Comparative Ordination of Low Arctic Vegetation Recovering from Disturbance: Reconciling Two Contrasting Approaches for Field Data Collection

Abstract

Multivariate statistics are applied to data on low arctic flora and vegetation in an effort to compare and interpret information derived from contrasting field methods normally considered to be incompatible. Data were collected using two of the most widespread field techniques currently in use in the circumpolar North: (1) standardized sampling, using a point frame-based protocol; and (2) more traditional phytosociological methods. The comparison is based on simultaneous objective (quantitative) and subjective (qualitative) sampling of identical stands of vegetation at and north of the latitudinal treeline in the Yamal Region of Northwest Siberia. The species composition of vegetation on anthropogenic primary surfaces is emphasized, but undisturbed tundra was also sampled. One hundred and sixty-five quadrats (1 × 1 m) were analyzed together with 33 relevés (5 × 5 m) using detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). The ordination results revealed very good correlation within anthropogenic vegetation stands. However, in ordination diagrams derived from samples within undisturbed tundra, samples were clearly separated based on quadrat size because many non vascular taxa were missed in the large quadrats.