Community Ecology
Volume/Issue:
Volume 7: Issue 2
The relationships between environment and plant communities in the middle part of Taihang Mountain Range, North China
Authors:
J. ZhangBeijing Normal University College of Life Sciences Beijing 100875 China

Search for other papers by J. Zhang in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
,
Y. XiShanxi University Institute of Loess Plateau Taiyuan 030006 China

Search for other papers by Y. Xi in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
, and
J. LiBeijing Normal University College of Life Sciences Beijing 100875 China

Search for other papers by J. Li in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
View More View Less
Pages:
155–163
Online Publication Date:
23 Jan 2007
Publication Date:
01 Dec 2006
Article Category:
Research Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1556/comec.7.2006.2.3
Keywords:
Classification; Ecological restoration; Ordination; Soil conservation; Vegetation-environment relation
Restricted access

The Taihang Mountain Range is located at E112°50′–114°30′, N35°20′–39°30′ in North China. This study aimed to reveal relationships between plant communities, soil variables and topographic variables. Floristic data and environmental data from sixty-eight quadrats of 10 m × 20 m along an elevation gradient from 1050 to 2180 m were analysed by TWINSPAN, DCA and CCA. Eight vegetation formations were recognized, all secondary successional stages following the original broad-leaved deciduous forests’ distraction by human activities. The results showed that the community patterns are related to both soil variables and topographic variables. Among the soil variables, soil N, P, K and organic matter were found to be the most important factors forcing the spatial patterns of plant communities. The vegetation patterns were also significantly correlated with the topographic variables, elevation, slope and aspect. Interactions between the environmental variables were significant. It is concluded that further measures for the conservation of vegetation and protection of soils in the Taihang Mountains must be undertaken.

  • Anderson, J. P. E. 1982. Soil respiration. In: A. L. Page (ed.), Methods of Soil Analysis, Chemical and Microbiological Properties , Part 2. American Society of Agronomy, Madison. pp. 831–871.

    Anderson J. P. E. , '', in Methods of Soil Analysis, Chemical and Microbiological Properties , (1982 ) -.

  • Bergmeier, E. 2002. The vegetation of the high mountains of Crete: A revision and multivariate analysis. Phytocoenologia 32: 205–249

    Bergmeier E. , 'The vegetation of the high mountains of Crete: A revision and multivariate analysis ' (2002 ) 32 Phytocoenologia : 205 -249 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Brunner, I., Rigling, D., Egli, S. and P. Blaser. 1999. Response of Norway spruce seedlings in relation to chemical properties of forest soils. Forest Ecology and Management 116: 71–81

    Blaser P. , 'Response of Norway spruce seedlings in relation to chemical properties of forest soils ' (1999 ) 116 Forest Ecology and Management : 71 -81 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Cannell, M, G, R, and M. D. Hooper. 1990. The greenhouse effect and terrestrial ecosystems of the UK. Research Publication 4, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, London.

    Hooper M. D. , '', in The greenhouse effect and terrestrial ecosystems of the UK , (1990 ) -.

  • Chen, X., Li, B-L., Scott, T. A., Tennant, T. and M. F. Allen. 2005. Spatial structure of multispecies distributions in southern California, USA. Biological Conservation 124: 169–175

    Allen M. F. , 'Spatial structure of multispecies distributions in southern California, USA ' (2005 ) 124 Biological Conservation : 169 -175 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Cheng, Z. H. and J.-T. Zhang. 2003. Difference between tourism vegetation landscapes of different distance. Journal of Mountain Science 21: 647–652

    Zhang J.-T. , 'Difference between tourism vegetation landscapes of different distance ' (2003 ) 21 Journal of Mountain Science : 647 -652 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Dirnbock, T., Dullinger, S. and G. Grabherr. 2003. A regional impact assessment of climate and land-use change on alpine vegetation. Journal of Biogeography 30: 303–322.

    Grabherr G. , 'A regional impact assessment of climate and land-use change on alpine vegetation ' (2003 ) 30 Journal of Biogeography : 303 -322 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Ertli, T., Marton, A. and R. Foldenyi. 2004. Effect of pH and the role of organic matter in the adsorption of isoproturon on soils. Chemosphere 57: 771–779

    Foldenyi R. , 'Effect of pH and the role of organic matter in the adsorption of isoproturon on soils ' (2004 ) 57 Chemosphere : 771 -779 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Fosaa, A. M. 2004. Biodiversity patterns of vascular plant species in mountain vegetation in the Faroe Islands. Diversity and Distributions 10: 217–223

    Fosaa A. M. , 'Biodiversity patterns of vascular plant species in mountain vegetation in the Faroe Islands ' (2004 ) 10 Diversity and Distributions : 217 -223 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Gao, Q. and H.Y. Zheng. 1991. The application of fuzzy ISODATA clustering to quantitative analysis of grassland communities. Acta Phytoecologica et Geobotanica Sinica 15(4): 312–318.

    Zheng H.Y. , 'The application of fuzzy ISODATA clustering to quantitative analysis of grassland communities ' (1991 ) 15 Acta Phytoecologica et Geobotanica Sinica : 312 -318 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Gerald, P. 2004. The high mountain vegetation of Turkey — A state of the art report, including a first annotated conspectus of the major syntaxa. Turkish Journal of Botany 28: 39–63

    Gerald P. , 'The high mountain vegetation of Turkey — A state of the art report, including a first annotated conspectus of the major syntaxa ' (2004 ) 28 Turkish Journal of Botany : 39 -63 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Glaser, B., Turrion, M-B., Solomon, D., Ni, A. and W. Zech. 2000. Soil organic matter quantity and quality in mountain soils of the Alay Range, Kyrgyzia, affected by land use change. Biology and Fertility of Soils 31: 407–413

    Zech W. , 'Soil organic matter quantity and quality in mountain soils of the Alay Range, Kyrgyzia, affected by land use change ' (2000 ) 31 Biology and Fertility of Soils : 407 -413 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Higashi, T., Sohtome, R., Hayashi, H., Ohse, K., Sugimoto, T., Ohkawa, Y., Tamura, K. and M. Miyazaki, 2003. Influences of forest decline on various properties of soils on Mt. Hirugatake, Tanzawa Mountains, Kanto district, Japan. I. Changes in vegetation, soil profile morphology, and some chemical properties of soils. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 49: 161–169

    Miyazaki M. , 'Influences of forest decline on various properties of soils on Mt. Hirugatake, Tanzawa Mountains, Kanto district, Japan. I. Changes in vegetation, soil profile morphology, and some chemical properties of soils ' (2003 ) 49 Soil Science and Plant Nutrition : 161 -169 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Hill, M. O. 1979. TWINSPAN — A Fortran program for arranging multivariate data in an ordered two-way table by classification of the individuals and atributes . Cornell University, Ithaca.

    Hill M. O. , '', in TWINSPAN — A Fortran program for arranging multivariate data in an ordered two-way table by classification of the individuals and atributes , (1979 ) -.

  • Hill, M. O. and H. G. Gauch. 1980. Detrended correspondence analysisℒ¬an improved ordination technique. Vegetatio 42:47–58

    Gauch H. G. , 'Detrended correspondence analysisℒ¬an improved ordination technique ' (1980 ) 42 Vegetatio : 47 -58 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Holdridge, L. R. 1967. Life Zone Ecology . Tropical Science Centre, San Jose, Costa Rica.

    Holdridge L. R. , '', in Life Zone Ecology , (1967 ) -.

  • Holten, J. I., Paulsen, G. and W. C. Oechel. 1993. Impacts of Climatic Change on Natural Ecosystems . NINA, Trondheim.

    Oechel W. C. , '', in Impacts of Climatic Change on Natural Ecosystems , (1993 ) -.

  • Leathwick, J. R. 1995. Climatic relationships of some New Zealand forest tree species. Journal of Vegetation Science 6:237–248

    Leathwick J. R. , 'Climatic relationships of some New Zealand forest tree species ' (1995 ) 6 Journal of Vegetation Science : 237 -248 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Liu, L. 1984. Plant resources and their utilization directions in Taihang Mountains. Scientia Geographica 4(3):10–15

    Liu L. , 'Plant resources and their utilization directions in Taihang Mountains ' (1984 ) 4 Scientia Geographica : 10 -15 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Liu, L. 1996. Vegetation in Hebei Province . Science Press, Beijing.

    Liu L. , '', in Vegetation in Hebei Province , (1996 ) -.

  • Liu, Z. Y. (ed) 1992. Soils in Shanxi Province . Science Press, Beijing.

    '', in Soils in Shanxi Province , (1992 ) -.

  • Liu, T.W. and Yue, J.Y. 2004. Flora Shanxiensis . China Science and Technology Press, Beijing.

    Yue J.Y. , '', in Flora Shanxiensis , (2004 ) -.

  • Ma, Z. Q. 2001. Vegetation of Shanxi Province . China Science and Technology Press, Beijing.

    Ma Z. Q. , '', in Vegetation of Shanxi Province , (2001 ) -.

  • Martins, D., Odd, E., Eli, F., Jonas, E. L. and A. Erik. 1999. Beech forest communities in the Nordic countries — a multivariate analysis. Plant Ecology 140: 203–220.

    Erik A. , 'Beech forest communities in the Nordic countries — a multivariate analysis ' (1999 ) 140 Plant Ecology : 203 -220 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Mi, X-C. and J.-T. Zhang. 1995. Classification and ordination of Form. Quercus variabilis in Menghe Reservation, Shanxi Province. Bulletin of Botany 15: 397–402

  • Molles, M. C. 2002. Ecology: Concepts and Applications . 2 nd ed. The McGraw-Hill Co., Singapore.

    Molles M. C. , '', in Ecology: Concepts and Applications , (2002 ) -.

  • Paschke, M. W., Redente, E. F. and Brown, S. L. 2003. Biology and establishment of mountain shrubs on mining disturbances in the Rocky Mountains, USA. Land Degradation and Development 14: 459–480

    Brown S. L. , 'Biology and establishment of mountain shrubs on mining disturbances in the Rocky Mountains, USA ' (2003 ) 14 Land Degradation and Development : 459 -480 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Podani, J. 2000. Introduction to the Exploration of Multivariate Biological Data . Backhuys Publishers, Leiden.

    Podani J. , '', in Introduction to the Exploration of Multivariate Biological Data , (2000 ) -.

  • Saarsalmi, A., Malkonen, E. and S. Piirainen, 2001. Effects of wood ash fertilization on forest soil chemical properties. Silva Fennica 35: 355–368

    Piirainen S. , 'Effects of wood ash fertilization on forest soil chemical properties ' (2001 ) 35 Silva Fennica : 355 -368 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Sanz-Elorza, M., Dana, E. D., Gonzalez, A. and E. Sobrino. 2003. Changes in the high-mountain vegetation of the central Iberian Peninsula as a probable sign of global warming. Annals of Botany 92: 273–280.

    Sobrino E. , 'Changes in the high-mountain vegetation of the central Iberian Peninsula as a probable sign of global warming ' (2003 ) 92 Annals of Botany : 273 -280 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Sparks R.E. 1995. Need for ecosystem management of large rivers and their floodplains. BioScience 45: 168–182.

    Sparks R.E. , 'Need for ecosystem management of large rivers and their floodplains ' (1995 ) 45 BioScience : 168 -182 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Steffen, W. L., Walker, B. H., Ingram, J. S. I. and G. H. Koch, (eds) 1992. Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems: The Operational Plan . Report No. 21. IGBP, Stockholm.

    '', in Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems: The Operational Plan , (1992 ) -.

  • Tasser, E. and U. Tappeiner, 2002. Impact of land use changes on mountain vegetation. Applied Vegetation Science 5: 173–184

    Tappeiner U. , 'Impact of land use changes on mountain vegetation ' (2002 ) 5 Applied Vegetation Science : 173 -184 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • ter Braak, C. J. F. and P. Šmilauer, 2001. CANOCO Reference Manual and User’s Guide to Canoco for Windows. Software for Canonical Community Ordination (version 4.5) . Centre for Biometry Wageningen (NL) and Microcomputer Power (Ithaca NY, USA).

    Šmilauer P. , '', in CANOCO Reference Manual and User’s Guide to Canoco for Windows. Software for Canonical Community Ordination (version 4.5) , (2001 ) -.

  • Ter Braak, C. J. F. 1986. Canonical correspondence analysis: a new eigenvector method for multivariate direct gradient analysis, Ecology 67: 1167–1179.

    Braak C. J. F. , 'Canonical correspondence analysis: a new eigenvector method for multivariate direct gradient analysis ' (1986 ) 67 Ecology : 1167 -1179 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Walter, H. 1979. Vegetation of the Earth and Ecological Systems of the Geo-biosphere . 2 nd ed. Springer, New York.

    Walter H. , '', in Vegetation of the Earth and Ecological Systems of the Geo-biosphere , (1979 ) -.

  • Wang, Y. F. 1991. Vegetation Resources and their Utilization and Protection in Loess Plateau . Science and Technology Press, Beijing.

    Wang Y. F. , '', in Vegetation Resources and their Utilization and Protection in Loess Plateau , (1991 ) -.

  • Wilson, S. M., Pyatt, D. G., Malcolm, D. C. and T. Connolly. 2001. The use of ground vegetation and humus type as indicators of soil nutrient regime for an ecological site classification of British forests. Forest Ecology and Management 140: 101–116

    Connolly T. , 'The use of ground vegetation and humus type as indicators of soil nutrient regime for an ecological site classification of British forests ' (2001 ) 140 Forest Ecology and Management : 101 -116 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Woodward, F. I. (ed.) 1992. Global Climate Change: The Ecological Consequences . Academic Press, London.

    '', in Global Climate Change: The Ecological Consequences , (1992 ) -.

  • Wu, Z. Y. 1980. Vegetation of China . Science Press, Beijing.

    Wu Z. Y. , '', in Vegetation of China , (1980 ) -.

  • Yang, Y. H., Watanabe, M., Wang, Z., Sakura, Y. and C. Tang. 2003. Prediction of changes in soil moisture associated with climatic changes and their implications for vegetation changes: WAVES model simulation on Taihang Mountain, China. Climatic Change 57(1–2): 163–183

    Tang C. , 'Prediction of changes in soil moisture associated with climatic changes and their implications for vegetation changes: WAVES model simulation on Taihang Mountain, China ' (2003 ) 57 Climatic Change : 163 -183 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Ye, Z. H., Shu, W. S., Zhang, Z. Q., Lan, C. Y. and Wong, M. H. 2002. Evaluation of major constraints to revegetation of lead/zinc mine tailings using bioassay techniques. Chemosphere 47: 1103–1111

    Wong M. H. , 'Evaluation of major constraints to revegetation of lead/zinc mine tailings using bioassay techniques ' (2002 ) 47 Chemosphere : 1103 -1111 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Zhang, J-S., Meng, P., Yin, C. J. and Feng, W. D. 2002. Spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of wheat roots in apple-wheat intercropping. Forest Research 15: 537–541

    Feng W. D. , 'Spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of wheat roots in apple-wheat intercropping ' (2002 ) 15 Forest Research : 537 -541 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Zhang, J-T. 1987. The main vegetation types and their rational utilization in Northwest Shanxi. J. Wuhan. Botanical Research 5:373–382.

    Zhang J.-T. , 'The main vegetation types and their rational utilization in Northwest Shanxi ' (1987 ) 5 J. Wuhan. Botanical Research : 373 -382 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Zhang, J-T. 1995. Quantitative Methods in Vegetation Ecology . China Sci. and Tech. Press, Beijing.

    Zhang J.-T. , '', in Quantitative Methods in Vegetation Ecology , (1995 ) -.

  • Zhang, J-T. 2002. A Study on Relations of Vegetation, Climate and Soils in Shanxi Province, China . Plant Ecology 162: 23–31.

    Zhang J.-T. , 'A Study on Relations of Vegetation, Climate and Soils in Shanxi Province, China ' (2002 ) 162 Plant Ecology : 23 -31 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Zhang, J-T. 2003. Applied Ecology . Science Press, Beijing.

    Zhang J.-T. , '', in Applied Ecology , (2003 ) -.

  • Zhang, J-T. 2004. Quantitative Ecology . Science Press, Beijing.

    Zhang J.-T. , '', in Quantitative Ecology , (2004 ) -.

  • Zhang, J-T. 2005. Succession analysis of plant communities in abandoned croplands in the Eastern Loess Plateau of China. Journal of Arid Environments 63: 458–474.

    Zhang J.-T. , 'Succession analysis of plant communities in abandoned croplands in the Eastern Loess Plateau of China ' (2005 ) 63 Journal of Arid Environments : 458 -474 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Zhang, J-T. and T.G. Chen. 2004. Variation of plant communities along an elevation gradient in the Guandi Mountains, North China. Community Ecology 5: 227–233

    Chen T.G. , 'Variation of plant communities along an elevation gradient in the Guandi Mountains, North China ' (2004 ) 5 Community Ecology : 227 -233 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Zhang, J-T. and J. H.. 2001. The analysis of economic loss of ecological destruction in Shanxi, North China. China Softscience 16(5), 89–94.

    J. H. , 'The analysis of economic loss of ecological destruction in Shanxi, North China ' (2001 ) 16 China Softscience : 89 -94 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Zhang, J-T. and R. E. B. Oxley, 1994. A comparison of three methods of multivariate analysis of upland grasslands in North Wales. J. Veg. Sci. 5: 71–76.

    Oxley R. E. B. , 'A comparison of three methods of multivariate analysis of upland grasslands in North Wales ' (1994 ) 5 J. Veg. Sci. : 71 -76 .

    • Search Google Scholar

  • Zhang, J-T., Ru, W. M. and B. Li. 2006. Relationships between vegetation and climate on the Loess Plateau in China. Folia Geobotanica 41: 151–163.

    Li B. , 'Relationships between vegetation and climate on the Loess Plateau in China ' (2006 ) 41 Folia Geobotanica : 151 -163 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Collapse
  • Expand
Cover Community Ecology
Community Ecology An Interdisciplinary Journal Reporting Progress in Community and Population Studies
Print ISSN:
1585-8553
Online ISSN:
1588-2756

To see the editorial board, please visit the website of Springer Nature.

Manuscript Submission: HERE

For subscription options, please visit the website of Springer Nature.

Community Ecology
Language English
Size A4
Year of
Foundation		 2000
Volumes
per Year		 1
Issues
per Year		 3
Founder Akadémiai Kiadó
Founder's
Address		 H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245
Publisher Akadémiai Kiadó
Springer Nature Switzerland AG
Publisher's
Address		 H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245.
CH-6330 Cham, Switzerland Gewerbestrasse 11.
Responsible
Publisher		 Chief Executive Officer, Akadémiai Kiadó
ISSN 1585-8553 (Print)
ISSN 1588-2756 (Online)

Monthly Content Usage

Abstract Views Full Text Views PDF Downloads
Oct 2022 9 0 0
Nov 2022 4 0 0
Dec 2022 7 0 0
Jan 2023 11 0 0
Feb 2023 5 0 0
Mar 2023 27 0 0
Apr 2023 0 0 0