Leptadenia pyrotechnica in Indian hot arid Thar Desert: connecting link’s among its spatial patterns with soil and community factors

Abstract

Present study identifies the environmental (edaphic and community) as well as intrinsic factors associated with spatial distribution patterns of an Indian hot arid species, Leptadenia pyrotechnica. Spatial distribution patterns of this species were evaluated at nine sites with the help of three different indices (Lloyd’s, Smith and Wilson and Morisita) and quantified patterns were linked with soil (particle size, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, potassium and phosphorus), and community (richness, Simpson index of dominance, Shannon and Weaver index, evenness and community maturity index) factors. Besides spatial patterns, canopy volume and density of this species were also quantified. Attributes were statistically treated with canonical correlation analysis (CCoA) and two steps partial least square (PLS) regression. Clumped type spatial pattern for this species was identified with mean density and log abundance, while random patterns was identified with the number of sample units and the number of individuals in each sample unit. Regression equations for density, canopy volume, clumped (Lloyd’s and Smith, and Wilson index) and random (Morisita index) patterns were developed by using significant variable importance for the projection (VIPs) values. Ecological information emerged from the present study might facilitate us to effectively use this species under restoration and rehabilitation programs.