Phytosociological Analysis Research Articles

Phytosociological Study of Weed Communities in Zea Mays Cultivation: Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG'S) in the Ecuadorian Tropics

Objective: This study investigates the phytosociological characteristics of weed communities associated with Zea mays cultivation in different zones of the Ecuadorian tropics, aiming to identify and classify weeds to develop effective management strategies that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impacts Theoretical Framework: The research is based on the concept that weeds, or 'noxious weeds,' significantly challenge maize cultivation by competing for essential resources. Theories related to plant competition and agroecosystem sustainability underpin the study Method: The methodology involves a phytosociological survey across five farms in Mocache, Ventanas, and Balzar. Using 45 quadrats of 50 x 50 cm in a zigzag pattern across one-hectare plots, weed species were identified and quantified. Data were analyzed to calculate biodiversity and importance value indices. Results and Discussion: Mocache had the highest weed population, while Balzar exhibited greater species diversity. Similarity indices, including Jaccard and Bray-Curtis, revealed distinct patterns in species distribution and dominance. These findings are discussed in the context of sustainable agriculture, highlighting the implications for weed management and acknowledging potential limitations due to environmental variability. Research Implications: The study provides insights into sustainable weed management in maize agroecosystems, contributing to strategies aligned with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), promoting practices that enhance food security and biodiversity conservation. Originality/Value: This research offers a novel phytosociological analysis of weed communities in tropical maize cultivation, contributing to sustainable agriculture and aligning with global sustainability goals.

Phytosociological Investigation and Medicinally Important Plants of Sanjay -Dubri Tiger Reserve Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh, India

This paper offers a thorough Phytosociological analysis of the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve inMadhya Pradesh, India, with an emphasis on the wide variety of plant species that make up this specialecosystem. The researcher has characterized and cataloged a large number of species of plants,including some of great medicinal significance, by means of surveys in the field and data analysis.Traditional healthcare practices in the area have long depended on these medicinally significant plants.The current study, 142 species of higher plants from 119 genera and 48 families has been identified.Upon taxonomic classification of the families, genera, and species, it was seen that the flora wasdominated by dicots, with 126 species, while the monocots were represented by 16 species. The resultsalso indicated that the large number of plants was belonged to the family Fabaceae and then Poaceae.The floras identified in this study add to the ecosystem's total area of 139.4 square meters. The researchalso enlisted the plants on the basis of their economic as well as medicinal importance. Among tree andherbs Diospyros melanoxylon and Shorea robusta had high frequency, respectively. This studyhighlights the necessity of conservation and sustainable management for the preservation ofbiodiversity and cultural heritage while offering insightful information on the various plant species foundin the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve and their therapeutic value.

Peatland vegetation of the Syra Pogonia massif of the Rivneskyi Nature Reserve (Polissia, Ukraine): ecological characteristics

Background. Peat bog complexes are self-sufficient ecosystems in which unique microclimatic conditions leading to a significant diversity of valuable plant communities are formed. Such communities are sensitive to the effects of climate change or any anthropogenic intervention. The lack of reliable information on their distribution on the territory of the Syra Pogonia peat-bog massif of the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve necessitates a detailed study of the bog vegetation. Therefore, the purpose of the work was to classify the community of peatland vegetation of the Syra Pogonia massif and to determine the features of their syntaxonomic and ecological differentiation for further development of environmental management strategies. Materials and Methods. The study of the peculiarities of peatland vegetation was conducted on transects that represent the variety of local conditions of the complex system. A total of 141 relevés were analysed using the Braun–Blanquet method. The material was analysed using TURBOVEG 2.79 and JUICE 7.0.83 software. Vegetation units were separated using the method of two-factor indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN). Diagnostic species of syntaxa were determined by the fidelity coefficient phi, the fidelity threshold for which was > 25 %. The statistical significance of the phi coefficient was determined with the Fisher’s test at P < 0.001. The DCA-ordination method was used to identify an ecological differentiation of units. Results. Peatland vegetation of the Syra Pogonia massif of the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve was analysed. We identified 7 associations belonging to 6 alliances, 6 orders and 4 classes and compiled a vegetation syntaxonomic scheme. The leading factor of ecological differentiation of community is humidity of the area. The greatest diversity is inherent in mesotrophic areas, rare species are found and grouped according to diffe­rent ecological conditions. The species composition of 7 associations includes 79 plant species, of which 65 are vascular and 14 are bryophytes. Using methods of phytosociological analysis, we established that the distribution of community in multi-dimensional space of ecological factors occurs under the conditions of their complex action. At the same time, changes in the humidity regime are of crucial importance for the selected syntaxa (Andromedo polifoliae-Sphagnetum magellanicі). The results of the phytoindicative analysis proved that the associations identified on the territory of the Syra Pogonia peat-bog complex are acidophilic in terms of acidity, and oligotrophic in terms of the requirements for the content of nutriens. Conclusions. As orders, and result of the analysis of relevés, 7 associations, which belong to 6 alliances, 6 orders and 4 classes were selected. Based on the results of the dataset analysis, a vegetation classification scheme was compiled. As a result of the cluster analysis of 7 associations, a significant difference between communities of watered and wet habitats was revealed. We established that the differentiation of the vegetation on the territory of the peat massif of Syra Pogonia mainly depends on the change in the moisture regime.

Phytosociological Analysis of the Boreal Oligotrophic Pine Forests in the Southern Ural Region (Russia)

Phytosociological Analysis of the Boreal Oligotrophic Pine Forests in the Southern Ural Region (Russia)

Phytosociological Analysis and Vegetation Structure in Tehsil Timergara, District Dir Lower, Pakistan: A Comprehensive Study of Five Distinct Plant Communities

Biodiversity is the variation of life on the soil surface and includes differences in biotic structure at every level, from genes to species and vary to every ecological system. This study explores the phytosociology and vegetation structure in Tehsil Timergara, District Dir Lower, Pakistan, focusing on five distinct plant communities. The investigation utilizes TWINSPAN classification to categorize these communities, revealing their composition, dominance, and ecological attributes. The identified communities include <i>Monotheca-Persicaria-Nerium</i> (MPN), <i>Punica-Indigofera-Isodon</i> (PII), <i>Myrtus-Dodonaea-Origanum</i> (MDO), <i>Berberis-Cornus-Teucrium</i> (BCT), and <i>Dodonaea-Salix-Pennisetum</i> (DSP). The dominance of Megaphanerophytes and the prevalence of Microphylls in leaf spectra highlight the ecological dynamics of the region. In each community, the study examines the importance of values, and soil characteristics, providing insights into the environmental conditions influencing plant distributions. Additionally, the study calculates similarity and dissimilarity indices between these communities, revealing the degrees of overlap and uniqueness. The highest similarity is observed between <i>Myrtus-Dodonaea-Origanum</i> and <i>Dodonaea-Salix-Pennisetum</i> communities. This comprehensive phytosociological analysis enhances our understanding of the vegetation dynamics in Tehsil Timergara, offering valuable insights for conservation and sustainable management. The findings underscore the significance of considering multiple plant communities to formulate effective environmental management strategies.

The pivotal role of water potential in phenology and seed germination of Abies spectabilis in the western Himalayan treeline region

Abies spectabilis (East Himalayan Fir), a dominant timber-producing species in the Himalayas, plays a dynamic role in ecological balance and sustains various habitats across temperate to subalpine altitudes. Himalayan montane forests express signs of changes in the growth, regeneration, and population density of forest tree species due to ongoing climate change, including its upper distribution limit. The research was conducted at 30°11´02˝N and 79°39′36˝E, ranging from 3,100 to 3,500 m asl elevation in the treeline ecotone of western Himalaya. The study presents a comprehensive perspective on how water availability and its intricate interactions with climatic and ecological variables shape the dynamics of treeline ecosystems. The study’s phytosociological analysis of treeline sites revealed the complex interplay between species composition, adaptability, and regeneration potential. The eco-physiological aspects of water balance were thoroughly explored, underscoring how plants employ various strategies to cope with changing water availability. The soil moisture content ranged from 32.17 to 73.50%. The dynamic nature of water potential (pre-dawn (ΨPD) and mid-day (ΨMD)) across seasons and years reflects and varies between −0.13 and − 1.25 MPa, the species’ ability to adjust and manage water balance according to environmental shifts. Osmotic potential at full turgor varied from −0.72 to −1.77 MPa, these adjustments are crucial for key life cycle events of vegetative and reproductive phases of species. The strong correlation of water potential (Ψ) and phenophases emphasizes the importance of water status in regulating these vital processes. Furthermore, the study delved into the maturation and germination processes, highlighting the significance of Ψ and moisture content in seed development and germination success. The maximum germination of 46.33% was observed when the seed moisture content was 30.90 ± 3.11%. The observed correlations between cone characteristics and seed parameters indicate the existence of trade-offs that impact seed size, weight, and germination capacity, contributing to the overall fitness of the species.

The High-Altitude Volcanic Caves of Mount Etna (Eastern Sicily): A Relevant Refuge for Some Ptero-Bryophyte Communities

A phytosociological analysis of the plant communities in high-altitude volcanic caves of Mount Etna (Sicily), based on literature data and unpublished relevés, is presented. A total of 147 phytosociological relevés were processed and analyzed using classification and ordination methods. Classification of the relevés, supported by ordination, showed two main vegetation groups: the first one includes communities of the Pohlion crudae alliance, and the other includes the vegetation from the Pohlio crudae–Asplenion septentrionalis alliance. Furthermore, two new communities, Pohlio crudae–Cystopteridetum dickieanae subass. amphidietosum mougeotii and Pohlio crudae–Cystopteridetum dickieanae subass. polystichetosum lonchitis, are proposed for Etna. The high-altitude caves can be considered a refuge for these ptero-bryophytic rare communities.

Sustainable forest management for timber and non-timber resources in the Amazon forest under concession

The Amazon biome is one of the largest in terms of area and biodiversity. It provides impressive ecosystem services that are crucial to planetary functions, for example global precipitation patterns. Besides, it provides important timber and non-timber products that are crucial for local communities and even international markets. The aim of this study was to conduct a phytosociological analysis to select the species with important ecological functions and with commercial interest for timber and non-timber forest products (NTFP). Forest inventory data were collected were collected from 4 Annual Production Units (APUs) at the Paru State Forest. The 5 species with highest Importance Value Index (IVI) were: Chrysophyllum lucentifolium, Micropholis venulosa, Handroanthus serratifolius, Handroanthus impetiginosus and Manilkara huberi. These species presented commercial volume in the diameter classes of 40 to ≥ 170 cm. The species providing NTFP (Carapa guianensis, Bertholletia excelsa and Copaifera guianensis) presented IVI in the 1, 9, and 34 positions, respectively. The species Carapa guianensis presented more individuals in the 40 and 80 DBH classes. Bertholletia excelsa was the only one presenting individuals with DBHs exceeding 140 cm. Copaifera guianensis was the less common species. We concluded that all the 5 species producing timber are viable for sustainable forest management. Regarding the non-timber forest species, forest management need to be focused in Carapa guianensis and Bertholletia excelsa.

Phytosociological Study of Tree Species of Dabla Beed Area, Churu District Rajasthan, India

This study presents a comprehensive phytosociological analysis of tree species in the Dabla beed area of Churu District, Rajasthan, India, exploring seasonal variations in species composition, diversity, dominance, and evenness. The research was conducted across three seasons: rainy, winter, and summer, utilizing quadrat sampling methods to assess various ecological parameters. The findings reveal distinct seasonal shifts in the dominance and distribution of key species. During the rainy season, species such as Acacia senegal and Acacia tortilis exhibit high dominance and contribute to elevated species diversity and evenness. In winter, Maytenus emarginata and Acacia senegal emerge as prominent species, maintaining moderate diversity with increased dominance. The summer season sees a notable decline in diversity and evenness, accompanied by heightened dominance, with Calotropis procera and Clerodendrum phlomidis being particularly influential. These seasonal dynamics underscore the importance of adaptive management and conservation strategies to maintain the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the tree community in this arid region. The study highlights the critical need for targeted conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of the diverse and dynamic tree populations in the Dabla beed area.

Ecological characteristics of rare and endangered species in the Divychky Emerald Network Area (Central Ukraine)

Introduction. The assessment of the importance of individual areas for the conservation of European biodiversity relies on various criteria, one of which is the presence of threatened species of European significance. Recent botanical surveys have confirmed the proliferation of rare plants within the Divychky Emerald Network Area. Our research aims to conduct a phytosociological analysis and assess the ecological conditions of habitats hosting rare species in the Divychky Emerald Network Area (DENA) under protection at both national and international levels. Materials and Methods. We conducted a survey of the area and compiled lists of species, identifying those that are rare and protected at the European level. We visually assessed the vitality of populations and utilized synphytoindication method to characte­rize ecological aspects of habitats. Results. We compiled a list of species found within the Divychky Emerald network area, which includes those listed in both the European Red List and the Red Data Book of Ukraine. Phytoindicative assessment helped determine the range of individual environmental factors affecting these species. Discussion. The Divychky Emerald Network Area is home to endangered species of significant importance within Europe. In particular, there are habitats of nine species under protection of the Bern Convention, and two species included in the European Red List. We have compiled a list of species with protected status and assigned them to six vegetation classes in the plant community. The largest number of plants have been assigned to three vegetation classes. Our studies demonstrate how the types of reproduction affect the distribution and number of species – species with vegetative reproduction had the largest populations. The most vulnerable species populations were described, and information on the distribution and habitat of these species was provided. Conclusion. We have gathered new chorological and phytocoenotic data concerning the growth of protected plant species within the studied area of the Divychky Emerald Network Area. Species protected at the European level, along with their populations facing varying levels of extinction threat, have been identified and thoroughly studied.

Assessment of plant biodiversity in tropical dry forests of Sialkot, Pakistan; insight into environmental, anthropogenic influence and conservation strategies

The tropical dry forests (TDF) have an enormously rich flora and fauna that offer various ecological services to the surrounding human societies. Biodiversity assessment is mandatory for implementing any sustainable forest management policy, which is why it is one of the important criteria and indicators currently used. Threats to TDF biodiversity are the primary challenges arising from environmental concerns caused by anthropogenic activity leading to global warming issues. The study aimed to investigate the vegetation assessment and several environmental and anthropogenic variables influencing forest biodiversity from 5 threatened forest sites of District Sialkot (Ghalotian, Kishan Garh, Daburgi Chanda Singh, Pir Kot, and Ghulab Garh), Pakistan. We collected 170 distinct plant species, including 135 dicots, 27 monocots, seven pteridophytes, and one bryophyte, categorized into 138 genera and 62 families, divided into 114 herbs, 32 trees, and 24 shrubs. The phytosociological analysis described the quantitative characteristics, including % frequency, % density, % cover, and importance Value Index (IVI) of all forest areas. Gulab Garh forest has the richest biodiversity forest area, and herbs are the dominant species that have been documented. Environmental factors such as temperature, precipitation, organic matter, soil pH, Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, Cl−, and electric conductivity (EC) strongly affect forest vegetation investigated by principal coordinate analysis. Shannon and Simpson’s diversity indexes reveal that all sites contain loamy and sandy soil and display a significant relationship between alpha diversity and richness. Increasing trends in temperature and decreasing trends in rainfall suggested that climate significantly affects the Sialkot region’s plant biodiversity. SWOT analysis highlighted that population growth leads to increasing anthropogenic activities such as constructing housing societies and roads, inadequate farming, and excessive grazing, impacting the forest vegetation and altering TDF ecosystem properties/services and functioning. Our findings reinforce the vegetational assessment and importance of local forest biodiversity and significant environmental drivers that influence the plant species diversity in TDF areas. Future conservation strategies are suggested to reduce unlawful resource consumption, restore plant biodiversity in designated protected areas, and conserve rare species locally.

The current state of relic rocky grasslands with <i>Sesleria tatrae</i> and <i>Calamagrostis varia</i> in the Eastern Sudetes (Śnieżnik Massif, SW Poland)

The unique, basophilic rocky grasslands on the Pulinka rock near Kletno in the Śnieżnik Massif (Eastern Sudetes) have been known since the 1960s. The aim of the study was to, re-analyze the status of this plant community with reference to species composition, functional structure, habitat conditions and syntaxonomic position 50 years afer its discovery, and first description. For this purpose, we used archival and contemporary data. The obtained results revealed close compositional similarity between the vegetation plots collected in 1968 and 2022. The abundance of relic species documented in phytosociological relevès has remained constant (<i>Sesleria tatrae</i>, <i>Galium anisophyllon</i>) or increased (<i>Scabiosa lucida</i>). Additionally, the first locality of <i>Calamagrostis varia</i> was found on the Pulinka – a species not yet recorded in the Sudetes. On the other hand, some regular fluctuations in the abundance of sporadic species were observed. However, these were not reflected in changes in community-weighted means for environmental variables (temperature, light, nutrients, soil reaction, and moisture) and functional traits (specific leaf area, seed mass, and leaf dry matter content). We also found no differences in the functional diversity index (FD Rao) between the first and last surveys. Therefore, the lack of temporal changes in the main ecological features may indicate a high stability of the studied grasslands despite the pressure of external factors (progressive climate warming and nitrogen deposition). The phytosociological analysis carried out suggests that the studied community belongs to the class <i>Elyno-Seslerietea</i> and the order <i>Seslerietalia caeruleae</i>. However, due to the unusually poor species composition of the studied rocky grasslands, we did not find it currently possible to classify them at the alliance and association level. This requires further studies and classification based on broader data, including Western Carpathian calcicolous swards.

Vegetation composition, tree diversity, Biomass and carbon stock of Kanger Valley National Park

This study focuses on vegetation composition, tree diversity, biomass and carbon stock within Kanger Valley National Park of Bastar district (C.G), a biodiverse hot spot located in central India. The research comprised of systematic field surveys to identify and document tree species present in various zones of the park. A combination of quantitative measures such as Phytosociological analysis, diversity indices, biomass and carbon stock were estimated. Density and basal cover of tree layer across the three study sites were 220 to 520 trees ha-1 and 18.56 to 26 m2 ha-1, respectively. Sapling layer density and basal cover across the three study sites were 110-260 trees ha-1 and 0.34-0.74 m2 ha-1, respectively. Shannon-Wiener diversity index respectively ranges from 2.88 to 3.39 for tree layer and 2.29 to 3.96 for saplings layer. Equitability were from 1.10-1.25 and 1.29 -1.59, respectively for tree and sapling layer, whereas, species richness was from 3.08- 5.53 for tree layer and 3.64 to 13.58 for sapling layer. Total biomass across the study sites was between 286.43 and 3144.44 t ha-1, and was maximum on site-1 and minimum on site III. Litter layer also followed the similar trend being maximum (3.85 t ha-1) on site I and minimum on site III (2.62 t ha-1). The total carbon stock ranged between 110.52t ha-1 and 133.87 t ha-1, being maximum on site I, and minimum on site III. The dominated tree species on site I was Anogesisssus latifoia and Caseria graveolens, site II was dominated by Shorea robusta and Pterocarpus marusupium ans site III was dominated by Schleichera oleosa and Semecarpus anacardium. Study revealed that the structure, diversity, biomass and carbon stock in present sudy site are the result of protection and conservation.

Phytosociological Analysis of Moist Temperate Forest in Shah Pur, District Shangla

Phytosociological Analysis of Moist Temperate Forest in Shah Pur, District Shangla

Multiple use of Shrubble-Arboreaal Species of a Cerrado Fragment, Northern Region of the Legal Amazon

Objective: This research aimed to evaluate the floristic composition and the potential of shrub-tree species in a fragment of cerrado sensu stricto, in the northern region of the Legal Amazon. Method: In an area of ​​Cerrado sensu stricto, the inventory was carried out using the fixed area sampling method. With this, all shrub-tree species with a diameter ≥ 10 cm were measured and phytosociological analyses, dyspesion syndrome and diameter distribution were determined. Result and Conclusion: According to the variables analyzed, it was possible to observe the establishment of new individuals in the diameter classes of 1 to 8.1 cm and 8.2 to 16.3 cm, therefore it can be seen that the species are part of the same ecological groups, that is, early and late, thus indicating high regenerative value due to the high entry of individuals, which allows a favorable ascension to mature successional stages. Researchimplications: Research related to phytosociological studies, dispersion syndrome and diametric distribution of shrub-arboreal species is of utmost importance to assess the diversity of Cerrado areas, mainly given the fact that it is the biome that is most currently being suppressed. Originality/value: The potential for using the Cerrado's phytodiversity is extremely important and due to agricultural development, species may disappear, in this way, the aim is to increase the level of knowledge of Cerrado species. With this, determine the timber and non-timber potential, in addition to relating dispersal syndromes and diameter distribution, in order to characterize the regenerative potential of these species.

Ordenamiento de las comunidades vegetales herbáceas del departamento Rosario (Prov. Santa Fe, Argentina)

The data collected from some herbaceus communities of the Department of Rosario which were already published in a previous paper, have been analyzed by a more objective ordination method; correspondence analysis (or reciprocal averaging). The latter ordained the “relevés” along two gradiente which were correlated with the topography of the sampled area. The major gradient was associated to soil salinity, whereas the secondary one corresponded with soil moisture.
 It is shown that the classical phytosociological analysis, although subjective, yields sound and reproducible resulte.

Floristic-Vegetational Features of Geranium argenteum, an Alpine-Apennine Species at Its Limit of Distribution in the Apennines.

We present a floristic-vegetational study on a plant community dominated by Geranium argenteum in the Sibillini Mountains (Central Apennines), at the southern limit of its distribution in the Apennines. It is a rare pioneer community located at an elevation of about 2100 m a.s.l. with northern exposure on the fractured rocky ridges and at the edges of the rocky detrital valleys on lithosol, with a prolonged presence of snowpack and gelifraction processes. The results of the phytosociological analysis allow us to propose the new Festuco italicae-Geranietum argentei association referred to as the Leontopodio nivalis-Elynion myosuroidis alliance (Carici rupestris-Kobresietea bellardii class). The comparison with the Alpine and the Northern Apennines phytocoenoses characterized by Geranium argenteum allows us to provide a new interpretation of the syntaxonomical framework concerning the Geranium argenteum communities within its Alpine-Apennine range in light of the new data presented in this paper. The new Festuco italicae-Geranietum argentei association represents a further contribution to the knowledge of the relict alpine vegetation of the Leontopodio nivalis-Elynion myosuroidis alliance in the Sibillini Mountains and thus in the Central Apennines. Finally, habitat monitoring will be essential for assessing the impacts of climate change on this fragile and narrowly restricted plant community.

Floristic and phytosociological analysis of the tree and shrub component of Clementino Procópio square, Campina Grande, PB

Squares are of great importance for the sociability of a population and the configuration of a city. This research aimed to carry out a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the tree and shrub components of Clementino Procópio square in the city of Campina Grande (PB). Specimen data collection was carried out through a census and analysis was carried out using phytosociological parameters and multivariate analysis. It was found that exotic species are more predominant. Fabaceae, Arecaceae and Bignoniaceae were the families with the highest number of species. The species F. retusa and H. heptaphyllus had more number of specimens, more density and dominance, more importance and coverage. The tree density indices, Shannon-Winer and Pielou, showed that the square has enough number of trees, high species diversity and high equitability.

Phytosociological analysis of submontane beech forestsin the upper part of Nadiža (Natisone) Valley in the Breginjski Kot (Julian Alps, northwestern Slovenia, northeastern Italy)

We conducted a phytosociological analysis of submontane beech forests on calcareous-silicate bedrock at the upper course of the Nadiža River and its tributaries (the brooks of Beli Potok / Rio Bianco, Črni Potok / Rio Nero, Plazi Potok, Globotnik, Legrada / Lerada, Jamnik / Jamjak, Veliki Potok). Based on comparisons with similar beech communities in geographically closer areas we classified them into the new association Polysticho braunii-Fagetum sylvaticae. The new association was subdivided into five subassociations: luzuletosum luzuloidis, stellarietosum montanae, typicum, caricetosum albae and saxifragetosum cuneifolii. The beech stands at the village of Staro Selo and several beech stands at Podbela were classified into the association Ornithogalo pyrenaici-Fagetum.
 
 Izvleček
 Fitocenološko smo raziskali submontanske bukove gozdove na karbonatno-silikatni geološki podlagi ob zgornjem teku reke Nadiže in njenih pritokov (Beli potok / Rio Bianco, Črni potok / Rio Nero, Plazi potok, Globotnik, Legrada / Lerada, Jamnik / Jamjak, Veliki potok) in jih na podlagi primerjav s podobnimi bukovimi združbami v geografsko bližnjih območjih uvrstili v novo asociacijo Polysticho braunii-Fagetum sylvaticae. Členili smo jo v pet subasociacij: luzuletosum luzuloidis, stellarietosum montanae, typicum, caricetosum albae in saxifragetosum cuneifolii. V asociacijo Ornithogalo pyrenaici-Fagetum smo uvrstili bukove sestoje pri Starem selu in nekatere bukove sestoje pri Podbeli.

PAT: Phytosociology Analysis Tool

Researchers quantify vegetation characteristics using phytosociology studies. The data collected from vegetation surveys, such as tree girth and height measurements, are used to calculate various phytosociological attributes like frequency, density, basal cover, important value index, etc. In general, they are calculated using an Excel spreadsheet and a lengthy mathematical process. There are a few open-source or free software available to compute some of these parameters. However, they are not user friendly for most researchers. Also, these software primarily doesn’t compute basic phytosociological attributes. In view of these constraints and to ease researchers work, we have developed a simple tool, “PAT” Phytosociology Analysis Tool,” that computes the maximum attributes from the field collected vegetation data. The PAT GUI is simple. PAT computes results using standard formulas after users upload a csv file in the required format. Users can download the table's results and figures in PNG format.