Egypt. J. Exp. Biol. (Bot.), 14(2): 267 – 278 (2018) © The Egyptian Society of Experimental Biology DOI: 10.5455/egyjebb.20180828111257

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Aliaa Muhammad Refaat Ashraf Mohamed Youssef Mohamed Talaat El -Hennawy Hosny Abdel-Aziz Mossallam

Vegetation analysis and correlations between soil variables and habitat diversity in Qaroun and Wadi El-Rayan Protected Areas, Western Desert, Egypt

ABSTRACT: This study provides an analysis of vegetation and environmental relationships as well as * Ashraf Mohamed Youssef diversity patterns in the different habitats of ** Mohamed Talaat El-Hennawy Qaroun and Wadi El-Rayan Protected Areas, * Hosny Abdel -Aziz Mossallam Western Desert, Egypt. Habitat diversity is one of the important concepts in ecology that * Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Ain reflects the health status of ecosystems. Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Using stratified random sampling technique, a ** Nature Conservation Sector, Ministry of total of 62 stands (100 m 2) were chosen to Environment, Egypt. represent the vegetation of different habitat. A total of 55 wild species (31 perennials and 24 annuals), belonging to 49 genera and 24 families, were recorded in the study area. ARTICLE CODE: 27.02.18 Poaceae, Fabaceae, Chenopodiaceae, and Asteraceae are the most abundant families. Diversity indices; species richness, evenness, INTRODUCTION: Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were For decades, ecologists have attempted to calculated for each stand. Eighteen soil understand the relationships between soil variables were examined, and the results properties and plant diversity, as some soils are showed large variation among stands. Four associated with high richness in plant species vegetation groups were obtained from the (Whittaker et al., 2001; Escudero et al., 2015). Two-way cluster analysis classification Soil factors play an important role in generating (TWINSPAN) in the three main habitats. and maintaining plant diversity. Measuring habitat Environmental parameters correlations with diversity has become a key component of vegetation groups were determined using conservation ecology since the eighties and long Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) time after (Fuller and Langslow, 1986; Usher, and Detrended canonical correspondence 1986; Alsterberg et al., 2017). The physiographic analysis (DCCA). The results showed that soil and edaphic factors play a paramount role in the salinity indicators, soil moisture content and distribution of plant communities in the Western soil texture were the most critical factors Desert of Egypt (Ayyad, 1976). determining the habitat diversity in the study Fayoum is a depression, ~ 43 m below sea area. There are three main habitats found in level, in the heart of Egypt, between the Nile Delta the study area which are; wetlands, lowland and Upper Egypt. The depression is situated ca desert, and plain desert. Indicator species of 100 km southwest of Cairo and separated from the habitats were halophytes and xerophytes. the Nile by a 25-km strip of desert. It is connected to the Nile valley by the Hawara canal, through KEY WORDS: which Bahr Yousef is transporting the Nile water Habitat diversity, Qaroun, Wadi El-Rayan. and this is its only source of water. By time, Lake Qaroun starts collecting agricultural drainage water from neighbouring agricultural lands through two main drains; El- CORRESPONDENCE: Batts drain and El-Wadi drain. Since 1973, about Aliaa Muhammad Refaat 30% of this water has been diverted from El-Wadi drain to a second depression, Wadi El-Rayan, Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Ain south-west of El-Fayoum (El-Shabrawy and Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Dumont, 2009). E-mail: [email protected] ISSN: 1687-7497 On Line ISSN: 2090 - 0503 http://my.ejmanger.com/ejeb/

268 Egypt. J. Exp. Biol. (Bot.), 14(2): 267 – 278 (2018)

In 1989; two protected areas (PAs) were including Wadi El-Rayan lakes (Fig. 1). In 1992; established within Fayoum Governorate, and WRPA is extended in area to be a home to Wadi classified among wetland PAs category, which are El-Hitan (Valley of the Whales) World Heritage Qaroun Protected Area (QPA), including Qaroun Site (Paleczny et al., 2007), these protected areas lake, and Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area (WRPA), are the locations of interest of this study (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1. El-Fayoum depression showing Qaroun and Wadi El-Rayan Protected Areas. Coordinates centered between latitudes 29° 00’ and 29° 43’ N and longitudes 30° 00’ and 30° 50’ E. The produced map is georeferenced using ArcMap in ArcGIS Desktop version 10.5 (Esri, 2016).

With the rise of cultivation and irrigation 2003; EEAA/NCS, 2007). As mentioned above, since the early part of this century, the salt load Qaroun lake is saline, a factor which obviously of the water reaching Qaroun has increased affects the vegetation that can grow along its significantly. Accordingly, Lake Qaroun is shores. The objective of the present study is to currently an enclosed, saline lake. Lake Qaroun study the vegetation composition of QPA and was only slightly brackish up until about 1884, WRPA and to investigate the relationship later the salinity of the lake has strongly between the vegetation and the soil factors at increased during the twentieth century from 8.5 both locations in the study area. gl−1 in 1905 to 38.0 gl−1 (~ salinity of sea water) Study Area: in 1980. The water salinity is low in the eastern QPA is located about 80 km southwest of and southern parts of Lake Qaroun and gradually Cairo. Encompassing an area of 1,354 km2, the increases north-westward (El-Shabrawy and protected area is centred on 29⁰ 24' and 29⁰ 43' Dumont, 2009; Baioumy et al., 2010). N, and 30⁰ 20' and 30⁰ 50' E. While, WRPA is in Salinity is obviously higher in Wadi El- the north of the western part of the Fayoum Rayan Lower Lake (LL) than in the Wadi El- Governorate, about 120 km southwest of Cairo, Rayan Upper Lake (UL). The salinity of the UL occupies a depression, at 60 m B.S.L., in the increases southward, due to the diluting effect of northern part of the western desert of Egypt drainage water in the north and the outflow between longitude 29° 00' and 29° 24' E and through the connecting channel which keeps latitude 30° 00' and 30° 34' N and now covering salinity constant or at least slows down total area of 1,759 km2. salinization (Abd Ellah, 1999). In 2010, the In general, the climate in the study area salinity of UL water reaches around 1,500 ppm has a typical desert environment, hot and dry while LL water salinity reaches 12,000 ppm in with scanty winter rain and bright sunshine some areas and up to 15,000 in the extreme throughout the year (Smith, 1984). According to areas (El-Hennawy, 2010). the aridity index (Ayyad and Ghabbour, 1986; The presence and creation of large bodies Hulme and Marsh, 1990; El-Shabrawy and of water in this hyper-arid area had a striking Dumont, 2009) the depression, containing both ecological impact as new species of PAs, was classified under arid to hyper-arid moved to the area (IUCN, 2000). Vegetation of climatic condition class. QPA and WRPA includes a wide diversity of habitats which are significant for wildlife. The MATERIAL AND METHODS: study area supports many types of habitats lie under three main habitat systems, which are; the Vegetation Analysis: lakes system, the wetland system, and the desert The field work of this study was undertaken system (Saleh, 1984; Amin, 1998; Serag et al., during winter 2016. To assess the vegetation ISSN: 1687-7497 On Line ISSN: 2090 - 0503 http://my.ejmanger.com/ejeb/

Refaat et al., Vegetation analysis and correlations between soil variables and habitat diversity in Qaroun and Wadi El-Rayan Areas 269 ecology in Fayoum PAs, two locations were then subjected to physical and chemical considered. The first location is the southern analyses (Carter and Gregorich, 2008). shore of Qaroun lake, while the second comprises A total of 18 soil physical and chemical the area surrounding El-Rayan lakes and the parameters were determined. For the dry connecting channel. samples, soil texture, water holding capacity Using stratified random sampling technique (WHC), porosity, amount of organic matter (OM) (Greig-Smith, 1983; Ludwig and Reynolds, 1988), and sulphate content were determined according 62 stands (100 m2 each) were selected to study to Piper (1947), while calcium carbonate content the vegetation in the different habitat study area was determined according to Jackson (1958). (44 stands (ID no. 1 to 44) at WRPA and 18 Soil solution (1: 5) was prepared and stands (ID no. 45 to 62) at QPA). 36 stands were electrical conductivity (EC) and pH values were selected to represent wetland habitat (18 stands recorded immediately using; YSI Incorporated from each location), 9 stands were selected from Model 33 conductivity meter, and Electrical-pH low-land desert habitat (in WRPA), and 17 stands meter Model Lutron pH 206, respectively; and from plain desert habitat (in WRPA). The total soluble salts (TSS) were then estimated geographic coordinates of the stands were (Jackson, 1958). In addition, Na+ and K+ recorded using a Geographic Positioning System concentration were estimated by Flame (GPS) (Model Garmin GPSmap®76) and the Photometer (Model PHF 80 Biologie produced map is georeferenced using ArcMap in Spectrophotometer), while Ca2+ and Mg2+ were ArcGIS Desktop version 10.5 (Esri, 2016). The determined using atomic absorption relative cover (Domin Scale method) (van der spectrometer (A Perkin-Elmer, Model 2380.USA) Maarel, 1979) was used to express the (Allen et al., 1986). Then, the sodium adsorption abundance of vegetation in the selected sites. ratio (SAR) was calculated after Reeve et al. Only green flourished parts of the plant were (1954). Bicarbonate was determined by titration considered, but the dry parts were completely against 0.1N HCl using Phenolphthalein as ignored. The investigated stands and sites were indicator (Pierce et al., 1958). However, Chloride chosen to represent the different habitats features was determined by titration using N/35.5 silver and the exhibited plant communities. nitrate (Jackson, 1958). The total dissolved Plant specimens were collected, identified phosphorus (P) was determined by digestion and preserved in herbarium sheets at Botany followed by direct stannous chloride method Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams (APHA, 1998). Total nitrogen (N) was determined University. Identification and nomenclature of in the soil extract using the micro-Kjeldahl species was according to Täckholm (1974), and according to the method of Allen et al. (1986). Boulos (1995, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, & 2009). Statistical Analysis (Multivariate Analysis): Species diversity within each studied stand was Data were subjected to analysis to define also calculated using four diversity indices as relationships among species, stands and follow: environmental factors in both locations during a. Species richness (S) was calculated after winter 2016, and to detect which environmental Whittaker (1972): factors affect the distribution of species in the Species richness (S)= number of species in study area. each stand. Classification: b. Shannon (Shannon, 1948) and Simpson Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis diversity (Simpson, 1949; McCune et al., 2003) (TWINSPAN), as a classification technique (Hill, indices were calculated after the next equations: 1979a; Gauch and Whittaker, 1981) was applied. − Shannon`s diversity index (H) = - sum (Pi * ln It is a divisive cluster analysis that is used to (P)) identify ecological groups using species − Simpson`s diversity index (D) = 1 - sum (Pi * coverage data. Pi) Ordination: where Pi = importance probability in element i Two ordination techniques were applied; (element i relativized by species total) Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA or DECORANA) as Indirect gradient analysis (Hill, c. Species Evenness (E) was calculated 1979b; Hill and Gauch, 1980) followed by after Pielou (1966): Detrended Canonical Correspondence Analysis Species Evenness (E) = H / ln (Richness) (DCCA) as Direct gradient analysis (ter Braak, Soil Analysis: 1988), to detect the indicator species and environmental factors that characterize different Sixty-two soil samples were collected from ecological groups and to investigate species the studied stands; one sample per stand. One patterns in relation to the different environmental composite surface soil sample was collected factors. from each stand (0-25 cm depth) and transferred to the laboratory in polyethylene bags. The TWINSPAN and DCA analyses were collected soil samples, air-dried, and purified applied using PC-ORD ver. 5.0 (McCune and from plant debris by passing through a 2 mm Mefford, 2006), while DCCA analysis was sieve, also to remove gravels. Samples were applied using CANOCO ver. 4.5 and CanoDraw ver. 4.1 (ter Braak and Smilauer, 2002). ISSN: 1687-7497 On Line ISSN: 2090 - 0503 http://my.ejmanger.com/ejeb/

270 Egypt. J. Exp. Biol. (Bot.), 14(2): 267 – 278 (2018)

locations of the study area (QPA and WRPA) and RESULTS: listed in table 1. Poaceae (18.2%) and Fabaceae Floristic Composition: (16.4%) are the most common families, and along with Chenopodiaceae and Asteraceae; A total of 55 wild plant species (31 they were representing more than 50% of the perennials and 24 annuals), belonging to 49 recorded species (Fig. 2). genera and 24 families, were recorded in the two Table 1 Check list of wild plant species recorded in the study area. The species were referred to their families, and duration type; annual (Ann.) and perennial (Per.). Families are arranged alphabetically; species are in alphabetical order within their respective families. Family Sp. Species Name Species 1. Asclepiadaceae No.1 Cynanchum acutum subsp. acutum L. DurationPer. 2 Anthemis arvensis L. Ann. 2. Asteraceae 3 Pluchea dioscoridis (L.) DC. Per. 4 Senecio glaucus subsp. coronopifolius (Maire) C. Alexander Ann. 5 Sonchus oleraceus L. Ann. 3. Caryophyllaceae 6 Spergularia marina (Guss.) Boiss. Ann. 4. Casuarinaceae 7 Casuarina stricta Aiton Per. 8 Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) K. Koch Per. 9 Chenopodium album L. Ann. 5. Chenopodiaceae 10 Chenopodium murale L. Ann. 11 Salsola imbricata subsp. gaetula (Maire) Boulos Per. 12 Suaeda pruinosa Lange Per. 6. 13 Convolvulus arvensis L. Per. 14 cretica L. Per. 7. Cyperaceae 15 Cyperus alopecuroides Rottb. Per. 16 Cyperus laevigatus var. laevigatus L. Per. 8. Euphorbiaceae 17 Euphorbia helioscopia L. Ann. 18 Ricinus communis L. Per. 19 Acacia saligna (Labill.) H.L. Wendl. Per. 20 Alhagi graecorum Boiss. Per. 21 Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Per. 22 Melilotus indicus (L.) All. Ann. 9. Fabaceae 23 Melilotus messanenis (L.) All. Ann. 24 Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. Per. 25 Trifolium alexandrinum L. Ann. 26 Trifolium resupinatum var. resupinatum L. Ann. 27 Vicia sativa subsp. nigra (L.) Ehrh. Ann. 28 Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Per. 29 Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf in Prain Per. 30 Echinochloa colona (L.) Link Ann. 31 Hordeum vulgare L. Ann. 10. Poaceae 32 Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch Per. 33 Lolium perenne L. Per. 34 Phalaris paradoxa L. Ann. 35 australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud. Per. 36 Poa annua L. Ann. 37 Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. Ann. 11. Juncaceae 38 Juncus acutus L. Per. 39 Juncus rigidis Desf. Per. 12. Malvaceae 40 Malva parviflora L. Ann. 13. Myrtaceae 41 Eucalyptus rostrata Schltdl. Per. 14. Nitrariaceae 42 (Forssk.) Asch. Per. 15. Palmae 43 Phoenix dactylifera L. Per. 16. Polygonaceae 44 Calligonum Polygonoides subsp. comosum (l' Hér.) Per. 45 Rumex dentatus L. Ann. 17. Potamogetonaceae 46 Potamogeton pictinatus L. Per. 18. Primulaceae 47 Anagallis arvensis subsp. arvensis var. caerulea Gouan Ann. 19. Ranunculaceae 48 Adonis dentata Delile Ann. 49 Ranunculus sceleratus L. Ann. 20. Scrophulariaceae 50 Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. Per. 21. Solanaceae 51 Solanum nigrum var. nigrum L. Ann. 22. 52 nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge Per. 23. Typhaceae 53 Typha domingensis (Pers.) Poir. ex Steud. Per. 24. Zygophyllaceae 54 Zygophyllum album L. f. Per. 55 Zygophyllum coccineum L. Per.

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Refaat et al., Vegetation analysis and correlations between soil variables and habitat diversity in Qaroun and Wadi El-Rayan Areas 271

Fig. 2. The percentage of the existence of the represented families in the whole study area. Stands Soil Analysis: both locations in the study area support many types of habitats, which can be distinguished Soil analysis showed great variation into seven classes lie under three main among the 62 stands, especially among habitat systems. These main systems are; the different habitats. Soil texture of the soil artificial system (sub-system: aquatic - class: samples varies between sandy loam, clay lakes), the wetlands system (sub-system: loam, loam, and loamy sand. Almost all soils fresh wetlands - class: reed swamps, and of the study area are affected by salinity to sub-system: brackish wetlands - classes: some extent where electrical conductivity brackish wetlands and salt marshes) and the range from 1.4 to 3.0 mS/cm and total soluble desert system (sub-system: low land desert - salts range between 890 and 1875 ppm. All class: depression class), and sub-system: salinity parameters such as chlorides, plain deserts - classes: sand sheets and sand sulphates, calcium, magnesium, sodium and dunes). potassium showed high concentrations with a significant variation among the different Classification of Vegetation (TWINSPAN): stands and habitats. Moisture content, i.e., TWINSPAN has divided the vegetation WHC, showed discrepancy among different of the 62 stands of study area during winter stands especially between wetlands and season, using pseudo-species cut levels 0, 1, desert habitats. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 40, and 55, into four rd Stands Diversity: vegetation groups at the 3 level of classification (Figs 3&4). On the 1 st level of Diversity indices of the stands showed classification the 62 stands were divided into that species richness ranged from 0 to 10 2 groups with stands of low land desert were species whereas Evenness ranged from 0 to separated from the other. At the 3 rd level of 1. Shannon diversity index ranged from 0 to classification, the stands of plain desert were 1.78 while, Simpson diversity index ranged separated from the wetland set. A list of the 4 from 0 to 0.80. vegetation groups with respect to their Habitats: characteristic species is shown in table 2. After the new standardized habitats Mean and relative cover of species in the scheming for Egypt (Harhash et al., 2015), vegetation groups were also calculated.

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272 Egypt. J. Exp. Biol. (Bot.), 14(2): 267 – 278 (2018)

Fig. 3. TWINSPAN classification for the vegetation of the 62 stands during winter. Indicator species for each cluster were listed.

Fig. 4. DCA scatter-plot showing the ordination of the 62 stands in the study area during winter on axes 1 and 2, as classified by TWINSPAN (4 Groups).

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Refaat et al., Vegetation analysis and correlations between soil variables and habitat diversity in Qaroun and Wadi El-Rayan Areas 273

Table 2. TWINSPAN groups for vegetation during winter. Habitat types are; low land desert (LLD), Plain Desert (PD), and Wetlands (W). Presence percentage (P%) and mean and relative vegetation cover of the study area are calculated. Cover Habitat Indicator species V. groups Characteristic species P% Mean Relative Zygophyllum album 66.7 16.3 23.6 Alhagi graecorum 44.4 28.9 41.8 Alhagi graecorum, and LLD G1 Zygophyllum album Calligonum polygonoides subsp. comosum 66.7 11.7 16.9

Nitraria retusa 44.4 12.2 17.7 100 71.2 96.4 PD Tamarix nilotica G4 Phragmites australis 11.8 2.6 3.6 Tamarix nilotica 62.5 8.0 95.3 Phragmites australis 100 47.2 562.8 G2 Arthrocnemum macrostachyum 43.8 10.9 130.4 Alhagi graecorum 50 9.9 117.7 W Phragmites australis 100 47.2 562.8 Phragmites australis 95 44.5 51.9 G3 Tamarix nilotica 100 31.1 36.2 Juncus rigidis 40 10.3 11.9 Vegetation groups: DCA led to the separation of the 4 Low-land desert set of 1 group: (indicated vegetation groups, in winter (Fig. 4), along the by Alhagi graecorum and Zygophyllum first axis followed by the second axis album): (eigenvalue = 0.941; 0.392, respectively). The length of gradient along the first axis was 5.571 Group 1: comprised 9 stands and the SD units expressing the high floristic variation most characteristic species are Zygophyllum among the vegetation groups and thus album, Alhagi graecorum, Calligonum indicating a complete turnover in species polygonoides subsp. comosum and Nitraria composition. While the second axis has a length retusa. of gradient of 2.77 SD. Stands of group 1 were Wetland set (wetlands, reed swamps, salt separated at the positive end of DCA axis 1, marshes) of 2 groups: (indicated by while those of groups 2, 3, and 4 separated Phragmites australis): along the other end. In the meanwhile, stands Group 2: comprised 16 stands and the of group 2 were somehow separated at the most characteristic species are Tamarix positive end of axis 2. nilotica, Phragmites australis, Arthrocnemum Vegetation–Environmental relationships: macrostachyum, Alhagi graecorum, and DCCA was applied on the four vegetation Cressa cretica. groups of TWINSPAN to explore the Group 3: comprised of 20 stands and correlations between the different vegetation the most characteristic species are groups (habitats) and the different Phragmites australis, Tamarix nilotica and environmental parameters. Data was plotted Juncus rigidis. along the first two axes of DCCA and the results Plain desert (sand sheets and sand dunes) showed good separation of the environmental set of 1 group: (indicated by Tamarix groups into 4 groups along DCCA axis 1. nilotica): Differences of the mean values of Group 4: comprised 17 stands and the different environmental factors for the four most characteristic species are Tamarix ecological groups are calculated (Table 3) and nilotica and Phragmites australis. it can be noted that, stands of group 1 were Stands Ordination: highly correlated with the percent of sand fraction and texture class (loamy soil). Stands DCA was applied to the vegetation data of of group 2 and 3 showed a correlation with silt the 62 stands in the study area (using the and clay contents, all salinity parameters (EC, default settings). To compare the classification TSS, and measured cations and anion), WHC, and ordination results, the TWINSPAN groups fertility (OM, N, and P) and the biodiversity were superimposed on to the DCA diagram. indices. Stands of group 4 showed positive When plotted on the first two DCA axes, stands correlations with sand (%), porosity, all salinity tended to cluster into the vegetation groups parameters (EC, TSS, and measured cations resulted from TWINSPAN. and anion) and soil fertility (OM).

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274 Egypt. J. Exp. Biol. (Bot.), 14(2): 267 – 278 (2018)

Table 3. Mean Values of different edaphic factors and 4 biodiversity indices for the four ecological groups. LLD: low land desert, PD: Plain Desert, and W: Wetlands. The highest values are in bold. Habitat LLD W PD Vegetation group Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Sand (%) 78.6 48.6 59.4 68.7 Silt (%) 14.5 31.0 24.7 19.8 Clay (%) 6.9 20.4 15.9 11.5 Texture 3.0 2.0 1.7 2.0 Porosity (%) 17.7 24.6 23.3 23.1 WHC (%) 36.6 48.1 42.2 38.0 EC (mS/cm) 2.0 2.3 2.0 2.2 TSS (ppm) 1274.3 1495.2 1248.6 1400.5 pH 8.2 8.2 8.1 8.0 OM (%) 0.7 1.2 1.1 1.1 SAR (meq. /L) 5.3 5.2 4.9 5.1

CaCO3 (ppm) 4.8 4.1 3.7 4.2 Ca++ (ppm) 385.6 465.4 387.8 431.2 Mg++ (ppm) 142.9 203.1 163.5 194.5 Na+ (ppm) 1528.5 1706.3 1441.6 1598.8 K+ (ppm) 176.0 215.5 172.4 196.4 N (ppm) 37.5 59.3 48.8 44.8 P (ppm) 4.5 7.2 6.6 5.4 HCO3- (ppm) 1261.3 1505.2 1256.9 1367.5 Cl- (ppm) 2245.4 2508.4 2128.2 2336.6 SO4-- (ppm) 821.3 1106.4 915.8 1097.2 Species Richness (S) 4 18.0 15.0 2 Species Evenness (E) 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.1 Shannon`s diversity (H) 0.6 1.0 0.8 0.1 Simpson`s diversity (D') 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.1 The results of DCCA application to table 4. The species-environment correlations winter data is shown in Fig. 5 and the intra-set were higher for the first two axes, explaining correlations of the environmental factors with 72.5% of the cumulative variance. the first two axes of DCCA is presented in

Fig. 5. DCCA biplot of the first two axes showing the ordination of the 62 stands in the study area during winter, as classified by TWINSPAN (4 Groups) in relation to different environmental factors and 4 biodiversity indices; Species richness (S), Species Evenness (E), Shannon diversity index (H), and Simpson diversity index (D).

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Refaat et al., Vegetation analysis and correlations between soil variables and habitat diversity in Qaroun and Wadi El-Rayan Areas 275

Table 4. Correlations of the environmental variables, that receive adequate water supply (Monod, biodiversity indices, eigenvalue, and cumulative 1954; Zohary, 1962; Walter, 1963). percentage variance and species–environment correlation coefficients for the first two axes of The hyper-arid nature of the study area DCCA in the study area during winter. is modified by the presence of great water bodies (Qaroun and Wadi El-Rayan Lakes), DCCA axes resulted in the formation of wetlands and axis 1 axis 2 marshy habitats attracting wildlife of Eigenvalues 0.827 0.236 surrounding desert fauna (IUCN, 2000; EEAA/NCS, 2007). Lengths of gradient 4.426 1.594 The floristic analysis of the study area Species-environment correlations 0.966 0.814 recorded 55 species; mainly Cumulative percentage variance of perennials (31 perennials and 24 annuals). 30.7 41.8 species-environment relation The soil depth is by far the most important factor restricting the type of vegetation in the Sand (%) 0.109 -0.107 Egyptian desert (Zahran and Willis, 2009). A Silt (%) - 0.085 0.129 deep soil allows for the storage of some water Clay (%) - 0.141 0.069 in the subsoil which will provide a continuous Texture 0.376 0.098 supply of moisture for the deeply seated roots of perennials. This, besides the presence of Porosity (%) - 0.292 -0.146 lakes’ water, may be the explanation of the WHC (%) 0.006 0.025 dominance of perennials in the study area. EC (mS/cm) - 0.069 0.384 While, the presence and abundance of annuals depend mainly on thin soils TSS (ppm) - 0.069 0.384 moistened during the rainy season but dried pH 0.284 0.742 by the oncoming dry season (Kassas and El- OM (%) - 0.212 -0.239 Abyad, 1962; Zahran and Willis, 2009). In this SAR (meq./L) 0.188 0.191 context, the floristic composition of the study area showed that family Poaceae, Fabaceae, CaCO3 (ppm) 0.140 0.528 Asteraceae and Chenopodiaceae were the Ca++ (ppm) - 0.093 0.418 species-rich and the most common families of Mg++ (ppm) - 0.255 0.419 the flora of the study area. The first three families represent the most frequent families + Na (ppm) - 0.004 0.348 in the Mediterranean North Africa flora K+ (ppm) - 0.064 0.379 (Quézel, 1978). N (ppm) - 0.130 0.322 Soil analysis results showed great P (ppm) -0.161 -0.058 variation among the 62 stands, especially among different habitats. Generally, results of HCO3- (ppm) -0.064 0.438 soil analyses showed that salinity affect most Cl- (ppm) -0.001 0.371 soils of the study area since these soils are SO4-- (ppm) - 0.223 0.340 under the effect of high salinity of the lakes (Qaroun and Wadi El-Rayan lakes) coupled Species Richness (S) 0.205 0.262 with the high evaporation rates and the very Species Evenness (E) 0.296 0.319 low precipitation (El-Shabrawy and Dumont, Shannon`s diversity (H) 0.242 0.357 2009; Baioumy et al., 2010). All salinity Simpson`s diversity (D') 0.244 0.366 variables such as Electrical Conductivity (EC), exchangeable cations (Na +, K +, Ca++, and ++ - 2- 2- The results showed that group 1 is Mg ), anions (Cl , SO4 , HCO3 ), and CaCO 3 positively correlated with texture class (sandy showed high concentrations with a significant loam and loamy sand) and sand (%). Group 4 variation among the different stands and showed a positive correlation with Porosity habitats. Soil texture of the soil samples (%), sand (%), and organic matter content. varies between sandy loam, clay loam, loam, While, groups 2 and 3 showed a positive and loamy sand. correlation with all salinity variables and Vegetation of QPA and WRPA includes species diversity indices. a wide diversity of habitats which are of significant importance for wildlife. After the DISCUSSION: new standardized habitats scheming for Egypt The climate in the study area is hyper- (Harhash et al., 2015), the study area arid with mild winters and hot summers supports many types of habitats lie under (Ayyad and Ghabbour, 1986), where the plant three main habitat systems, which are; the life is scarce and restricted to places near lakes system, the wetland system, and the water sources that providing sufficient desert system. This result agree with studies moisture for plant growth. As described by determining the vegetation and habitat Abd El-Ghani (1998), the vegetation in hyper- diversity in both locations (Saleh, 1984; Amin, arid regions, is restricted to wadis, runnels 1998; Serag et al., 2003; EEAA/NCS, 2007). and depressions with deep fine sediments ISSN: 1687-7497 On Line ISSN: 2090 - 0503 http://my.ejmanger.com/ejeb/

276 Egypt. J. Exp. Biol. (Bot.), 14(2): 267 – 278 (2018)

After the application of both hypersaline wetlands habitats. On the other classification and ordination techniques, the hand, it has the highest water holding 62 stands in QPA and WRPA are divided into capacity. The texture varied from clay loam, three major habitat groups which are; loam, and sandy loam. This group also ranked st Low Land Desert Habitat: (comprised of the 1 in respect to the diversity indices with one group): 18 total number of species. Also, this group is positively correlated with Nitrogen and total This group of habitats is characterized dissolved phosphorus as the lakes are the by the presence of xerophytic plants species main discharge of agricultural drainage water. and halophytic ones. Indicator species of this All 18 stands studied from QPA lie under group are Alhagi graecorum and Zygophyllum wetland habitat type. album with Calligonum polygonoides subsp. comosum and Nitraria retusa as associated Plain Desert Habitat (sand sheets and sand species. It was also confirmed from the dunes; comprised of one group): literature that Zygophyllum album and Indicator species of this group is Calligonum comosum are inhabiting the Tamarix nilotica, with Phragmites australis as interdunes and bases of large dunes, while the only associated species. Stands of this Nitraria retusa, Alhagi graecorum and group located mainly in the southern part of Desmostachya bipinnata are restricted to the the El-Rayan lower lake. The study confirmed interdune habitat (Zahran and Willis, 2009). that the zonation of the vegetation showed a This type of habitats lies in the depressions shift from previously dominant reed swamps and inter-dunes areas where there is vegetation (Phragmites australis) towards the relatively sufficient moisture in the form of woody (Tamarix nilotica) one (El-Hennawy, accumulation of rainfall water. Also, the 2010). This group of stands showed a positive stands of this habitat are affected by the correlation with sand fraction, soil porosity, leakage of the nearby Springs’ fresh water. and all salinity indicators. While, it ranked last Therefore, this habitat type ranked the lowest in respect to diversity indices with only two among other groups in all soil salinity species present in it. variables. Also, it ranked the 2 nd in the species biodiversity. The soil texture of this CONCLUSION: group varied between loamy sands and sandy loam types. The present study indicates that the habitat diversity in the study area are Wetland Habitat (wetlands, reed swamps, determined mainly by soil salinity factor, soil and salt marshes; comprised of two water holding capacity and soil texture. These groups): factors form the major factors affecting the This group of habitats is characterized species distribution and habitat recognition mainly by the presence of halophytic species. and consequently species richness, diversity. Indicator species of this group is Phragmites We can conclude that the stands around El- australis. Beside Phragmites, the most Rayan Lakes share the three types of characteristic species of Group 2 are habitats. While, all stands present along Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Alhagi southern shoreline of Qaroun Lake share the graecorum, Cressa cretica and Tamarix same habitat (wetlands). Although lake shore nilotica., while, the most characteristic vegetation and swampy margins along the species of Group 3 are Tamarix nilotica and southern shoreline of the Qaroun Lake are Juncus rigidis. Wetlands habitat types lie probably the most valuable habitats in the along the shoreline of both Qaroun and Wadi protected area, they are the most threatened El-Rayan lakes, thus are affected by the due to intensive human pressures. Care and lakes’ high salinity. This habitat type and protection of the species and valuable accompanied communities were also habitats present in both protected areas confirmed by the literature (Amin, 1998; Serag should have a great importance for the sake et al., 2003; Zahran and Willis, 2009; El- of their conservation. Hennawy, 2010). Therefore, the ordination of these groups showed high correlation with all salinity variables, it could be called

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تحليل الغطاء النباتي والعالقات بين متغيرات التربة وتنوع الموائل في محميتي قارون ووادي الريان، الصحراء الغربية، مصر علياء محمد رفعت1، أشرف محمد يوسف1، محمد طلعت الحناوي2، حسني عبدالعزيز مسلم1 1 قسم النبات، كلية العلوم، جامعة عين شمس، القاهرة، مصر 2 قطاع حماية الطبيعة، وزارة البيئة، مصر تقدم هذه الدراسة تحليالً للغطاء النباتي والعالقات موقف. ثم تم فحص ثمانية عشر متغيرات للتربة، وأظهرت البيئية باإلضافة إلى أنماط التنوع في الموائل المختلفة النتائج تباين كبير بين المواقف. أربعة مجموعات نباتية تم الموجودة في محميتي قارون ووادي الريان، الصحراء الحصول عليها من تصنيف التحليل العنقودي ثنائي الغربية، مصر. يعد تنوع الموئل أحد المفاهيم الهامة االتجاهات (TWINSPAN) في الموائل الرئيسية الثالثة. في علم البيئة التي تعكس الحالة الصحية لألنظمة البيئية. كذلك تم تحديد العالقات بين العوامل البيئية مع مجموعات لذا تم اختيار ما مجموعه 62 موقف )stand( لتمثل تنوع النباتات باستخدام DCA وDCCA. وأظهرت النتائج أن الموائل. تم تسجيل ما مجموعه 55 نوعا من النباتات البرية مؤشرات ملوحة التربة، ومحتوى رطوبة التربة وملمس )31 نوعاً معمرة و 24 نوعا حوليا(، تنتمي إلى 49 جنس التربة كانت أهم العوامل التي تؤثر على التنوع البيئي في و24 عائلة، في منطقة الدراسة. وقد مثلت كل من العائلة منطقة الدراسة. يوجد ثالثة أنواع من البيئات الرئيسية في النجيلية )Poaceae( والعائلة القرنية )Fabaceae( والعائلة منطقة الدراسة وهم البيئة الرطبة )Wetlands(، والبيئة الرمرامية )Chenopodiaceae( والعائلة المركبة الصحراوية ذات األرضالمنخفضة )lowland desert(، والبيئة ) (Asteraceae كأكثر العائالت وفرة. كذلك تم حساب مؤشرات الصحراوية المنبسطة )plain desert(. كانت النباتات التنوع )ثراء األنواع (species richness)، التساوي الجفافية والملحية هي األنواع الداللية للموائل المختلفة )evenness(، ومؤشرات شانون وسيمبسون للتنوع( لكل فى منطقة الدراسة.

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