Relationships between site factors and plant species on eroded marly soils in Southwest Anatolia (Eskişehir/Turkey)

Abstract

Natural regeneration of vegetation is prevented in areas of marly soils by drought and soil erosion. In ecological restoration of eroded areas, the selection of suitable plant species is critical. The aim of this study is to assess specific plant species and their ecological characteristics for their ability to thrive under maximum drought in areas with marly soil. The study was conducted on 36 plots in the marly areas of Eskisehir-Bozan, Turkey, during the most drought-prone months, august and September, in 2011 and 2012. Vegetation sampling was conducted according to the Braun-Blanquet method. Fifteen plant taxa with the highest coverage and frequency were identified. Relationships between plant species and environmental factors were determined by correlation analysis. According to the results of numerical analysis, there were relationships between site factors (nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, lime, slope, altitude, and radiation index) and 8 plant taxa. The other 7 plant taxa did not show any relationship with environmental factors. The survival resistance of fifteen plant taxa in marly areas is quite high even in the driest months. These plant taxa, which have properties essential for soil protection, can be used in the revegetation studies of marly areas exposed to erosion.