ABSTRACT
This study aimed to analyze the possible correlations among soil factors at the tree species distribution and the floristic similarity among populations in two sites of Semideciduous Seasonal Forest, located in Viçosa, MG (20°46' S and 42°52' W). The tree species with ≤ 15 cm circumference at breast height (CBH) were sampled in 20 plots of 25 x 10 m (10 plots in each site). The soil samples were collected at 0-10 cm depth and submitted to chemical and physical analysis. The result of the chemical and physical attributes of the soil indicated variations according to topographical gradient. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated significant correlation between the distribution of trees species evaluated in the topographic profile and the fertility of the soil. The comparison between species from initial and advanced forests revealed low floristic similarity. Species such as Casearia arborea, Ocotea laxa, Myrcia fallax, Siparuna guianensis, Apuleia leiocarpa, Matayba elaeagnoides and Sparattosperma leucanthumwere associated to more acid clayed soils, from hillside and with larger aluminum content, suggesting their use in environmental recovery.
Keywords:
Floristic similarity; Soil-vegetation relationship; Canonical correspondence analysis
