Phytosociological study of Dalab Park protected area in Ilam

Study of plant communities and analysis of the relationship between plants and environmental factors has always been considered as a fundamental issue in ecological studies. The vegetation of Dalab Park in the protected area of Manesht and Qalarang in Ilam province was studied using the Braun-Blanquet method. The study of the plant communities was carried out based on 44 phytosociological relevés. Data collection was analyzed by Factorielle Correspondence Analysis (FCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) methods. In general, there were five different plant associations, including: Teucrio polii-Quercetum brantii, Aceri monspesulani-Quercetum brantii, Quercetum brantii, Acantholimono blakelochkii-Astragaletum veri and Celtido tournefortii-Aceretum monspesulani. These plant associations belong to Quercetea persica class and Quercetalia persica order. Analysis of environmental variables in vegetation communities showed that soil factors (clay%, sand%, T.N.V%, phosphorus, potassium and pH), topographic factors (altitude and percentage of slope), as well as the percentage of cover in the overstory of the forest were explained most variation in plant communities in this area.