Effect of environmental factors on species diversity of the Yenice Hot Spot Forests in Turkey

Abstract

We quantified the diversity of vascular plant species and described soil properties and topographical and climatic conditions of the Citdere and Kavakli Nature Reserves in the Yenice Forest of Turkey. We used the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson's indices of diversity, Margalef's index of species richness and Pielou's evenness index to quantify the structure of vascular plant assemblages. We measured soil parameters (NO3-, NH4+, available P, Mg++, K+, Na+, Ca++, organic matter, pH, soil moisture), elevation, slope gradient and aspect and their correlations with plant community parameters. In total, we recorded and identified 207 species and subspecies in the study area. Species cover, richness and diversity indices varied significantly by vegetation type (P < 0.01). Available NO3- and Ca++ in the soil were important factors for the area and species representation in the species-environment correlations estimated for the Kavakli area. Available NO3-, pH, organic matter, Ca++ and K+ in the soil were important factors for the area and species representation in the species-environment correlations analysed for the Citdere area.