Study on the variation of plant species diversity components along elevation gradient using additive partitioning (case study: protected area of Geno, Hormozgan province)

Conservation of vegetation is one of most important tools for conservation of soil and decreasing erosion. Therefore, knowledge about vegetation characteristics, such as diversity, is the first and most important biological tools for soil conservation. One of the methods in which we can collect useful data about plant diversity, is additive partitioning. In the current study, plant species diversity components along elevation gradient were studied in the Gen omountain using additive partitioning. All plant species were listed and measured their cover percentages in 15 elevation zones in south aspect using 5 4m2 quadrats in each zone. All plant species diversity (;gammar) partitioned into additive components within plots (;alpha1) and between plots (;beta1) and among elevation Zones (;beta2). We used PARTITION software to analyze the species diversity components in different scales. The results showed that the highest number of species is related to intermediate elevations (1200 to 1700 m a.s.l.). Irano-Turani had the highest number of species in the study area. ;beta1 Diversity with 71.13% had the highest contribution in ;gammar and in expected rate. ;beta2 with 16.36% had the lowest expected rate. We concluded that all scales should be accounted for conservation of all plant species. Using of additive partitioning showed us the scale that has the highest contribution into the total-regional diversity and the best scale that should be considered in conservation projects.