The vegetation of the state of Qatar as related to landform and soil.

Abstract

The effect of landform and soil on the vegetation of the State of Qatar is described. Five major landform/soil subdivisions are recognized; depressions, wadis, rocky and conglomerate hammada surfaces, sand dunes and sabkhas. The vegetation was sampled and relative importance, diversity values and similarity indices were estimated. Soil samples were analysed. Depressions have the richest and most diversified plant cover. On the other hand sand dunes have very poor vegetation cover. Sabkhas have simple and less diversified flora. The five landform/soil subdivisions show great differences in diversity and degrees of similarity. Differences in soil physical and chemical properties enhanced by landform variations are probably the major factor involved.