The relationship between coastal plain pond vegetation and environment at local and broad spatial scales

Abstract

Abstract Coastal plain ponds support many plant species that have been designated as threatened due to human alteration of the hydrology and nutrient availability. Understanding how these species respond to environmental gradients at multiple spatial scales can support conservation efforts. I examined the relationship between plant species composition and environmental variables that operate at two spatial scales: within (local-scale) and among (broad-scale) 18 coastal plain ponds on the island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Patterns in species composition occurred at both local and broad scales. Elevation along the water-depth gradient was the only local factor strongly correlated with species composition. Significant broad-scale environmental factors included surficial geology, hydrology, and specific conductance of pond water. Overall patterns in vegetation species composition and abundance were more closely related to broad-scale environmental variables than to local environmental variables, sug...