An autecological study of Lolium rigidum L. in Mazandaran Province

Aut-ecological studies provide basic and essential information for rangeland and ecosystem management. Aut-ecological study of a range plant named Lolium rigidum was accomplished in Mazandaran province. Geographical distribution, phenology, co-occurring species, dryness index, physicochemical soil parameters, climatical studies and other effective environmental factors on distribution of this species including altitudinal modifications in nine ecological sites in Mazandaran province were investigated. Correlation between quantitative plant vegetation, soil and climatic characters of each location was evaluated by Pearson correlation index. The results showed that favorite elevation for this species is between -22 to 1700 meters above sea level. The studied plants grew with higher frequency in diverse environments such as road sides and the irrigation canals. This species is resistant to cold and harsh condition of alpine habitats. Results showed that due to the wide compatibility with edaphic and climatic conditions, Lolium perenne could be found in different regions.