Journal of Range and Watershed Managment

Classification and Ordination of Vegetation Cover in Arid and Semi-arid Rangelands (Case study: Nir Rangelands of Yazd Province)

Authors

Mohammad Ali Zare Chahouki
Masoud Yousefi
Mohammad Jafari
Hossein Azarnivand
Marjan Shafizadeh Nasrabadi
https://doi.org/10.22059/jrwm.2012.30024
Abstract
The current research was carried out to find out the most effective environmental factors in plant species occurrence by classification and ordination methods. For this purpose, the study was conducted in Nir rangelands of Yazd province and topography, climate, soil and grazing intensity data of the region were determined. Sampling method was randomized–systematic and within each sampling unit 3-5 parallel transects with 300-500 m length, each containing 30-50 quadrates (according to vegetation variations) were established. Quadrate size was determined for each vegetation type using the minimal area; hence suitable quadrate size for different species was determined 1*2m–10*10m (2-100 m2). Soil samples were taken from 0-30 and 30-80 cm in starting and ending points of each transect. Measured soil properties included gravel, texture, available moisture, saturation moisture, organic matter, lime, gypsum, pH and electrical conductivity. To analyze environmental data, classification (using TWINSPAN) and ordination (using PCA, CCA) were used. The results indicated that soil salinity, texture and available water play the main role in distribution of plant species.

Keywords

Classification
environmental factors
Nir rangelands
Ordination
Yazd province

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