Hierarchical
land classification and mapping of Aglasun
Forest Ecosystems in the Mediterranean Region, Turkey
Kursad
Ozkan1*, Ahmet
Mert2, Wim
Aertsen3?and
Bart Muys3
1Suleyman Demirel
University, Faulty of Forestry, Department of Forest Engineering, 32260,
Isparta, Turkey
2Suleyman Demirel
University, Faulty of Forestry, Department of Forest Management, 32260,
Isparta, Turkey
3Division Forest,
Nature and Landscape, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E Box
2411, BE-3001 Leuven, Belgium
*Corresponding
Author email : kursadozkan@gmail.com
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Publication
Data
Paper received:
19 August 2011
Revised received:
21 April 2012
Re-revised received:
23 July 2012
Accepted:
07 August 2012
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Abstract
Hierarchical
Land Classification of forest ecosystems is an attempt to classify the
territory considering hierarchical distinctions of plant communities.
Ecological land classification is especially crucial for semi natural or
degraded forest ecosystems. In this study, a hierarchical land classification
was generated for Aglasun forest ecosystems where urban and agricultural
developments and non-stop human activity for fuel wood and timber have caused
extensive degradation to native plant communities. Data obtained from 153
sample plots consisting of environmental characteristics and vascular plant
species were evaluated by using cluster analysis, stepwise discriminate
analysis, and chi-square test. Interspesific correlation analysis was applied
to define the indicator species at each distinction level. Two sections, two
subsections and four units were finally determined for the Aglasun forest
district. The results of the stepwise discriminate analyses showed that the
fundamental variables for classifying the district are altitude, exposition,
latitude and longitude.
Key words
Forest
ecosystem, Hierarchical, Site classification, Mediterranean region
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