Vegetation Composition Research Articles

Forest Flora of Nichlaul-IV. Trees

This paper enlists the trees found in Nichlaul forest, Gorakhpur Division (U.P.). Geographical limits, topography, edaphic and climatic factors of the area, its vegetational composition, injurious factors, phenological behaviour of the common plants and an artificial key to the families as well as to the species are given. In all, 109 tree species belonging to 91 genera and 44 families are included, giving field observations, local names, habit, habitat, dominance and sociability. Flowering and fruiting seasons as well as collection numbers of plants are indicated.

Forest Flora of Nichlaul-III. Phytosociological Studies

The present paper deals with the phytosociological studies of Nichlaul forest. Important features of the forest concerning geographical location, topography, soil, climate and vegetational composition have been outlined. Eight types of plant communities have been recognised. The phytosociological characters noted in the field on visual estimation are dominance and sociability of perennial species. Only selected associates of the communities have been included in the table.The eight types of communities described appear to be interrelated floristically. The sociological values show that 17.8% of the species are common to all the eight communities indicating a high degree of congnuity.

A Contribution to the Flora of Khari Reserve Forest, Mandla District, Madhya Pradesh

This paper presents the essential features of topography, soil type, climate, vegetation and floristic composition of Khari Reserve Forest, Mandla District, Madhya Pradesh. It includes an enumeration list of about 388 species belonging 286 genera and 86 families of Angiosperms and Pteridophytes.

A Contribution to the Botany of Orissa

This paper presents the essential features of geology, topography, soil, climate, vegetation and floristic composition of the tropical deciduous and tropical semi-evergreen/evergreen forests occurring in parts of Cuttack district, Keonjhar district, Mayurbhanja district and Bolangir-Sambalpur districts of Orissa. An enumeration of about 868 specie of angiosperms, gymnosperms, pteriodophytes and fungi representing 1845 field numbers collected between 1957-1959 is appended. It includes 34 species and ten genera found as new records for Bihar and Orissa and 60 species found as new records for Orissa only.

Impact of vegetation composition and seasonality on sensitivity of modelled CO2 exchange in temperate raised bogs

Encroachment of vascular plants (VP) in temperate raised bogs, as a consequence of altered hydrological conditions and nutrient input, is widely observed. Effects of such vegetation shift on water and carbon cycles are, however, largely unknown and identification of responsible plant physiological traits is challenging. Process-based modelling offers the opportunity of gaining insights into ecosystem functioning beyond observations, and to infer decisive trait shifts of plant functional groups. We adapted the Soil–Vegetation–Atmosphere Transfer model pyAPES to a temperate raised bog site by calibration against measured peat temperature, water table and surface CO2 fluxes. We identified the most important traits determining CO2 fluxes by conducting Morris sensitivity analysis (MSA) under changing conditions throughout the year and simulated VP encroachment. We further investigated transferability of results to other sites by extending MSA to parameter ranges derived from literature review. We found highly variable intra-annual plant traits importance determining ecosystem CO2 fluxes, but only a partial shift of importance of photosynthetic processes from moss to VP during encroachment. Ecosystem respiration was dominated by peat respiration. Overall, carboxylation rate, base respiration rate and temperature sensitivity (Q10) were most important for determining bog CO2 balance and parameter ranking was robust even under the extended MSA.

The Dynamics of Vegetation Structure, Composition and Carbon Stock in Peatland Ecosystem of Old Secondary Forest in Riau and South Sumatra Provinces

Lowland tropical rainforests provide an abundance of biodiversity as well as dynamic and stable ecosystems. These forests include tropical peat forests in various locations and forest types that have vegetation structure and composition characteristics, and carbon stocks that still need to be explored more deeply. Research on the structure and the composition of the vegetation and carbon stock in the old secondary peat forest was carried out in the protected areas of Bukit Batu, Riau Province, and Muara Merang, South Sumatra Province. Based on a 1-hectare permanent plot established in Bukit Batu and Muara Merang, 25 subplots of 20 m by 20 m were established in each location for measurement purposes. The results showed that Bukit Batu and Muara Merang had 42 and 36 species belonging to 26 and 20 families, respectively. Bukit Batu had a species diversity index (H’) of 2.93, and the dominant tree species were Palaquium xanthochymum with an importance value index (IVI) = 66.27%, Eugenia sp. (IVI = 32.76%), and Litsea sp. (IVI = 18.39%). The Muara Merang location had a species diversity index (H’) of 2.82, and the dominant tree species were Eugenia sp. (IVI = 60.88%), Alseodaphne insignis (IVI = 26.34%), and Adenanthera pavonina (IVI = 22.11%). In Bukit Batu, forest stands with a diameter of ≥10 cm contained a biomass of 178.10 tonnes/ha and carbon stock of 83.70 tonnes C/ha, which is equal to 307.20 tonnes CO2/ha. Meanwhile, in Muara Merang, it was 190.41 tonnes/ha and 89.49 tonnes C/ha, which is equal to 328.44 tonnes CO2/ha. This research, especially that in Bukit Batu, Riau Province, enriches the data and information available to date and is very useful in supporting restoration practices in Riau Province’s Giam Siak Kecil Biosphere Reserve, which was designated by UNESCO as part of the Man and Biosphere Program.

Upscaling vascular aboveground biomass and topsoil moisture of subarctic fens from Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to satellite level

Arctic and subarctic ecosystems are experiencing rapid changes in vegetation composition and productivity due to global warming. Tundra wetlands are especially susceptible to these changes, which may trigger shifts in soil moisture dynamics. It is therefore essential to accurately map plant biomass and topsoil moisture. In this study, we mapped total, wood, and leaf above ground biomass and topsoil moisture in subarctic tundra wetlands located between Norway and Finland by linking models derived from Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles with multiple satellite data sources using the Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm. The most accurate predictions for topsoil moisture (R2 = 0.73) used a set of red edge-based vegetation indices with a spatial resolution of 20 m per pixel. On the contrary, wood biomass showed the lowest accuracies across all tested models (R2 = 0.38). We found a trade-off between the spatial resolution and the performance of upscaling models, where smaller pixel sizes generally led to lower accuracies. However, we were able to compensate for reduced accuracy at smaller pixel sizes using Copernicus phenology metrics. A modelling uncertainty assessment revealed that the uncertainty of predictions increased with decreasing pixel sizes and increasing number of co-predictors. Our approach could improve efforts to map and monitor changes in vegetation at regional to pan-Arctic scales.

Effect of plant-soil system on the restoration of community stability after wildfire in the northeast margin of Qinghai-Tibet plateau

Wildfires, as an environmental filter, are pivotal ecological disturbances that reshape plant communities and soil dynamics, playing a crucial role in regulating biogeographic patterns and ecosystem services. In this study, we aim to explore the effects of wildfires on forest ecosystems, specifically focusing on the plant-soil feedback mechanisms within the northeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). Utilizing Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS-PM), we investigated the interrelationships among soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, species diversity, and community stability at varying post-fire recovery stages (5, 15, and 23 years). Results indicated that in the early recovery stages, rapid changes in soil properties such as decreased pH (p < 0.001) and increased nutrient availability facilitate the emergence of early successional species with high resource utilization traits. As the ecosystem evolved toward a climax community, the soil and vegetation exhibit increased stability. Furthermore, soil enzyme activities displayed dynamic patterns that corresponded with changes in soil nutrient content, directly influencing the regeneration and diversity of plant communities. Importantly, our study documented a transition in the influence of soil properties on community stability from direct positive effects in initial recovery phases to negative impacts in later stages, while indirect benefits accrue through increased species diversity and enzyme activity. Vegetation composition and structure changed dynamically with recovery time during community succession. Plant nutrient absorption and accumulation affected nutrient dynamics in the soil, influencing plant regeneration, distribution, and diversity. Our results underscore the complex interactions between soil and vegetation that drive the recovery dynamics post-wildfire, highlighting the resilience of forest ecosystems to fire disturbances. This study contributes to the understanding of post-fire recovery processes and offers valuable insights for the management and restoration of fire-affected forest ecosystems.

Effect of invasive species on forest composition in tropical dry forest: a case study of invasion by Gliricidia sepium

Ecological concerns caused by biological invasion have been considered an inevitable threat to global sustainability. The superior competitive ability of invasive plant species (IPS) has an impact on vegetation composition and loss of native flora. Recognising IPS at an early stage would significantly contribute to controlling invasive plants, protecting biodiversity and formulating appropriate strategies. Most of the studies available on invasive plants are descriptive and largely confined to non-woody species. The present study focused on the alien Gliricidia sepium, a tree species, to determine the invasive potential of its distribution in tropical dry deciduous forests of Central India. Forty square plots (25 × 25 m) were laid out at each uninvaded and invaded forest to enumerate phytosociological attributes to determine the impact of G. sepium on vegetation composition and community structure. Higher density (37.2 individuals ha−1), basal area (6.32 m2 ha−1) and importance value index (95.8) contributed by G. sepium clearly showed the suppression of seedlings, saplings and trees of native forest species at the invaded sites in terms of species richness, cover and other attributes as compared to at the uninvaded sites. Further, other invasive attributes such as higher seed production, dieback phenomenon, higher coppicing power and higher growth rate as observed during the study clearly affirmed the early speculation that the species might be invasive. The species has a strong potential to spread vigorously and may gradually become invasive throughout the country as already reported from various parts of India. In the present study area, G. sepium was introduced due to restoration and plantation programmes and our findings indicate its negative impact on the native vegetation. Thus, we strongly recommend the avoidance of this species for both plantation and restoration programmes, especially for Indian forests. The study helps in early recognition and rapid monitoring of G. sepium to control its spread throughout the country.

Seventy-five years of vegetation change after fire in Tasmanian alpine heathland

Context Alpine ecosystems are threatened by warming and an associated increase in fire frequency. There is a gap in our knowledge of succession in Tasmanian alpine heath more than 50 years after fire. The literature suggests that the alpine successional progression usually involves decreasing rates of change, decreasing differences among fire ages, ongoing transitions among shrub species, ongoing transitions from some lifeforms/species to others, and that warming results in increases in species richness. Aims We test for these tendencies up to 75 years from fire in alpine vegetation on kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Tasmania, Australia. Methods We documented the changes in vegetation structure and composition between 1998 and 2022 in plots on either side of an alpine fire boundary in the alpine heathland and used earlier data and observations to extend the record of change after fire to 75 years. We put these changes in the context of the only area of alpine vegetation that was not burnt in 1947 or later. Key results The area last burnt in 1947 exhibited declines in all lifeform covers between 1998 and 2022. All lifeforms except tall shrubs and mat shrubs declined in cover in the area last burnt in 1962. By 2022, shrub cover in the 1962-burnt area had not attained equivalence with the area last burnt in 1947. Herbs had the most dramatic decline in both fire-age classes. There were few shrub seedlings in 2022. All but six taxa, three being exotic, were observed in both the plots and previous broader surveys. Increases in species richness caused by the upward migration of lower-elevation species were not observed. The long-unburnt patch lacked the major dominant of the 1947-burnt plots, namely Orites acicularis, and was dominated by a gymnosperm absent from most of the mountain. Conclusions Succession follows the initial floristic composition model. The differences in trajectories from the 1947 and 1962 fires could possibly be due to desiccation or abrasion damage from increasing wind speeds and temperatures. There are strong indications of further potential change in the absence of fire. Implications The slow rate of recovery and its on-going nature emphasise the importance of keeping fire out of this vegetation type.

Soil and Vegetation Characteristics of Grassland have a Greater Influence on the Abundance and Diversity of Earthworms than the Mowing Intensity in a Managed Nature Reserve

Effects of mowing on vegetation parameters have been well studied. However, less is known about mowing effects on soil fauna and if soil properties alter this. We investigated earthworm communities in a long-term experiment 14 years after its establishment in 5 dry, fresh and moist grassland plots located in the Natura 2000 site Lainzer Tiergarten near Vienna, Austria (238–402 m a.s.l., 48°10′ N, 16°12′ E). The grasslands were either mowed once a year or every second year, or not mowed since being established. Earthworms were assessed using the non-destructive octet electro-shocking method. Additionally, vegetation composition, soil conductivity, temperature and moisture were assessed. We found 13 earthworm species across all treatments, although their abundance was generally low with 6.1 ± 4.7 worms m−2. The total earthworm abundance and species diversity was higher in dry compared to fresh and moist grasslands but was not affected by mowing frequency. Endogeic earthworms (Aporrectodea caliginosa, Aporrectodea rosea) and epigeics (Lumbricus rubellus) were more tolerant to mowing than anecics (Lumbricus terrestris, Allolobophora longa). Since plant species richness was highest in annually mown grasslands and earthworm species richness was positively related to plant species numbers, we recommend regular, low-input management to promote above- and belowground biodiversity in these grasslands.

Evaluation of methods used to improve grasslands as ring‐necked pheasant brood habitat

AbstractRing‐necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) demographic response is sensitive to chick survival and nest success. The establishment and management of grasslands within agricultural landscapes, often through cropland conversion programs (e.g., Conservation Reserve Program [CRP]), have positive impacts on survival and nest success. Newly established CRP and early successional habitat can provide vegetative structure selected by pheasant chicks. Ideal brood habitat provides an abundance of arthropods, an open understory promoting efficient chick movement, and a protective canopy cover. However, the natural succession of grasslands changes desired vegetative structure and challenges managers with providing adequate habitat for pheasant chicks. We investigated the efficacy of different methods of CRP management, including haying, burning, herbicide application, interseeding, and grazing, to provide adequate brood rearing habitat in cool‐ and warm‐season grasslands. We assessed chick body mass change using human‐imprinted ring‐necked pheasant chicks and investigated changes in vegetation composition and structure in relation to various habitat treatments in north‐central and north‐eastern South Dakota during mid‐June and mid‐July of 2013, 2014, and 2015. Generally, treatments that incorporated interseeding, herbicide application, or their combination had the greatest chick mass gain, reduced litter cover and depth, and increased bare ground and forb cover. Effective management for brood habitat may require more aggressive techniques than simple haying or prescribed fire techniques.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Electro Spectroscopic Characterisation of Some Indigenous Nigerian Leafy Vegetables as Prospective Mineral Sources In Human Diets

Minerals are nutrients that are needed in macro and micro amounts to guarantee proper body function. They are obtaineable from plant and natural sources. There has been continuous change in climatic conditions and this has resulted to low yield, pest infestation, loss of farm land, and concomitant low income generated from vegetables that are consumed regularly. The regular cuisines are becoming scarce and expensive with many households not aware of possible sources of suitable substitute to complement and supplement mineral requirements. This study examined the mineral composition of some indigenous leafy vegetables that can be consumed by humans as an alternate source of mineral. Colocasia esculenta (red Cocoyam), Laportea aestuans (L) (Tropical nettle weed), Daucus carota L (Carrot leaves), Manihot esculenta, Crantz (Cassava leaves) and Sesamum indicum (Sesame leaves) were collected and authenticated. Inductively coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry was used to analyse the mineral composition of each of the leaves. Microminerals like Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Silicon, and Zinc were present in amount sufficient to fufill the daily required intake when 100 g of the plant was consumed. Macrominerals like Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium were also observed to be in quantities able to supply the recommended daily allowance on consumption of 100 g of the plant. The plants are rich in micro and macro minerals and therefore should be explored further as prospective sources of minerals for humans.

Quantification of Holocene temperatures in the eastern Hunshandake Sandy Land using δ13C of loess organic matter

The soil organic carbon isotope indicator (δ13Corg) is widely used in paleoecology and paleoclimate reconstruction due to its ability to record the history of paleovegetation change. Although it has been used as a proxy for precipitation reconstruction, increasing evidence suggests that temperature has played a crucial role in influencing the relative abundance of C3/C4 plants in the mid-latitudes during the interglacial period. This opens up the possibility of reconstructing Holocene temperature using δ13Corg. In this study, the variation of δ13Corg values in a Holocene loess profile (GLH profile), located in the eastern Hunshandake Sandy Land, China, was investigated. And we analyzed the correlation between δ13Corg values and modern temperatures for a total of 792 surface soil samples from mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, which had thermal conditions comparable to the GLH profile. Strong positive correlations were found between δ13Corg values of surface soil samples and both summer temperatures (r = 0.672, p < 0.001) and growing season temperatures (r = 0.669, p < 0.001). Additionally, δ13Corg values showed significant positive correlations with accumulated temperatures above 10 °C (r = 0.641, p < 0.001) and above 0 °C (r = 0.527, p < 0.001). However, the correlation with mean annual temperature was weak (r = 0.280, p < 0.001). The δ13Corg variation in the GLH profile recorded a mixed C3/C4 vegetation composition, with C4 plants comprising between 23.40% and 1.70% of the total abundance during the Holocene. The combined evidence from modern processes and profile variations confirms that warm-season temperature was the main factor driving variations in the δ13Corg values in the GLH profile. Therefore, we used δ13Corg–temperature conversion equations to quantify Holocene seasonal and accumulated temperatures based on the GLH profile. The reconstructed summer temperatures peaked at 9.3 ka, followed by a fluctuating downward trend during the mid- and late-Holocene, which is consistent with variations in summer solar insolation. Mean summer temperatures were relatively high at 23.3 °C and 22.5 °C in the early and mid-Holocene, respectively, while the lowest mean summer temperature of 20.5 °C occurred in the late Holocene. Accumulated temperatures above 10 °C and above 0 °C in the early Holocene were 3722 °C·d and 4641 °C·d, respectively, similar to modern observations in the Beijing area, indicating a southward shift of the temperature zone by nearly three degrees of latitude since the early Holocene. These reconstruction results are supported by modern observations, TraCE21 simulations, and other studies. This study is significant for extending the application of the δ13Corg indicator for quantitative paleoclimate reconstructions. It verifies its effectiveness in quantifying Holocene temperatures in the marginal zone of the East Asian summer monsoon.

Stadial and interstadial deposits of Late Nemunas (Late Weichselian/MIS 2) glaciation in south Lithuania and their interpretation

This paper presents sedimentological and paleobotanical studies of the deposits from Last Glaciation (Late Nemunas, Late Weichselian) in the middle reaches of the River Nemunas in southern Lithuania. Spores, pollen, and other palynomorphs in the intercalated sediments between the diamicton (glacial till) beds were analyzed, and the paleogeographical and paleoclimatic conditions of their sedimentation were assessed using the modern analog technique (MAT). The two till layers from the Last Glaciation, characterized by significant differences in their composition, testify to a difference in glacier movement paths in the region. The continuous sedimentation process between glacial tills provides evidence of global climate changes during the Last Glaciation and the restructuring of glacial lobes during deglaciation in the southeastern part of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet. The sedimentation process and vegetation composition bear witness to an open landscape of steppe-tundra, scattered wooded areas, and the emergence of thermophilic vegetation afterward, suggesting increased annual temperatures and higher humidity. The available data enable the identification of the Balbieriškis interstage period within the Late Nemunas Glaciation (Upper Nemunas Formation) between the Grūda and Baltija stages (Grūda and Baltija subformations) in the regional Quaternary stratigraphic scheme. This period correlates with the Marine Isotope Stage 2 (MIS 2).

Potential Landslide Identification in Baihetan Reservoir Area Based on C-/L-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar Data and Applicability Analysis

The Baihetan reservoir region is characterized by complex geomorphology, significant altitude differences, and rugged terrain. Geological hazards in such areas are often characterized by high concealment, wide distribution, and difficulty in field investigation. Traditional identification techniques are unable to detect and monitor geological hazards on a large scale with high efficiency and accuracy. In recent decades, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) techniques, such as small baseline subset InSAR (SBAS-InSAR), have been widely applied to landslide identification. However, due to factors such as vegetation and the degree of landslide deformation, single-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) still has certain limitations in detecting landslides. In this study, SBAS-InSAR was conducted based on ALOS-2 and Sentinel-1 ascending-descending images covering the Baihetan reservoir region. Deformation identification results were utilized to conduct a statistical analysis of the SAR detection performance and landslide characteristics, and the effect of vegetation on the detection effectiveness of different SAR bands was discussed. The study revealed that when surface vegetation coverage reaches a high degree, the percentage of areas with coverage greater than 0.6 is greater than 95%, the SAR coherence is mainly affected by vegetation thickness; the comparison of the difference change in the average coherence of the C/L bands among the four vegetation types shows that the ratio of the average coherence of the L-bands to the C-bands increases by a factor of three with the increase in thickness and the transition from crops to shrubs and trees. The results showed that the L-band has better detectability than the C-band in alpine-canyon terrain with vegetation coverage and complex vegetation composition. However, considering the high temporal resolution and accessibility of Sentinel-1 SAR data, it is still the main data choice for wide-area identification of landslides in the reservoir area, while other satellite-borne SAR data with different wavelengths and resolutions, such as ALOS, can be used to assist in the identification and monitoring of landslide hazards with significant magnitude of deformations and dense vegetation coverage. Therefore, the combined utilization of multi-band SAR data has the potential to enhance the dependability of landslide identification and monitoring, resulting in more accurate detection results.

Biomonitoring of the confluence of the Maguaca and Yuna rivers, Cotui, Dominican Republic

The degradative processes such as mining cause loss of species, forest cover, ecosystem services and contaminate bodies of water. Under this problem, the behavior of the water quality of the confluence of the Maguaca and Yuna rivers, in the municipality ofCotuí, Dominican Republic, associated with mining activities, was determined. The research was carried out during two moments: December 2020 (t1) and February 2021 (t2). For this, a deterministic sampling of seven equidistant points in the Maguaca River, and two in the Yuna River, was carried out at t1 in rainy season and t2 in dry season. In addition, the presence of benthic macroinvertebrate species was analyzed as indicators of water quality according to the BMWP-Cub method, and the composition and structure of the riparian vegetation was determined. Likewise, the spatial behavior of the physicochemical variables of water such as potential hydrogen (pH), salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity, biological oxygen demand (BOD), nitrates (NO3-), chemical oxygen demand (COD), phosphates (PO43-), temperature, dissolved oxygen (O2D), total organic carbon (TOC), and iron concentration (Fe). Water of critical quality (very contaminated) was obtained in the upper part and very critical quality (heavily contaminated) in the lower part, at both times. It is recommended to strengthen monitoring policies for environmental, socioeconomic and health effects.

Dissimilar forests along the Rio Doce watershed call for multiple restoration references to avoid biotic homogenization

An environmental disaster caused by the rupture of a mining tailings dam has impacted a large area of the Rio Doce watershed in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, resulting in unprecedented damage at spatial and temporal scales. The Atlantic Forest is one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. A long history of land use conversion has resulted in a highly fragmented landscape. Despite numerous restoration initiatives, these efforts have often biased criteria and use limited species assemblages. We conducted a comprehensive synthesis of the plant community in riparian forests along the Rio Doce watershed. Our work detailed vegetation composition (tree and sapling strata) and examined its relationship with edaphic and landscape factors, aiming to inform restoration projects with scientifically robust knowledge. A total of 4906 individuals from the tree strata and 4565 individuals from the sapling strata were recorded, representing a total of 1192 species from 75 families. Only 0.8% of the tree species and 0.5% of the sapling species occurred in all sampled sectors, with over 84% of the species occurring in a single watershed sector for both strata. We observed a high species heterogeneity modulated by turnover (92.3% in the tree, and 92.7% in the sapling strata) among sites. Overall, our research revealed a gradient of soil fertility influencing species composition across different strata. Additionally, we discovered that preserved landscapes had a positive impact on species diversity within both strata. The species exclusivity in the sampled sites and the high turnover rate imply the need to consider multiple reference ecosystems when restoring the watershed to reduce the risk of biotic homogenization. Finally, the reference ecosystems defined here serve as a basis for the selection of locally particular species in the implementation of restoration projects that aim to improve biodiversity, ecosystem services, and water security.

High variability and multiple trade‐offs in reproduction and growth of the invasive grass Cortaderia selloana after cutting

AbstractThe ability to balance the allocation of resources between growth and reproduction as a response to stress factors, can be an advantage for plants in disturbed environments. Invasive alien plants (IAPs) often show high levels of phenotypic variability in resource allocation, a key trait that plays a crucial role in their success to invade new areas. Control management for IAPs must consider this capacity in the development of effective strategies. In this study, we performed continuous measures of leaf growth and reproductive traits of Cortaderia selloana, an IAP of global concern, and applied generalised linear models (GLMs) to evaluate trade‐offs between vegetative growth, leaf composition and reproductive success at different cutting moments. Cutting moment, but not flowering, affected the length of the vegetative growth period (VGP) and average growth rate (AGR), and the interaction with flowering affected AGR and final leaf length (vegetative growth total, VGT). Specific leaf area (SLA), leaf nitrogen (N) content and the isotopic value of δ13C were affected by cutting, and N was also affected by flowering and the interaction with cutting time. Silica also showed a negative correlation with leaf carbon (C) depicting a trade‐off between both structural components. Cortaderia selloana successfully adapted its leaf growth and composition to cutting moment, but this was also modulated by flowering. Moreover, the species is dioecious, and its response may differ between female and hermaphroditic plants. This suggests flexible trade‐offs in resource allocation, therefore the time for cutting must be precisely scheduled to suppress flowering.

Vegetation diversity and composition in relation to different grazing intensity levels in an arid environment in Jordan

Grazing practices fundamentally shape plant community composition and biodiversity worldwide, more importantly in water-limited environments. This study aimed to investigate plant community composition, species distribution of occurrence and diversity indices in an arid rangeland under different grazing intensities. The quadrat method was used to select 90 × 1 m2 quadrats in heavy-grazing, light-grazing and ungrazed sites. Plant species frequency, relative frequency, abundance, relative abundance and density, as well as species richness, evenness, Shannon diversity index and Simpson’s diversity index were calculated. A total of 46 plant species belonging to 17 families were recorded. The Asteraceæ family was represented with the highest frequency (28%). Overall in the study area, around 95%, 70% and 40% of recorded plant families existed in light-grazing, ungrazed and heavy-grazing sites, respectively. The species richness of identified plants in light-grazing and ungrazed sites was 300% and 200% greater, respectively, than in the heavy-grazing sites. Around 85% of existing plants in heavy-grazing sites were therophyte plants. The species frequency, abundance, density and diversity indices were higher in light-grazing sites compared to those under heavy grazing, which indicates a more diverse, heterogenous and balanced plant community in the light-grazing site. Plant communities in light-grazing and ungrazed sites were similar, except for higher species frequency, density and evenness in light-grazing sites. This suggests that light-grazing intensities in the arid rangelands of Jordan enhance plant diversity more than grazing exclusion, which encourages decision-makers and environmentalists to implement regulations prohibiting intensive grazing in the arid rangelands of Jordan.