Relationship between vegetation and the environmental heterogeneity in the Paraná Delta complex in Argentina

KALESNIK, F.A., ; ACEÑOLAZA, P.G.,; M. HURTADO; J. MARTÍNEZ

WATER AND ENVIRONMENT JOURNAL

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2011 vol. 25 p. 88 - 98

1747-6585

The relationship between environmental heterogeneity and the vegetation ofthe levee neo-ecosystems in the Delta of the Parana River was studied. These ´habitat types were considered plant communities of recent origin related tolocal productive activities. Vegetation coverage was evaluated in 97 plots ofthree different environmental units (A, B and C), using classification analysis,indirect and direct ordinations. The differential vegetation in different environmental units could be related to a greater fluvial influence of the Parana River ´on unit A and a greater tidal influence of the de la Plata River on units B and C. The Lower Delta hydrological regimes only affect a few of edaphic variables particularly pH, organic matter percentage and clay content. To understand the spatial pattern of neo-ecosystems vegetation, it is also necessary to consider the invasion of alien species that has been taking place for over 50 years.