This study explores the distribution of vegetation within the Sougna mountain, analyzes its contemporary pollen composition, and examines its correlations with environmental factors and land use variables. In a range spanning from 138 to 1364 m asl, 31 moss polsters were gathered across diverse landscapes, including cork oak forest, pine reforestation, and matorrals, covering wooded and open areas. At each site, data on land use and environmental variables were gathered. Vegetation within the Sougna mountain is dispersed in a mosaic pattern across three distinct vegetation belts, each exhibiting unique pollen assemblages primarily composed of corresponding vegetation types (such as Quercus suber forest, matorrals of Erica spp. and Cistus spp., and Pinus pinaster reforestation). CCA analysis was employed to examine the variance between the variables and pollen data. Anthropogenic factors such as grazing and cultivation played a significant role in distinguishing degraded and grazed areas. Moreover, elevated precipitation levels and altitude showed a positive correlation with wooded communities, thereby establishing a strong relationship with tree cover. Our findings indicate that pollen types such as Poaceae, Cannabis, Plantago, Nicotiana,Urtica, and Asteraceae are primarily associated with human activities and serve as key indicators for distinguishing degraded communities. It is crucial to exercise caution when interpreting the presence of these taxa in the pollen diagram. Employing a high taxonomic resolution is advised in order to avoid overestimating the presence of certain taxa. These outcomes can significantly enhance palynological efforts aimed at reconstructing historical vegetation and land use patterns in the Sougna mountain and, more broadly, in the Rif landscape.
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Unveiling Vegetation Patterns, Modern Pollen Profiles, and Environmental Influences in Sougna Mountain, Northern Morocco
Published:
19 January 2024
by MDPI
in The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Plant Sciences
session Plant Ecology, Biodiversity and Developmental Biology
Abstract:
Keywords: Pollen analysis, Moss polster, Vegetation belts, Indicator taxa
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