The relation of environmental factors to plant distributions in Mojave Desert scrub vegetation at the periphery of a dry lake
Cory C. 1982. The relation of environmental factors to plant distributions in Mojave Desert scrub vegetation at the periphery of a dry lake
An area on the periphery of a dry lake bed in the Mojave Desert was studied to determine correlations between environmental factors and distributions of plant species. At points along a 300 meter transect from Soda Lake to a nearby bajada plant cover was determined in addition to soil temperatures, surface reflectivity, soil composition, salinity, and pH values. Water potential measurements on Ambrosia dumosa were also carried out to determine relative availability of water in the soil. Highest correlations were found between the distribution of Suaeda torreyana and soil salinity (r=.84). Because so few species showed a distinct correlation between their distribution and the physical factors measured, a discussion of problems and directions for future study is included.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Cory, Coleen
- Date of Issue
- 1982
- Units
- MOJA
- Keywords
- pH, plant cover, Plant Studies, Salinity, Soda Lake California, soil composition, Soil Temperature, surface reflectivity, Zzyzx California