Causal interpretation of vegetation along Nullah Korang Islamabad, Pakistan using multivariate techniques

Abstract

In pursuit of elaborating the prevailing vegetation type in Nullah Karang, Islamabad area, phytosociology has several environmental constraints that have been overcome by statistical techniques. Vegetation was analyzed using multivariate technique along a wastewater channel Nullah Korang with an aim to i identify the prevailing vegetation type, ii to what extent, the existing plant species growing along Nullah Korang are in natural grouping, and iii causal interpretation of the existing plant communities. Field observations were recorded using quadrat method using 1m x 1m sized quadrat. Raw data was tabulated in excel spreadsheet and later on analyzed using PC-ORD for the classification and ordination analysis in which the two-way indicator species analysis TWINSPAN and Deterended correspondence analysis DCA was applied. Presently growing vegetation communities particularly Cynodon dactylon and Carthamus oxyacantha species are best adapted to prevailing environmental conditions. Three major plant communities identified in the results showed grouping of those species that share common characteristics in terms of life form and habit. It was predicted that present situation of vegetation composition will sustain in further provided no drastic environmental change or highly competitive exotic plant species intrude in the study area

Keywords

• Phytosociology,multivariate technique,DCA

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