Abstract

The diversity of woody vegetation is threatened by intensified land use and soil chemistry. However, the effects of land use and soil chemistry on woody vegetation are not well known. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of land use classes (upland, uncultivated lowland, cultivated lowland, and tans) on the diversity and structure of woody vegetation in the commune of Enampore. To do this, an inventory was conducted in two sites (Essyl and Selecky). A total of 80 plots for vegetation surveys were conducted, 10 in each land use (The plots were circular in size, ranging from 15 to 100 m in radius depending on the land use class. In each plot, the chemical properties (pH and salinity) of the soil, diversity, density, abundance, regeneration, and growth parameters (height and diameter) of the woody plants were determined. Soil chemical properties varied significantly (p?0.05) according to land use. Uncultivated lowlands and tans had lower pH (pH≤4.62) and higher electrical conductivities (EC≥580µs/cm). A total of 33 species belonging to 31 genera from 17 families were recorded across all land use types. The most represented families were Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, and Combretaceae. Land use significantly (p?0.05) influenced woody diversity, abundance, and density. The uplands had more diversity than the other land use types. Salinity had a strong influence on the vegetation located in the tans and uncultivated lowlands. Vertical and horizontal structures had an "L" shape typical of a stand dominated by young trees. The diversity and density of woody plants in the commune of Enampore are influenced by land use and soil chemical properties. 

Keywords: Land use, pH, Salinity, Woody vegetation, Diversity, Structure.