Assessment of Structure and Composition of Intertidal Halophytes Vegetation by Using Phytosociological Parameters: A Study along the Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat, India

Abstract

In this study assessment of structure and composition of intertidal halophyte vegetation in the Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat, India, done by using quantitative phytosociological parameters. The Gulf's unique coastline, characterized by a large tidal range and saline conditions, supports a diverse yet underexplored halophytic flora. For data collection twin belt transect (5 x 50 m) sampling method was adopted. We calculated key ecological parameters including frequency, density, and abundance to understand the plant community. The analysis identified dominant species, highlighting their ecological significance and adaptive success in this extreme environment. In this investigation Total 12 species occurred at intertidal zone at each location. High values for Electrical conductivity were observed at all locations (7.58 to 27.25 dS.m-1) except sandy-muddy habitat Sunwali (0.68 dS.m-1). pH values varied form 7.5 to 9.01 at selected locations. The sampled species categorised into 6 groups i.e. succulent (4), non-succulent (2); mangrove (3), shrubby (1), facultative (1) and strand species (1). In this study we find Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. ex Thw. was occurred at all selected locations with high frequency (85 to 100 %), high density (9.25 to 1630.65) and high abundance (10.28 to 1630.65). On the other hand, Suaeda nudiflora (Willd.) Moq. also observed with high frequency (85 to 100 %), high density (9.25 to 1630.65) and high abundance (10.28 to 1630.65). In addition, a facultative halophyte species (Cressa cretica Linn.), although present at only one location, had high values of allied diversity parameters. A mangrove Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. var. acutissima, Stapf. reflected its high frequency. Moreover, a group of six less dominant species indicated their rare occurrence in the study area.