Soil properties and floristic community distribution within a deeply weathered landscape within a biodiversity hotspot of Western Australia

Abstract Aims This study aims to identify some of the key soil-related factors that underpin distribution plant communities and provide a more comprehensive understanding an old, climatically buffered infertile landscape including kwongkan habitats. We investigate pedological, topographical hydrological correlates abundance floristic community within Alison Baird Reserve, floristically diverse, old weathered in south-west Western Australia. Methods Fifty-four soil samples were collected across 0.165 km 2 analysed for range physical chemical properties. Samples taken from topsoil subsurface, combination statistical geostatistical methods used examine soil–plant relationships. Results Elevation, sub-surface moisture, electrical conductivity clay content most important determining vegetation composition distribution; with properties varying between correlating strongly than factors. Associations nutrients (Phosphorus, Nitrogen, Carbon) distributions not as significant expected, likely due depleted nature system. Conclusion The significance parameters particle size, elevation, water repellence depth table suggests availability retention is correlate at site may act pathway explain large scale variation will help conservation management areas such high biodiversity relocation endangered flora.