Ecological Studies on The Vegetation of Sand Bar of Lake Burollos Protectorate and Effect of Salinity on Some Developing Species

Plant communities of Lake Burollos sand bar analyzed using 30 stands (each 5×5 m) representing the different habitats by multivariate analysis. Four vegetation groups were identified using TWINSPAN analysis. These groups represent the main habitats recognized in the sand bar; Group A represents stabilized sand dunes and indicated by Pancratium maritimum L., and Cyperus capitatus Burm F.; Group B of sand flat and mobile dunes with Alhagi Gracorum Boiss, and Elymus Farctus Viv as indicator species; Group C represents the salt marsh habitat with the indicator species Arthrocnemum Macrostachyum Moric. K., and Juncus Rigidus Desf; Young fore-dunes are represented by group D and the indicator species Cakile Maritime Scop. These groups are separated mainly on the basis of soil salinity, and age of sand dune formations along CCA-axis 1 and 2, respectively. The first axis of CCA separates halophytic species from psammophytes along soil salinity, organic carbon and calcium carbonates gradients. The behavior of each species against the environmental severity and its relative importance in sand bar stabilization is explained. Responses of seed germination to salinity were examined musing 12 species collected from salt marshes stable dunes and fore dunes along sand bar of Lake Burollos. Six concentrations of salt were added to plant grown in pots supported by nonabsorbent foam growth rate and the percentage of living material were measured. Also a SWOT analysis will give more information to identify the key internal and external factors that are important to conservation of plants in Lake Burollos Protectorate Area.