Investigation on relationship between environmental factors and distribution of vegetation in Agh Toghe basin

Agh Toghe basin is in the central part of Marave Tapeh located in the east of Golestan province. In this research, study area was investigated based on Braun-Blanquet to identify plant communities. Afterward, relationship between environmental factors particularly slope, elevation, vegetation cover and soil properties including sand, silt, clay, acidity, electrical conductivity, and organic matter were determined using Principal Component Analysis (PCA).. Data collecting was carried out through establishing 103 quadrates based upon minimal area method in different vegetation types. A matrix of vegetation and soil characteristics was prepared and ordination was applied by PCA. The results showed that the most important factors in separation of vegetation types were as follows: elevation, slope, carbon percentage, sand, silt, clay and acidity.