Linkage between herbaceous vegetation and soil characteristics along rawal dam islamabad

Abstract

This study provides an analysis of the soil, vegetation types and species distribution along Rawal Dam, Rawal Lake and its three tributaries (Bani Gala, Chattar and Bari Imam Streams and its tributaries), with a focus on the environmental factors that control species distribution. After identifying the study area’s herbaceous vegetation and analyzing the soil’s physical and chemical parameters, the variable data were connected into a relationship. TWINSPAN (Two Way Indicator Species Analysis) classified the herbaceous vegetation into seven different communities with which; the formulated groups in DCA (Deterended Correspondance Analysis) were coherent. CCA (Canonical Correspondance Analysis) produced the relationship of soil parameters such as pH, organic matter, Potassium, Manganese, Zinc, and Iron with the herbaceous vegetation. The most effectual and varied parameter was the Potassium and Manganese that was available among the heavy metals. Thus, this study analyzed the overall relationship among soil, vegetation and the species present at the selected site.