Although it is known that soil, topographic, and bioclimatic factors influence plant communities, the relative contribution and interactions of these factors remain unclear.  The objective of this study was to investigate the role of environmental factors on the composition, diversity, and abundance of plant species. We examined a 7,400 ha land parcel of Mojave Desert vegetation in the Upper Las Vegas Wash, Nevada which included nine vegetation associations, eight soil types, and ten geologic types. Multivariate analytical techniques were used to evaluate important community-controlling factors.  A greater understanding of these factors and their interactions could aid in conservation-based decision making.   

Results/Conclusions

Preliminary canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that the two main drivers of the vegetation are geology and soil factors.  Geology was the dominant driver for the first CCA axis while soil was the driver for the second axis.  Further analyses will incorporate specific soil chemical and textural data in order to gain a more thorough understanding of species responses to environmental variables.  Results of these studies may inform potential actions taken to conserve, restore or manage desert plant communities.