A Multivariate Analysis in Relation to Edaphic and Environmental Factors of Rangelands Vegetation of Mugla Province

Abstract

This study was carried out in order to compare in 20 different rangeland sample areas that determined in order to environmental variables, vegetation and soil properties by multivariate ordination analysis in Mugla province. Cluster analysis was made to determine the similarity and species compositions of sample areas, and as a result of this analysis, three different groups have occurred. Additionally, detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) was made after the indicator species analysis. The interaction between environmental and soil-borne factors as altitude, distance to village, soil depth, pH in saturated soil with water, lime and surface stoniness were found to be significant and this significance was expressed by graphs. Moreover, it was indicated that relationship with species in the vegetation of the variables that were determined as significant by tables and figures. The relationship with the species in the vegetation of the variables that were determined as significant was also indicated. The result of the study showed that environmental variables as soil depth, soil pH saturated with water, stony surface, altitude and distance to villages had a significant effect on the species diversity and distribution in the samples areas.