This study aimed to investigate the orographic effects on vegetation status in east part of Alborz Mountain range. Soil and vegetation samples were collected along 19 km north-south of this mountain range from Sorkh Gerive to Badeleh kooh in Hezarjerib area. Two transects with 100 meters lengths in west-east direction (Perpendicular to the dominant slope) were established in each site, located with 100 meter elevation from sea level intervals, and plant species presence and absence were recorded in every 50 cm along the established transects. Classification and multivariate analysis (such as cluster analysis, CCA and PCA) were used to explore the relationships between vegetation, soil and elevation from sea level. According to the results, plant communities reflect the ecological status of the studied sites mainly determined by orographic effects in this area. According to PCA analysis, elevation was the most important variables, explaining vegetation changes in the area. The CCA results revealed that Acantholimon-Acanthophyllum community was mainly affected by elevation. Fagus-Carpinus community depends mainly on aspect and had also a positive correlation with potassium content in top soil layer. As Carpinus-Poa sub-community was dominant in slopes received high sun exposure and had the highest mean temperature, therefore it can be concluded that this sub community is well adapted with relatively dry, sunny and warm habitat in this type of ecosystem.
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