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Subalpine tall-herb vegetation in Bulgaria: diversity and ecology.

Authors :
Szokala, Daniel
Kočí, Martin
Vassilev, Kiril
Source :
Plant Biosystems. Jun2024, Vol. 158 Issue 3, p490-510. 21p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Class Mulgedio-Aconitetea comprises plant communities that develop primarily in the upper montane to subalpine vegetation belts. It is vegetation where tall herb species (forbs, ferns, grasses) occur dominantly; in the Balkans, it was studied only marginally. In this article, based on floristic composition we assess two questions: (1) what is the diversity of the class Mulgedio-Aconitetea in Bulgaria and (2) what environmental factors are responsible for the vegetation assemblages in the area? We analyzed 387 plots. We created an expert system that classifies this vegetation and tested environmental variables for their influence on these vegetation types. In total, 15 associations and one uncategorized community were classified using the Braun-Blanquet approach. The length of the growing season (number of growing degree days > 0 °C) and climate moisture have a significant effect on the vegetation. Disturbance severity, disturbance frequency and reaction have influence over the species scores. Moreover, all variables significantly differed between the vegetation types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
11263504
Volume :
158
Issue :
3
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Plant Biosystems
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
177456369
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/11263504.2024.2327865