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On non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination and interpretation of the matorral vegetation in lowland Murcía

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Abstract

The plant-environment relationships in a range of matorral communities, having different rainfall conditions in semi-arid lowland habitats in Murcía, S.E. Spain, were examined using the non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination technique. Hypotheses on floristic variations were derived based on an interpretative strategy which involved a site configuration rotation, followed by stepwise multiple regression analysis. An environmental data set was used to isolate variables associated with site co-ordinate trends. Results showed that floristic variation in these communities was mainly determined by aspect induced radiation receipt. Besides, most environmental trends in the study areas were found to be oblique to original site ordination axes and configuration rotation seemed to be a prerequisite in quantitative interpretation. The interpretative strategy introduced in this study was effective. It enhanced straightforward, quantitative and objective interpretation whereby inductive inferences on environmental trends could be readily formulated.

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Abbreviations

ARAD:

radiation receipt surrogate

DEPTH:

soil depth

DISTURB:

disturbance index

NMDS:

non-metric multidimensional scaling

NUT:

nutrient scalar

SLOPE:

slope angle

TEXTIN:

texture index

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  1. Geography Department, University of Cincinnati, 714 Swift Hall, 45221-0131, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Susanna T. Y. Tong

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Tong, S.T.Y. On non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination and interpretation of the matorral vegetation in lowland Murcía. Vegetatio 79, 65–74 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00044849

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