Gradient analysis and classification of vegetation pattern in himalayan moist deodar forest, Pakistan

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

The present investigation describes the structure and vegetation composition of the forest of Kaghan valley, Pakistan. The study area is a part of the Himalayans moist temperate forest. The vegetation zone entirely consists of Herbs, shrubs and tall trees. The plant gives the appearance of a vast flower bed, composed principally of herbaceous species. These species are adapted to withstand the extremes of cold and desiccation. Study area range in altitude from 1800m- 2200 m (a.s.l). A total of 86 plant species belonging to 84 genera and 50 families were identified from the study area. Data were analyzed by multivariate statistics including Cluster Analysis, Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and correlation co-efficient to detect the relations between altitudinal and some environmental factors with the composition and structure of the plant communities. DCA axis 1 and axis 2 were used to interpret the data. Four vegetation types were delineated by Cluster Analysis which was then plotted on the first two axes a scattered diagram. The outcome of the cluster was confirmed by using DCA. There were significant differences in the flora composition as well as the edaphic factors along the altitudinal gradient. The results of the present investigation suggest a direct altitudinal and soil chemistry effect on the vegetation variation. Topography predicts the species composition of the study area.