Latest Articles from Vegetation Classification and Survey Latest 11 Articles from Vegetation Classification and Survey https://vcs.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:08:43 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://vcs.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Vegetation Classification and Survey https://vcs.pensoft.net/ Nomenclatural comments on the alliance Pino sibiricae-Laricion sibiricae https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/104301/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 319-321

DOI: 10.3897/VCS.104301

Authors: Oleg A. Anenkhonov

Abstract: The name Pino sibiricae-Laricion sibiricae was introduced in 1988 by Dostálek et al. and then again in 2004 by Ermakov. Further, the latter name, despite of homonymy, has been accepted in several Russian literature sources on the basis of a misapplication of ICPN Art. 37. The validity and legitimacy of the name introduced by Dostálek et al. are discussed and clarified, whereas Ermakov’s illegitimate homonym must be rejected according to Art. 31. Taxonomic reference: Catalogue of Life Checklist, Version COL23.5 (https://doi.org/10.48580/dfs6) [accessed 16 November 2023]. Abbreviations: ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al. 2021).

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Short Communication Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:19:11 +0200
Syntaxonomic classification of forb steppes and related vegetation of subalpine and alpine belts in the Pamir-Alai Mountains (Tajikistan, Middle Asia) https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/102634/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 291-317

DOI: 10.3897/VCS.102634

Authors: Sebastian Świerszcz, Marcin Nobis, Grzegorz Swacha, Sylwia Nowak, Arkadiusz Nowak

Abstract: Aims: To complete the syntaxonomic scheme of subalpine forb steppes in the Pamir-Alai Mountains in Tajikistan with some remarks on its environmental predictors. Study area: Tajikistan. Methods: A total of 149 relevés were sampled in 2014 and 2021 using the seven-degree cover-abundance scale of the Braun-Blanquet scheme. These were classified with a modified TWINSPAN algorithm with pseudospecies cut-off levels of 0%, 2%, 5% and 25%, and total inertia as a measure of cluster heterogeneity. Diagnostic species were determined using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to show compositional differences between the distinguished alpine and subalpine grassland units. Results: Our classification revealed 12 clusters of alpine and subalpine grassland vegetation in Middle Asia. A total of nine new associations and three communities were distinguished. New vegetation types at potential class rank for Irano-Turanian subalpine and alpine grasslands have been proposed: forb steppes with Eremogone griffithii and Nepeta podostachys in subalpine and alpine belts and alpine grasslands with Festuca alaica and Festuca kryloviana for mesic habitats in the alpine belt. The main factors differentiating the species composition were the mean diurnal temperature range, the sum of annual precipitation, precipitation seasonality and the minimum temperature of the coldest month. Conclusions: Our study sheds light on the open habitat vegetation in the Pamir-Alai Mountains and has contributed to the consistent hierarchical classification of the vegetation of the eastern Irano-Turanian region. Subalpine and alpine forb steppes are a very interesting and distinct grassland type in Middle Asia. The syntaxonomic position of some of the distinguished communities is still unclear and further research on this type of alpine and subalpine vegetation within the mountains of Middle Asia is needed. Taxonomic references: The nomenclature of the vascular plants follows Plants of the World Online (POWO 2023) and problematic taxonomic issues were solved according to The World Flora Online (WFO 2023). Nomenclature of Stipa spp. follows Nobis et al. (2020, 2022) and of Geranium spp. Cherepanov (1995). The nomenclature of bryophytes follows Ignatov et al. (2006). Abbreviations: DCA = Detrended Correspondence Analysis.

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Research Paper Fri, 24 Nov 2023 18:02:39 +0200
Transcaucasian Vegetation Database – a phytosociological database of the Southern Caucasus https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/105521/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 4: 231-240

DOI: 10.3897/VCS.105521

Authors: Pavel Novák, Veronika Kalníková, Daniel Szokala, Alla Aleksanyan, Ketevan Batsatsashvili, George Fayvush, Sandro Kolbaia, George Nakhutsrishvili, Vojtěch Sedláček, Tadeáš Štěrba, Dominik Zukal

Abstract: The Caucasus is a hotspot of global biodiversity. However, even in the era of big data, this region remains underrepresented in public vegetation-plot databases. The Transcaucasian Vegetation Database (GIVD code AS-00-005) is a novel dataset which primarily aims to compile, store and share vegetation-plot records sampled by the Braun-Blanquet approach and originating from Transcaucasia (the Southern Caucasus), i.e. the countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The database currently contains 2,882 vegetation plots. The oldest plots originate from 1929, the newest from 2022, and their collection is ongoing. The data include mesophilous forests (phytosociological class Carpino-Fagetea) and various alpine and subalpine communities (e.g. Carici-Kobresietea, Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea) – selected other habitats are also represented. Most of the plots (84%) are georeferenced, 36% with high precision of 25 m or less. The database includes 2,500 taxon names; Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae and Rosaceae represent the most common families. Vascular plants are recorded in all plots, while data on species composition of bryophytes are available for 11% of plots. The database intends to contribute to the complex biodiversity research of this biologically unique territory. The data might be used in diverse projects in botany, biogeography, ecology and nature protection. Taxonomic reference: The Plant List (http://www.theplantlist.org/ [Accessed 10 Jan 2023]). Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016). Abbreviations: TVD = Transcaucasian Vegetation Database.

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Long Database Report Mon, 16 Oct 2023 18:55:56 +0300
Distribution of graminoids in open habitats in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/95767/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 3: 273-286

DOI: 10.3897/VCS.95767

Authors: Sebastian Świerszcz, Grzegorz Swacha, Małgorzata W. Raduła, Sylwia Nowak

Abstract: Aims: Landscapes of Middle Asia are exposed to human influence due to long-lasting pastoral tradition, and now are largely dominated by non-forest vegetation. Graminoids perform key ecosystem functions, and constitute an important feed source for livestock. We studied the distribution patterns of graminoids cover under climatic and grazing pressure gradients in different open vegetation types. Study area: Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan. Methods: 1,525 vegetation plots representing five open vegetation types (mires, salt marshes, tall-forb communities, pseudosteppes and steppes) were extracted from the Vegetation of Middle Asia Database. We assessed the relative cover of graminoid species in each vegetation type. The importance of mean annual temperature, sum of annual precipitation, aridity and livestock density as drivers of relative cover of graminoids contribution patterns in the five vegetation types were explored with use of polynomial functions and commonality analysis. Results: Open ecosystems of Middle Asia are characterized by different graminoid contributions. The highest relative cover of graminoids was found for steppes, pseudosteppes and mires. Comparison of model fits for relationship between the graminoids cover, climatic parameters and livestock pressure indicated advantage of polynomial models. The best-fitting models for pseudosteppes were for mean annual temperature, Aridity Index and livestock density, for steppes mean annual temperature and Aridity Index, and for salt marshes mean annual temperature. For mires and tall-forb communities, the models showed a poor fit or no effect of the variables studied. Conclusions: Our study shows that climate and livestock pressure have an impact on the contribution of graminoids in open vegetation types, but a general pattern is difficult to describe. Ongoing climate change may influence the share of graminoids in salt marshes, steppes and pseudosteppes. Grazing (with a common effect of climatic factors) is the most important factor influencing graminoids contribution on pseudosteppes, confirming the secondary origin of this vegetation type. Taxonomic reference: The nomenclature of the vascular plants follows Plants of the World Online (POWO 2022) and problematic taxonomic issues were based on The World Flora Online (WFO 2022). Nomenclature of Stipa spp. follows Nobis et al. (2020).

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Research Paper Tue, 20 Dec 2022 18:34:02 +0200
Database of anthropogenic vegetation of Urals and adjacent territories https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/82824/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 3: 175-176

DOI: 10.3897/VCS.82824

Authors: Yaroslav Golovanov, Larisa Abramova

Abstract: The Database of anthropogenic vegetation of Urals and adjacent territories (GIVD ID 00-RU-008) includes 4,327 vegetation plots of anthropogenic vegetation from 3 regions of the Russian Federation (the Republic of Bashkortostan, Orenburg, Chelyabinsk regions) and 1 region of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Aktobe region). All relevés were made between 1984 and 2021 AD. 1865 vegetation plots are from different literature sources (28 sources), 2462 are unpublished relevés from the authors. 94% of the relevés are geo-referenced. The ecological conditions were assessed by the use of average Landolt indicator values. The taxonomy of vascular species is given according to Cherepanov (1995). The vegetation plots in the database belong to nine vegetation classes. 7 anthropogenic (Sisymbrietea, Digitario sanguinalis-Eragrostietea minoris, Polygono-Poetea annuae, Artemisietea vulgaris, Epilobietea angustifolii, Bidentetea, Robinietea) and 2 semi-natural phytosociological classes: Molinio-Arrhenatheretea (anthropogenically transformed meadows, lawns, etc. of the union Cynosurion cristati Tx. 1947.) and Festuco-Brometea (anthropogenically transformed steppe communities found within human settlements). Vegetation plots include also invasive species (Acer negundo, Ambrosia trifida, Echinocystis lobata, Impatiens glandulifera, Solidago canadensis, Solidago gigantea, Heracleum sosnowskyi, Hordeum jubatum, Xanthium albinum etc.).

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Short Database Report Thu, 11 Aug 2022 10:48:28 +0300
Classification of grasslands and other open vegetation types in the Palaearctic – Introduction to the Special Collection https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/87068/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 3: 149-159

DOI: 10.3897/VCS.87068

Authors: Arkadiusz Nowak, Idoia Biurrun, Monika Janišová, Jürgen Dengler

Abstract: With this editorial, we introduce the Special Collection “Classification of grasslands and other open vegetation types in the Palaearctic”. In searching the Web of Science for classification papers on Palaearctic grasslands, we found 207 studies from 1972–2021, including 106 typical classification works. These studies originated mainly from Europe, with only few from Asia and only one from Northern Africa. While Europe in the 20th century already had a strong tradition in regional classification studies, the launch of a common plot database (European Vegetation Archive, EVA) and a continental syntaxonomic reference list (EuroVegChecklist) have spurred the developments there in recent years. We then introduce the seven articles of the Special Collection. Four of them present regional studies of certain vegetation types, namely spring vegetation (Montio-Cardaminetea) in Grisons, Switzerland, dry grasslands (Festuco-Brometea) of the inneralpine valleys of Austria, montane to subalpine tall-herb vegetation (Mulgedio-Aconitetea) in the Sudetes Mts., Poland, and steppe depressions (Festuco-Brometea and Molinio-Arrhentatheretea) in Southern Ukraine. A new synthesis of the grassland vegetation of Navarre in Spain (all classes, focus on Festuco-Brometea), started with an unsupervised classification and translated it into a hierarchical expert system, while another study provided the first synthesis of the tall-herb vegetation (mainly Ulopteretea prangae) of Tajikistan. Finally, a study based on the GrassPlot database compared fine-grain beta-diversities across open vegetation types of the Palaearctic. Abbreviations: EDGG = Eurasian Dry Grassland Group, EVA = European Vegetation Archive, IAVS = International Association for Vegetation Science, WoS = Web of Science.

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Editorial Fri, 22 Jul 2022 18:00:20 +0300
Vegetation classification of Stipa steppes in China, with reference to the International Vegetation Classification https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/72875/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 3: 121-144

DOI: 10.3897/VCS.72875

Authors: Changcheng Liu, Xianguo Qiao, Ke Guo, Liqing Zhao, Qingmin Pan

Abstract: Aims: The vegetation classification system of China (China-VCS) is not completed. Stipa steppes are the most important steppes in China. Here we made optimal use of available plot data to classify Stipa steppes into associations in a way that is consistent with International Vegetation Classification. Study Area: the Songnen Plain, Inner Mongolian Plateau, Loess Plateau, Tibetan Plateau, and the northwest mountain areas of China. Methods: We used 1337 plots to partition the Stipa steppes of China into clusters using hierarchical clustering. Supervised noise clustering was used to improve the classifications at the group, alliance, and association levels. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination was used to visualize the homogeneity of plots within each cluster, and we overlaid site and climatic vectors. Diagnostic species were identified for each cluster using Indicator Species Analysis. Results: We defined five biogeographic groups, 26 alliances, 91 associations, and 12 communities of Stipa steppes of China. The Stipa-dominated alliances in the framework of the current China-VCS were verified, but the four vegetation subformations of Tussock Steppe were not completely supported by this study. Conclusions: This is the first systematical and comprehensive classification for Stipa steppes in China based on plot data. Our classification used a set of dominant species and diagnostic species to define biogeogrpahic groups, alliances and associations, ensuring compatibility with the International Vegetation Classification. Taxonomic reference: Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae, Flora of China Abbreviations: AMT = Annual Mean Temperature; AP = Annual Precipitation; China-VCS = vegetation classification system of China; IVC = international vegetation classification; MTCQ = Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter; MTWQ = Mean Temperature of Warmest Quarter; NC = noise clustering; NMDS = non-metric multidimensional scaling; PDQ = Precipitation of Driest Quarter; PS = Precipitation Seasonality; PWQ = Precipitation of Wettest Quarter; TS = Temperature Seasonality

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Research Paper Wed, 29 Jun 2022 12:24:17 +0300
Fine-grain beta diversity in Palaearctic open vegetation: variability within and between biomes and vegetation types https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/77193/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 293-304

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/77193

Authors: Iwona Dembicz, Jürgen Dengler, François Gillet, Thomas J. Matthews, Manuel J. Steinbauer, Sándor Bartha, Juan Antonio Campos, Pieter De Frenne, Jiri Dolezal, Itziar García-Mijangos, Riccardo Guarino, Behlül Güler, Anna Kuzemko, Alireza Naqinezhad, Jalil Noroozi, Robert K Peet, Massimo Terzi, Idoia Biurrun

Abstract: Aims: To quantify how fine-grain (within-plot) beta diversity differs among biomes and vegetation types. Study area: Palaearctic biogeographic realm. Methods: We extracted 4,654 nested-plot series with at least four different grain sizes between 0.0001 m² and 1,024 m² from the GrassPlot database spanning broad geographic and ecological gradients. Next, we calculated the slope parameter (z-value) of the power-law species–area relationship (SAR) to use as a measure of multiplicative beta diversity. We did this separately for vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens and for the three groups combined (complete vegetation). We then tested whether z-values differed between biomes, ecological-physiognomic vegetation types at coarse and fine levels and phytosociological classes. Results: We found that z-values varied significantly among biomes and vegetation types. The explanatory power of area for species richness was highest for vascular plants, followed by complete vegetation, bryophytes and lichens. Within each species group, the explained variance increased with typological resolution. In vascular plants, adjusted R2 was 0.14 for biomes, but reached 0.50 for phytosociological classes. Among the biomes, mean z-values were particularly high in the Subtropics with winter rain (Mediterranean biome) and the Dry tropics and subtropics. Natural grasslands had higher z-values than secondary grasslands. Alpine and Mediterranean vegetation types had particularly high z-values whereas managed grasslands with benign soil and climate conditions and saline communities were characterised by particularly low z-values. Conclusions: In this study relating fine-grain beta diversity to typological units, we found distinct patterns. As we explain in a conceptual figure, these can be related to ultimate drivers, such as productivity, stress and disturbance, which can influence z-values via multiple pathways. The provided means, medians and quantiles of z-values for a wide range of typological entities provide benchmarks for local to continental studies, while calling for additional data from under-represented units. Syntaxonomic references: Mucina et al. (2016) for classes occurring in Europe; Ermakov (2012) for classes restricted to Asia. Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance; EDGG = Eurasian Dry Grassland Group; SAR = species-area relationship.

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Research Paper Thu, 30 Dec 2021 18:09:36 +0200
New syntaxa of tall-forb vegetation in the Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mts. (Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Middle Asia) – an addendum to Nowak et al. 2020 https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/73498/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 2: 191-194

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2021/73498

Authors: Arkadiusz Nowak, Sebastian Świerszcz, Sylwia Nowak, Marcin Nobis

Abstract: We validate eleven syntaxa (eight associations and three alliances) of tall-forb vegetation that were published earlier as nomina provisoria according to the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature. The validation concerns syntaxa of tall-forb vegetation of the class Prangetea ulopterae Klein 1987 reported from Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mountains (Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan). Taxonomic reference: Cherepanov (1995). Abbreviations: ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature.

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Short Communication Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:14:17 +0300
Classification of tall-forb vegetation in the Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mountains (Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Middle Asia) https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/60848/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 191-217

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/60848

Authors: Arkadiusz Nowak, Sebastian Świerszcz, Sylwia Nowak, Marcin Nobis

Abstract: Aims: To complete the syntaxonomic scheme for tall-forb vegetation of the montane and alpine belts in the Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mountains in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan with some remarks on its environmental predictors. Study area: Middle Asia: Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Methods: A total of 244 relevés were sampled in 2013–2019 using the seven-degree cover-abundance scale of the Braun-Blanquet approach. These were classified with a modified TWINSPAN algorithm with pseudospecies cut-levels 0%, 5% and 25%, and total inertia as a measure of cluster heterogeneity. Diagnostic species were identified using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. NMDS was used to explore the relationships between the distinguished groups. Results: Our classification revealed 19 clusters of tall-forb vegetation in Middle Asia. Among others we found forb communities typical for Tian Shan, western Pamir-Alai, forb-scree vegetation of Pamir-Alai, dry tall-forbs and typical forbs of the alpine belt. A total of eight new tall-forb associations and five communities were distinguished. The forb vegetation of Middle Asia has been assigned to the class Prangetea ulopterae Klein. The main factors differentiating the species composition of the researched vegetation are elevation, mean annual temperature, sum of annual precipitation and inclination of the slope. Conclusions: The paper presents the first insight into the comprehensive classification of the alpine forb vegetation in Middle Asia and fosters progress in explaining the relationship of boreo-temperate and Mediterranean-like (Irano-Turanian) vegetation in western Asian and central Asian subregions of the Irano-Turanian phytogeographical region. Taxonomic references: The nomenclature of the vascular plants follows generally Cherepanov (1995) and for Bromus spp. The Plant List (2020) Version 1.1. http://www.theplantlist.org/. Syntaxonomic references: The names of syntaxa are used in accordance with Ermakov (2012), Gadghiev et al. (2002) and Nowak et al. (2018). Abbreviation: NMDS = Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling.

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Research Paper Wed, 30 Dec 2020 13:34:44 +0200
Forest characteristics, population structure and growth trends of Pinus yunnanensis in Tianchi National Nature Reserve of Yunnan, southwestern China https://vcs.pensoft.net/article/37980/ Vegetation Classification and Survey 1: 7-20

DOI: 10.3897/VCS/2020/37980

Authors: Cindy Q. Tang, Li-Qin Shen, Peng-Bin Han, Diao-Shun Huang, Shuaifeng Li, Yun-Fang Li, Kun Song, Zhi-Ying Zhang, Long-Yun Yin, Rui-He Yin, Hui-Ming Xu

Abstract: Aims: Pinus yunnanesis is commercially, culturally and economically important, but there is a lack of ecological data on its role in stand dynamics. Our aims are to clarify the structure, composition, regeneration and growth trends of primary mature P. yunnanensis forests. Study area: The Tianchi National Nature Reserve in the Xuepan Mountains, Yunlong County, northwestern Yunnan, China. Methods: We investigated forests containing P. yunnanensis, measured tree ages and analyzed the data. Results: Six forest types were identified: (1) coniferous forest: Pinus yunnanensis (Type 1); (2) mixed coniferous and evergreen broad-leaved forest: P. yunnanensis-Lithocarpus variolosus (Type 2); (3) mixed coniferous and deciduous broad-leaved forest: P. yunnanensis-Quercus griffithii (Type 3); (4) mixed evergreen broad-leaved and coniferous forest: Castanopsis orthacantha-P. yunnanensis-Schima argentea (Type 4); (5) mixed coniferous, evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved forest: Pinus yunnanensis-Schima argentea-Quercus griffithii (Type 5); (6) mixed coniferous and evergreen broad-leaved forest: Pinus armandii-Quercus rehderiana-Pinus yunnanensis (Type 6). The size- and age-structure and regeneration patterns of P. yunnanensis were highly variable within these six forest types. P. yunnanensis regeneration was well balanced in forest Type 1 as compared to the other five types. All six forest types were identified as rare and old-growth with P. yunnaensis trees reaching ages of more than 105 years (a maximum age of 165 years with a diameter 116 cm at breast height) except for the Type 4 forest (a 90-year-old stand). Growth rates of P. yunnanensis, based upon ring width measurements, were high for the first 10 years, then declined after the 10th year. In contrast, basal area increment (BAI) increased for the first 25 years, plateaued, and only declined as trees became older. Trees in the older age classes grew more quickly than younger trees at the same age, a consequence of either site quality or competitive differences. The BAI of P. yunnanensis in all age classes in the Tianchi National Nature Reserve was much higher than those of the secondary and degraded natural P. yunnanensis forests of other areas. Conclusions: The P. yunnanensis forests of the Tianchi area appear to be some of the last remnants of primeval and old-growth forests of this species. These forests are structurally diverse and contain a rich diversity of overstory, mid-story, and understory species. Taxonomic reference: Editorial Committee of Flora Republicae Popularis Sinicae (1959–2004) for vascular plants. Abbreviations: BA = basal area; BAI = basal area increment; DBH = diameter at breast height; H = height; RBA = relative basal area.

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Research Paper Mon, 4 May 2020 18:17:07 +0300