Effects of anthropogenic disturbance on vegetation changes and soil of Gall Oak stands, Lorestan province

This study aimed to detect the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on vegetation changes based on conservatism species concept and its relation to environmental factors in two protected vs disturbed area. The study area, Shine Qelaii gall oak forests, located in 88 Km from the north west of Khoramababd. Multiscale sampling plots were used randomly to collect data on forest floor vegetation, trees, soils, and other environmental factors. Among collected plant specimens, conservatism species were identified and DCA and CCA ordination methods were applied to determine correlation between plant species and environmental factors, plant diversity also were investigate by nonparametric numerical diversity indices. The most effective environmental factors on distinction among vegetation communities were determined by PCA ordination method. Based on the results, more invasive species and less richness and diversity indices were seen on the disturbed forest type compare to the protected one. A positive correlation was seen in ground flora vegetation and soil nutrients. Altitude, canopy cover, exposure, OC, K, N, P, clay, sand, and bulk density were the most effective environmental factors on vegetation types. This study showed that conservatism species concept together choosing two close and same watershed can eliminate confused factors and resulted to more accurate determination of conservation management effects on vegetation composition