Work

Empirically Calibrated Phytoindication Scales Resolve Complementary Edaphic and Topographic Components of the Moisture Regime

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The moisture regime is one of the principal determinants of plant distribution; however, traditional phytoindication systems generally treat it as a single ecological gradient, despite its complex environmental controls. This study examined whether vegetation responses could be used to integrate climatic, edaphic, and topographic determinants of moisture availability into ecologically meaningful indicator scales. Species occurrence records for the flora of the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions (Ukraine) were combined with climatic, edaphic, and topographic predictors. Canonical correspondence analysis was employed to identify moisture-related vegetation gradients, which were subsequently modelled using precipitation, soil texture, topographic wetness, and their interactions. New species-level indicator values were derived and evaluated against traditional Didukh and Ellenberg scales using independent validation criteria and null-model randomisation tests. Two partially independent moisture gradients were identified. The dominant edaphic component was primarily associated with soil water-retention capacity and showed strong agreement with traditional phytoindication systems, whereas the second component reflected the topographic redistribution of water and provided complementary ecological information. Empirically calibrated indices integrating climatic water input, soil texture, and topographic wetness reproduced vegetation responses and enabled spatial mapping of ecologically relevant moisture conditions. These findings demonstrate that ecologically meaningful moisture regimes are multidimensional and cannot be adequately represented by a single gradient. The framework refines traditional phytoindication by separating complementary mechanisms controlling plant water availability and provides a basis for improved ecological assessment and climate-change projections.

Source: Diversity

DOI: 10.3390/d18090507

Authors: Hanna Tutova, Olena Lisovets, Olha Kunakh, Olexander Zhukov

Institutions: Bogdan Khmelnitsky Melitopol State Pedagogical University, Oles Honchar Dnipro National University

Language: English

Topic: Plant Ecology and Soil Science

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534