The influence of geo-morphological landscape patterns on vegetation characteristics in Tajikistan grasslands
2013
Louhaichi, Mounir | Nurbekov, Aziz | Madaminov, Abdulla | Rischkowsky, Barbara
Grassland ecosystems are affected by a combination of physical and environmental factors, as well as by grazing and human induced activities. The primary objective of this study was to examine the influence of geo-morphological landscape patterns on vegetation characteristics in Tajikistan where two sites were selected. The vegetation sampling took place in spring and fall. Vegetation characteristics were assessed using the line intercept method for vegetation cover and species composition and quadrat sampling for biomass production. An ANOVA using replicated trials in complete block design was used to determine the relationship between aspect and vegetation characteristics. Treatments included location (site), season (fall and spring pastures), and aspect. Site, season and aspect had significant impact on the species composition, cover, and biomass production (P<0.001). The present study emphasizes the strong relationship between vegetation coverage and surface temperature (potential direct incident radiation). Unfortunately, this parameter has been overlooked in the past and needs to be taken into account when considering options for rehabilitation and restoration measures of degraded grasslands
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