Assessment of Vegetation-edaphic correlation of wetland complex of Soon valley, Pakistan using multivariate techniques

Abstract

Vegetation-edaphic correlation was studied to abserve ecological relationship of plants. Because of the interrelationship of environmental variables various ordination techniques i.e., Two-way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN), Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA)) were employed to reveal the inherent pattern on visual inspection. Total 36 herbaceous species belonging to 16 families were identified in the area of Ucchali wetland complex, Soon Vally, Khusab, Pakistan, with Cynodon dactylon as dominant species owing to its high tolerance to prevailing environmental conditions. Results of CCA exposed elevation, organic matter and pH to be the most influencing factors in growth and distribution of flora of the area. Different analyses such as biplots, data attribute plots and pie symbols plots were accomplished for the species of the study area. Because of the induced change, various non-native and invasive species were also recorded in the area which might contribute to further altering the range ecology of the area. Apart from promoting sustainable use of natural resources in Ucchali Wetlands Complex (UWC); ecological integrity of the Ramsar sites must be conserved and improved through ecological interventions related to illicit cutting of forest, unsustainable utilization of water resources, municipal pollution, agricultural intensification, etc.