Composição e estrutura de comunidades arbustivo/arbóreas ao longo de um gradiente altitudinal no semiárido brasileiro

Abstract

The composition and structure of the shrub and tree vegetation along the altitudinal gradient are reflections of environmental heterogeneity resultant from the interaction of several variables, resulting in the formation of distinct floristic arrangements. Aimed to evaluate and understand the formation and variance of shrub-tree communities along na altitudinal gradient in Brazilian semiarid according to variables abiotic and biotic. The search was accomplished along an altitudinal gradient in Serra da Arara in São João do Cariri/PB. It was established 100 permanent plots distributed in four transects 25 and each with 100 m², forming a continuum in the gradient, distant from one another 10 m, two on the slope northeast of the mountain range and two in the southeast side, including all plants with height ≥ 1 meter and DNS (diameter at ground level) ≥ 3 cm. Measured weekly rainfall, humidity, temperature and winds peed at three locals situated in the altitudes (up to 500 m), foot; (up to 600 m) intermediate altitude; (> 600 m) in the top and each parcel were measured the altitude, ground slope, soil depth, rockiness, amount of burlap and presence of terrestrial bromeliads. There was the formation of two distinct floristic groups, one (G1) at the lower altitudes (between 479 to 563 meters) and other (G2) in the higher altitudes plots (between 564 to 653 meters) with composition and structure that differed significantly. The rainfall, humidity, temperature and winds peed can not explain the formation of floristic groups. The altitude, the presence of Bromeliaceae and amount of burlap are the predictive variables which together with the slope, rockiness and soil depth influence on the formation of groups formed along the gradient. Conclude that these variables jointly with the species in each habitat floristic group act as filters, resulting in na environmental heterogeneity with distinct microhabitats forming.