PHYTOSOCIOLOGY OF THE VANISHING TROPICAL DECIDUOUS FOREST IN DISTRICTSWABI, PAKISTAN .2. ORDINATION

The study deals with the multivariate analysis of the vegetation of Sw abi District. Sociological relationships among the leading dominants i n tree, shrub and herb layers are discussed separately. Chemical and p hysical analysis of soils of each stand are given. The vegetation patt ern of each layer of the community and its relationship to soil were e xamined with the help of polar ordination. Soil pH, CaCO3 and P2O5 wer e found to be the controlling factors in the distribution of vegetatio n. The overall vegetation is dominated by Acacia modesta, followed by Ziziphus mauritiana in the tree layer. Aspargus, Cynodon, Torilis, Thy melaea, Oxalis and Desmostachya were important in the lower strata.