Work

Fine-Scale Environmental Drivers Shaping Vegetation Communities in Yongneup Montane Peatland, Korea

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the structure of vegetation communities in Yongneup, a representative montane peatland on Mt. Daeamsan, Korea. It also identified key microenvironmental drivers shaping their distribution. We surveyed 200 quadrats, analyzing herbaceous plant composition alongside peat depth, water level, and soil chemical properties. Multivariate analyses, including cluster analysis and classification tree analysis (CHAID), identified nine distinct vegetation communities. Each community was correlated with specific environmental gradients. Dominant species included Sanguisorba tenuifolia and Carex thunbergii var. appendiculata, with rare species such as Carex chordorrhiza and Drosera rotundifolia present in localized habitats. Peat depth emerged as the primary determinant of vegetation distribution, followed by hydrology and nutrient levels, including phosphorus and cations (Mg2+, Na+, K+). Our results underscored continuous ecological gradients rather than discrete zonation, aligning with ecological continuum theory. These findings provide a robust scientific framework for ecological monitoring and restoration. They also support Korea’s national wetland conservation policies and international commitments such as the Ramsar Convention.

Source: Diversity

DOI: 10.3390/d17100715

Authors: Kyungeun Lee, Jiseon Lee

Institutions: National Institute of Ecology, Kangwon National University

Language: English

Topic: Peatlands and Wetlands Ecology

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534