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Chinese Journal of Plant Ecology >
Vegetation differentiation and soil effect at different slope locations—a case study ofStipa breviflora grassland in Inner Mongolia, China
Received date: 2011-02-24
Accepted date: 2011-08-25
Online published: 2011-11-07
Aims Spatial pattern of vegetation is determined by a variety of environmental factors on different scales. The influence of landform on vegetation pattern is receiving growing attention. This study examined the influence of slope location on vegetation pattern in Inner Mongolia grassland to provide a scientific basis for vegetation classification, vegetation mapping, rational utilization and ecosystem restoration and reconstruction.Methods In each of three typical sites in Stipa breviflora grassland, we established three parallel line transects of unequal length and placed 0.5 m × 0.5 m herb plots at 2-m intervals along each line. Vegetation and soil were surveyed for each plot. Cluster analysis, binomial test, significant difference test, canonical correspondence analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyze the influence of slope location on vegetation pattern and soil effects.
Important findings Vegetation types were clearly differentiated between upper and lower slopes, with a climatic climax community on the upper slope and a terrain community on the lower slope. Slope locations affected the species distribution pattern along the slope, mainly in species composition and some dominant species. The productivity of the lower slope is higher than that of the higher slope, and two different functional areas had formed. The character of the surface soil (especially 0-5 cm) was largest difference between upper and lower slope. Various geomorphic processes resulted in great habitat heterogeneity in a very small region. It provides an important mechanism for formation and maintenance of biological diversity at the local scale. Mechanical composition difference of surface soil (especially 0-5 cm) affected vegetation pattern, and soil moisture affected the productivity difference along the slope.
Key words： community complex; productivity; slope locations; soil character; vegetation pattern
ZHANG Qing, NIU Jian-Ming, Alexander BUYANTUYEV, HAN Fang, DONG Jian-Jun, ZHANG Yan-Nan, KANG Sarula, YANG Yan . Vegetation differentiation and soil effect at different slope locations—a case study ofStipa breviflora grassland in Inner Mongolia, China[J]. Chinese Journal of Plant Ecology, 2011 , 35(11) : 1167 -1181 . DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1258.2011.01167
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