Effects of the soil and altitude on the distribution of tree species in remainders of sensu stricto cerrado

Abstract

This study was developed in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, in the area of Chapada dos Guimarães and Baixada Cuiabana, covered by vegetation type cerrado stricto sensu. This study had a objective to determine the patterns of distribution of the arboreal species, through the analysis of correlations of environmental variables with the distribution of the species and plots in the studied communities. Data were obtained by the method of multiple plots, with size of 20 x 20 m (400 m²), randomly disposed. In each plot the circumferences of all the arboreal plants with perimeter to 0,30 m from the level of the soil (PAB) larger or equal to 15.7 cm (DAB greater or equal to 5.0 cm) were obtained. The sampling sufficiency was obtained based on the analysis of the curve of the collector. The canonical correspondence analysis was accomplished (CCA) and the test of permutation of Monte Carlo was applied. In CCA the correlations of the environmental variables with the first ordination axis were, in decreasing order of absolute values, saturation for aluminum, altitude s.n.m., saturation of bases, saturation for magnesium, relationship magnesium / potassium, saturation for hydrogen, potassium tenor, pH (H₂O) and relationship calcium/potassium. In the diagram of ordination of the plots, the four floristic groups were discriminated in sections different from the diagram, reinforcing their visualization as much defined habitats and with composition of particular species, resulting in clear separation of the four soil classes previously identified.