Numerical classification and ordination of Esenli (Giresun) forest vegetation

KARAKOSE, MUSTAFA/0000-0003-0534-3996WOS: 000503432200003The forest vegetation of Esenli Forest Planning Unit was investigated between 2015 and 2018 from the phytosociological point of view. The study area is situated in the Euxine province of Euro-Siberian Region. Phytosociological studies were carried out in accordance with the classical Braun-Blanquet methodology, and 131 releves were collected during the field survey. The releves were classified using the Modified TWINSPAN classification, and general distribution patterns of vegetation were analysed using indirect ordination analysis (Principal Component Analysis) with the R-Project available in the JUICE program. In addition to topographic factors, ecological factors were assessed using the mean Ellenberg Indicator Values to observe the ecological relationships among communities. Four new plant associations (Cirsio trachylepidis-Pinetum sylvestris, Angelico sylvestri-Alnetum barbatae, Circaeo lutetianae-Fagetum orientalis, and Veronico chamaedryo-Piceetum orientalis) were described as belonging to humid montane coniferous and thermophilous deciduous forests within four classes. Distribution pattern of plant communities was strictly influenced by altitude, inclination, moisture, nutrient content, and light