立的二元回归方程R~2=0.57),而土壤Cl~-含量的植被效应实际上受地下水位埋深和潜水Cl~-浓度的影响。在区域地下水普遍浅埋条件下,地下水成为影响植被生长与分布的生态环境最敏感要素,而地下水位埋深和潜水Cl~-浓度是这一要素中的2个关键因子,尤其是后者梯度变化对天然植被分布格局起重要的控制作用。     

Vegetation patterns and environmental gradients in tropical dry forests of the northern Yucatan Peninsula

Patterns of plant species composition and their relationships to soil and topographic variables were investigated in tropical dry forests across the north central Yucatan, Mexico. Seven sites were studied in the oldest accessible forests along a 200–km transect oriented northwest to southeast; an eighth site was located in a little‐disturbed area located 75 km northeast of the transect. Two of the sites were on Mayan ruins. All sites were sampled using 9–24, 10m × 20m plots (<n= 132) for woody stems ≥ 3.0 cm diameter breast height. The important natural forest species were Bursera simaruba, Caesalpinia gaumeri, Gymnopodium floribundum, Piscidia piscipula, and Thouinia paucidentata. The two most important woody species in ruin woodlands were Brosimum alicastrum and Croton lundellii. Forest plots (n=108) had 17 species on average, ruin plots (n= 24) nine species. Mean basal area of stems at the forest plots (20.7 m².ha^‐1) was lower than in ruin plots (28.4 m².ha^‐1). Detrended Correspondence Analysis generally placed plots by site along the geographic transect. Natural forest plots and sites were separated from the plots on ruin sites. The five soil and topographic variables (slope, soil depth, percent surface rock, soil pH, total soil organic matter) differed significantly among sites. Plot values were correlated with DCA axe scores. Intersite floristic variation reflects an overall west to east environmental gradient affected by climate.     

宁夏贺兰山、六盘山典型森林类型土壤主要肥力特征

采用野外调查结合室内分析的方法,对该区域典型森林类型下土壤的主要剖面肥力特征进行了研究,并对主要理化指标进行了因子分析.结果表明:受森林凋落物的累积、分解和成土母质、气候条件的影响,贺兰山、六盘山主要森林土壤的剖面肥力具有明显差异.其中,土壤孔隙度(54.50％-72.22％,剖面均值,下同)受有机质影响显著,随土层加深逐渐减小,容重(0.72-1.21 g/cm3)、比重(2.55-2.68 g/cm3)随土层加深显著增大,且六盘山各样地比重大于贺兰山.受有机质归还作用影响,有机碳(24.03-65.37 g/kg)、全N(1.48-3.49 g/kg)、NO3--N(1.88-10.50 mg/kg)、NH4+-N(5.02-11.01 mg/kg)、全P (0.37-1.19 g/kg)、有效P(4.82-13.38 mg/kg)、速效K含量(82.03-244.62 mg/kg)均随土层加深逐渐降低;全K含量(18.92-26.14 g/kg)随土层加深逐渐增大,且六盘山各样地全K含量大于贺兰山.土壤C/N (11.74-19.88)旱现B层＞C层＞A层,且贺兰山各样地C/N大于六盘山.土壤CEC(23.94-40.30 cmol/kg)受有机质的主导作用明显,随土层加深显著减小,pH值(7.09-8.09)、ESP(0.59％-2.47％)及BSP(51.24％-80.57％)均随土层加深逐渐增大,且贺兰山各样地pH值、ESP大于六盘山.粘粒(5.46％-10.20％)、TDS (0.33-1.12 g/kg)及CaCO3(1.44-14.23 g/kg)均未出现明显积聚,且贺兰山各样地TDS、CaCO3含量大于六盘山.因子分析显示,对于该区域各样地土壤的肥力特征,可以应用有机质因子、环境因子和NO3--N因子进行综合描述.其中青海云杉、山杨混交林下土壤的有机质因子得分最高,贺兰山各样地环境因子得分显著大于六盘山,NO3--N因子得分则以小叶金露梅灌丛和华北落叶松天然林最高.     

砒砂岩区不同立地类型人工油松林下草本种群生态位特征及其环境解释

黄土高原砒砂岩区是我国水土流失最为严重的地区之一,油松(Pinus tabuliformis)是该区水土保持与水源涵养的优势乔木。以几种不同立地类型人工油松林为对象,应用Levins生态位宽度指数、Pianka生态位重叠指数和冗余度分析(RDA),研究林下草本群落生态位特征及其与环境的相互响应。结果表明:所调查的150个油松林下草本样方中,共发现31种草本植物,隶属于11科24属,阳性旱生植物居多。不同立地类型人工油松林下草本群落生态位特征不同,生态位宽度指数及生态位重叠指数均表现阳坡大于阴坡,平坡好于斜缓坡,但整体指数均较小,表明物种对环境资源利用程度较低,种间竞争度不大,群落处于相对稳定状态。通过对比典范对应分析(CCA)及冗余度分析(RDA),RDA排序更能较好揭示生态位特征与环境因素的关系,得出乔灌层郁闭度、土壤有机质、土壤含水率和坡度是林下草本群落生态位特征各异的主导环境因子。     

天山中段南坡巴伦台地区不同海拔植物群落物种多样性与土壤因子的关系

为探讨天山中段南坡巴伦台植物群落物种多样性随海拔梯度的分布特征及其与土壤环境因子的关系,该研究采用野外调查的方法,在和静县巴伦台地区海拔范围内设置34个样地进行了植物多样性和土壤因子的调查及室内指标的统计分析。结果表明:(1)研究区共调查到30科75属134种植物,草本层为主要优势层。不同海拔高度上土壤理化指标具有异质性,土壤含水量、全盐、有机质、全氮、全钾、有效氮和有效钾差异性显著(P<0.05),其中除全钾以外,其他土壤因子的含量均表现为中海拔大于低、高海拔区域。随海拔的升高,植物群落在低、高海拔段Pielou均匀度指数较高; 灌木层物种Patrick丰富度指数较低; 草本层物种Shannon-Wiener指数、Simpson指数随海拔升高先增加后减小。(2)RDA分析表明,影响植物群落物种多样性的主要环境因子是海拔、土壤含水量、全盐、有机质、全氮和有效氮。海拔作为主导因子,与草本层各物种多样性指数呈正相关,与灌木层各物种多样性指数呈负相关关系; 全盐是抑制植物群落总体物种Simpson指数的主要土壤因子; 氮元素一定程度上限制灌木、半灌木物种的生长。该研究结果表明土壤因子对不同生活型物种多样性的形成具有一定的筛选作用及不同物种对环境变化的适应策略不同。     

飞播马尾松林土壤有机碳空间分布及其影响因子

以飞播马尾松林为研究对象,通过典型样地调查和样品测定,采用简单相关分析和增强回归树分析(Boosted regression tree analysis:BRT)相结合的方法分析地形、林分、土壤以及林下植被条件对飞播马尾松林土壤有机碳的影响。结果表明:飞播马尾松林0—10 cm、10—20 cm土层有机碳含量的平均值分别为10.22 g/kg和6.64 g/kg,土壤有机碳含量随土层的加深而降低,两土层有机碳含量的变异系数分别为59.5%和60.1%,均属于中等程度变异。土壤有机碳含量主要受土壤条件的影响,其次为林分条件、地形条件和林下植被条件,土壤、林分、地形和林下植被条件对0—10 cm土层有机碳含量的相对影响力分别为63.4%,19.3%,10.9%和6.4%,对10—20 cm土层的相对影响力分别为60.4%,21.9%,10.6%和7.1%。全氮和全磷是影响土壤有机碳含量的主要因子,对0—10 cm土层有机碳含量影响最大的因子是全氮,其相对影响力为40.2%,对10—20 cm土层有机碳含量影响最大的因子是全磷,相对影响力为31.2%;全氮、全磷和平均胸径与两土层有机碳含量均呈显著正相关,林分密度和土壤容重与0—10 cm土层有机碳含量呈显著负相关,坡向与0—10 cm土层有机碳含量则表现为越向阳坡有机碳含量越高的规律,其他影响因子与土壤有机碳的相关性不显著。     

Study on the phenology of Chara vulgaris in Xin’an Spring, north China

The phenology of Chara vulgaris was studied. The specimens were collected four times from April 2004 to January 2005 (one sampling per season). The water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, maximum width and maximum depth were monitored at every sampling time. Eighteen main morphological characteristics of the Chara vulgaris were also observed and measured under the microscope. The results showed that all the environmental factors had different seasonal patterns and some of the morphological characteristics had significant fluctuations, indicating differences in their seasonality. At the same time, some morphological characteristics were affected by the environmental parameters to some extent and the effect was primarily exhibited in its vegetative proportions; there was little effect on the sexual reproductive characteristics. Therefore, the relatively stable sexual reproductive characteristics can be used to identify the species.     

Determinants of Tree Assemblage Composition at the Mesoscale within a Subtropical Eucalypt Forest

A variety of environmental processes, including topography, edaphic and disturbance factors can influence vegetation composition. The relative influence of these patterns has been known to vary with scale, however, few studies have focused on environmental drivers of composition at the mesoscale. This study examined the relative importance of topography, catchment flow and soil in influencing tree assemblages in Karawatha Forest Park; a South-East Queensland subtropical eucalypt forest embedded in an urban matrix that is part of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network South-East Queensland Peri-urban SuperSite. Thirty-three LTER plots were surveyed at the mesoscale (909 ha), where all woody stems ≥1.3 m high rooted within plots were sampled. Vegetation was divided into three cohorts: small (≥1–10 cm DBH), intermediate (≥10–30 cm DBH), and large (≥30 cm DBH). Plot slope, aspect, elevation, catchment area and location and soil chemistry and structure were also measured. Ordinations and smooth surface modelling were used to determine drivers of vegetation assemblage in each cohort. Vegetation composition was highly variable among plots at the mesoscale (plots systematically placed at 500 m intervals). Elevation was strongly related to woody vegetation composition across all cohorts (R²: 0.69–0.75). Other topographic variables that explained a substantial amount of variation in composition were catchment area (R²: 0.43–0.45) and slope (R²: 0.23–0.61). Soil chemistry (R²: 0.09–0.75) was also associated with woody vegetation composition. While species composition differed substantially between cohorts, the environmental variables explaining composition did not. These results demonstrate the overriding importance of elevation and other topographic features in discriminating tree assemblage patterns irrespective of tree size. The importance of soil characteristics to tree assemblages was also influenced by topography, where ridge top sites were typically drier and had lower soil nutrient levels than riparian areas.