Spatial Patterns of Tree Species Number in Relationship With the Local Environmental Variations in Karst Ecosystem

Karsts are recognized as fragile environments where, forest degradation is faster and the composition and growth rate of vegetation is considered as a product of the interactions between karst ecological factors. A representative sample of vegetation plots from a systematic sampling was analyzed in Longhushan, southwest China. The sampling combined measurements of species number with extensive information on geological, environmental, and soil factors to establish species response to the single or combined influence of these factors. Both General and Generalized Linear Models predicted richness as a function of the combination of variables from the three groups. Richness increased with elevation, slope, moisture, and in dolomite dominated areas, but decreased with organic matter. Patterns of richness were dependent on complex relationships between soil, geological, and environmental factors, within this complexity it appeared that rock type played an important role. Evidence of significant variations was provided after combining variables from the three groups, suggesting their interactions influence on plants. Our findings have implications for the understanding of these interactions and suggest that plant species can be affected by it, and also carbonate rock type may be an important parameter to consider while examining relationships between plant and environmental factors in karst areas.