An interannual investigation on the zonation of macrophytic vegetation in sand dunes with respect to abiotic factors and aspects on their management

Abstract

A study on the zonation of macrophytic vegetation inhabiting sand dunes with respect to a number of abiotic factors was carried out in 4 of the last 5 sites which still support relatively intact characteristic dune vegetation community namely, Ramla l-Hamra on Gozo, Qala ta' Santa Marija on Comino, and Ramla tat-Torri as well as Ramla tal-Mixquqa on Malta. Aspects on their management were also investigated. A thorough literature review of main studies carried out in the last decades was conducted and changes in community composition of the dunes were noted. The macrophytic vegetation was characterised through belt and line transects. Site visits were also carried out regularly. Such techniques were also used to study any existing vegetation zonation patterns. Samples of sand were collected along each transect and treated in the laboratory to study a number of abiotic factors. Data obtained through field and laboratory studies was treated using multivariate analysis.