PJB-2018-343
Influence of soil physical and chemical variables on distribution of perennial plant species in different plant communities of Rawdhat Al Masodi, Saudi Arabia
Fahad Saleh Al-Shamlani Al-Anazi
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the dominance of perennial plant communities in Rawdhat Al Masodi in Saudi Arabia and the effect of soil phycial and chemical variables on the species distribution. A total number of 51 plant species representing 25 families were reported from the study site in which 19 perennial species were reported that composite 7 plant communities. The soil physical and chemical variables showed significant differences among different communities (ANOVA, P<0.05) except for pH. The identified plant communities (C1-C7) were dominated by Rhazya stricta, Calotropis procera, Acacia gerrardii, Acacia ehrenbergiana, Pulicaria undulate, Zilla spinosa and Teucrium oliverianum, respectively. The highest species richness of 8 species was reported in Acacia ehrenbergiana community (C4) and the lowest number of species of 3 was recorded in Teucrium oliverianum community (C7). The cluster analysis based on Bray-Curtis distance measure showed that species composition in C1 and C6 at high degree of similarity to species patterns in C4 compared to others. The species in the C5 shows uniqueness as they were distinguished from other communities. The CCA model between species composition and soil physical and chemical variables was significant (Monte-Carlo test, 499 permutations, P<0.05) and explained 51.15 % of the total variation in species composition. The CCA identified strong factors structuring the perennial plant species in Rawdhat Al Masodi; organic matter (OM), total dissolved salts (TDS), phosphate (PO4), carbonate (CO3) and bicarbonate (HCO3). In conclusion, there is remarkable diversity in plant communities in Rawdhat Al Masodi with notable variation in their physical and chemical properties. The floristic diversity in this area is threatened by several factors including occasional recreational activities, woodcutting and development. Further ecological studies should be conducted to better understanding the factors structuring the plant community in this area. The government should design immediate and effective conservation programs to protect the floristic diversity in this area from future deterioration.
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