Diversity of Halophyte Desert Vegetation of the Different Saline Habitats in the Valley of Oued Righ, Low Sahara Basin, Algeria

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the floristic composition and diversity of the different habitat types in the saline areas of the valley of Oued Righ, locating in the low Sahara basin of Algeria. Three distinct saline habitats were examined: saline soil habitats, subsaline soil habitats, and waterlogged habitats. A total of 67 stands along the study area were investigated using the quadrat method, and different vegetation parameters, such as cover, frequency, density, and Importance Value Index (IVI), were recorded. Differences of species diversity and richness between saline habitats were also compared. A total of 38 plant species belonging to 29 genera and 13 families were identified from the three studied habitats. Chenopodiaceae was the predominant family. The majority of the species were of Saharo-Arabian distribution. Chemaephytes had the highest contribution to the life forms spectra. Species composition in the different habitat types showed differences in species richness. Subsaline soil habitats were the most diverse, followed by saline soil habitats. Waterlogged habitats had the lowest diversity. The floristic composition and the dominant species of each habitat were presented. The potential role of the halophyte species was discussed. These findings may lead to a better understanding of the functions, requirements, and sensitivities of these ecosystems.