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Abstract

Elucidating the influence of environmental factors on the spatial distribution of plant communities is crucial for understanding the intricate relationships between plant communities and their environment. Currently, the relationship between the spatial distribution of plant communities and environmental factors in the alpine wetland of Bayinbuluk Swan Lake remains incompletely understood. This study aims to elucidate the classification and diversity characteristics of plant communities and compare the effects of environmental factors on their spatial distribution. The results revealed four distinct clusters: cluster I (Ass. Papaver nudicaule + Oxytropis ochrocephala + Leontopodium leontopodioides), cluster II (Ass. Juncus nigra + Ass. Juncus atratus + Primula malacoides + Cirsium esculentum), cluster III (Ass. Primula malacoides + Carex myosuroides + Carex melanantha), and cluster IV (Ass. Eleocharis palustris + Carex rhynchophysa + Potamogeton distinctus). All clusters comprised herbaceous plants, with Cyperaceae species being the most prevalent. Cluster III exhibited the highest diversity, richness, and stability, while cluster IV demonstrated the lowest. The interspecific competition in clusters II and III was relatively moderate, indicating high stability. Conversely, cluster IV showed strong interspecific competition and no similarity with the other clusters due to significant differences in topography and soil conditions. The primary environmental factors influencing the spatial distribution of plant clusters in the alpine wetland of Bayinbuluk Swan Lake included soil electrical conductivity, soil organic carbon (SOC) content, soil total phosphorus, soil pH, slope, aspect, readily available nitrogen, and soil total nitrogen. Soil electrical conductivity emerged as the most significant factor, followed by SOC content. Understanding the types of alpine wetland communities, their distribution, and the relationship with environmental factors is essential for the scientific management of alpine wetlands and biodiversity conservation. The study findings can inform ecological construction and sustainable utilization strategies for the alpine wetland of Bayinbuluk Swan Lake

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