Environmental factors affecting the distribution of plants in Wet Mountains of Lorestan

Most of Lorestan is mountainous. Precipitation in the mountainous areas of the province is mostly snow (750 to 950 mm). Snow plays a role as a natural reservoir. Its gradual melting has led to the emergence of humid areas and the presence of more plants in mountainous areas. In this study, habitat factors of 5 mountainous sites of Lorestan province were identified and investigated. The collected parameters were analyzed by GGE biplot software. The results show that water regime, substrate and the EC have the greatest effect on the distribution of the species, pH did not show significant differences in habitats. The most ideal habitat is the Sumach Valley, and the Nozian are closer to ideal conditions. By identifying the super environments and their subdivisions, there are two distinct groups of wet mountainous areas: Wet mountainous areas above the timberline (Garin, Oshterankouh and Rimeleh highlands) and wet mountainous areas below the timberline (Neujian and Samag Chegeni Valley). In the region above the timberline, Iranian-Turanian elements have the highest proportion. The plant species of this group of wet mountainous areas are highly dependent on the cold and humidity of the snowfalls. The ecosystems in which they live are often very limited, fragile, small, and isolated. Due to the effects of climate warming and intensive grazing in highlands, they need strong conservation management and maintenance.