Chapter 2

1: Floristic Composition

Floristic diversity is described as the sum of all plants present in any geographic area, both wild
and cultivated, which reflects the prevailing climatic conditions, edaphic characteristics,
anthropogenic pressure and other natural stresses (Ali et al. 2016). The depreciation of the
natural vegetation in many parts of the countries has also led to the threat and decline in number
and distribution of many plant species. The important influential environmental factors affecting
vegetation distribution and patterning many countries include altitude, climate (precipitation and
temperature), land degradation due to unsustainable land use practices soil type and the
interaction of all these factors (Dikaso and Tsema, 2016). Soil water availability is also
considered key factor for the generation, survival and growth of seedling community (Dikaso
and Tsema, 2016).
Botanical assessment such as floristic composition and structure studies are essential in view of
+their value in understanding the extent of plant diversity in forest ecosystem(WCMC, 1192).
Knowledge of Floristic composition and structure of forest reserves is also useful in identifying
important elements of plantdiversity, protecting threatened and economic species, and
monitoring the status of the forest (Tilman D, 1996 and Ssegawa et al., 2006).
The vegetation of the world play vital role in maintaining and balancing natural eco-system.
These vegetation resources fulfill human demands by providing renewable raw materials and
energy, maintain biodiversity, protect land, and water resources. These resources are under
degradation extensively due to increasing population pressure, agriculture and urban expansion,
Industrialization, mining, infrastructure development and other disturbances (Ramesh et al.,
2016). Vegetation is composed of certain distinct and fairy discrete plant communities and those
communities have a degree of internal organization, which jointly modifies the environment with
sharp delimitation from other communities (Clements, F.E, 1920).The external environmental
factors of disturbance suddenly change the composition of plant structures. The present
vegetation composition of a particular ecosystem reflects the site conditrion and disturbances
over the pristine or potential natural vegetation; a hemeroby concept was developed (Jalas,
J.1955 and Kowarik, 1990). Furthermore, mining and industrial impact is the major cause
leading varying degree of biodiversity reduction in most of the vegetation of particular areas. For
the effective conservation of such disturbed areas, it is important to understand the composition
of particular areas, effects of past disturbances, and the present impact of neighboring land use
(Groombridge et al., 2002). It is essential to study the phytosociological structure of such
disturbed vegetation areas to understand the distribution pattern of individual plant species with
various girth classes, associations among other species, pattern of dispersion and various indices
0f diversity (Longman, K.A and Jenik, J.1987). Development activities cause’s impacts on
ecological processes, both at the land scape scale and the scale of individual plant patches which
influences species composition and habitat characteristics different scales (Clements, F.E, 1920).

This study relates the impacts and changing pattern of forests and vegetation during the
implementation and operation of the development of mining and marble industries (Ramesh et
al., 2016). Thus, the study of floristic composition and structures of particular areas became more
imperative in the face of the increasing threat to the forest ecosystem. Even though Buner land
provide ecological services and socioeconomic value to local community, awareness and
knowledge on sustainable use and management of the soil recognized to be very less. Therefore,
the accuratedata on vegetation resource near marble industries and mines is essentialrequirement
for vegetation management and planning with the context of sustainabledevelopment (Dikaso
and Tsema, 2016). No such study has been conducted on the floristic composition and diversity
of wild plant species of Buner marble mines and industries. Currently, intensive use of land for
industries and mining for different purpose are leading factors to loss of the plant species (Abeje
et al., 2005). Therefore, this study is initiated to provide primary information on floristic
composition and species diversity of Buner so as to generate data that would be used inthe future
management of the vegetation.
2: Material and Methods

2.2: Sampling Design

Systematic sampling technique was used to collect vegetation data. Sampling Sites were taken
along different industrial and mining areas. At each site, three Plots were taken. Each plot was
then divided into three different quadrates. Along each plot a sample quadrate of 5×5m was
taken at a distance of 50 steps away from each other. Data were collected in 30 Plots in which 15
were made in five sites of mining area and same with industrial area.

2.3: Data Collection

2.3.1: Field Method

For vegetation data analysis, 2 different sites were selected i.e. mining and industrial sites. At
each area five different sites were then selected from industries and mining. Each site was then
divided into 3 different Plots. Along each site, a sample plot of 5×5m was taken at a distance of
50 steps away from each other. A total of 30 plots were laid for vegetation data collection. All
the plants present in the quadrates were collected in bags and were bring to the laboratory for
further analysis. During investigation, some indexes, ecological, geophysical characteristic and
geographical coordinates were recorded such as the species name, coverage, number, height,
diameter, elevation, slope, aspect and their coordinates. .

2.3.2: Collection of soil samples

The soil samples were collected from 5 mining sites and 5 industrial sites i-e (Jan Mining
Corporation, Umair Mining Corporation, Ihsanullah Mining Corporation, Imran Mining
Corporation, Mobin Mining Corporation) of Bampokha District Buner and(Adil Imran marble
Industry, Hammad marble Industry,) of Chena District Buner, in a very careful and systematic
manner a total of 10 sites were selected for soil collection.From each site three quadrates were
selected 50 steps away from each other. A small amount of soil (about 1 kg) was collected from
0 cm to 50 cm, and the soil from different soil layers was well mixed with each other. All the
soils were properly packed, labeled and brought to the laboratory for further analysis.

Collection of soil samples

2.3.3: Laboratory method of Vegetation

The plants samples collected from the field were brought to the laboratory for further process of
investigation. In laboratory, different parameters of selected plants were measured that is height
of the plant, cover of the plants and numbers of plants present in each quadrate. Local and
scientific names were given to the plants in laboratory.

2.3.4: Laboratory method of Soil

The soil samples collected from different mining and industrial sites were then send to the
laboratory of SRC (Swat Research Centre) to measure the different parameters of the soil.

2.3.4: Data Analysis

For all vegetation species density and basal area per ha were calculated. Relative values of
frequency, density and dominance of plants were calculated by dividing individual values for
frequency, density and basal area by the sum of frequencies, densities and basal areas of all
species in a plot, then multiplying by 100. Importance value index (IVI) was calculated for all
the plant species by summing its relative frequency, density and dominance values. Important
 values were calculated for each species with the following calculation formulas described by
Cottam and Curtis (1956), Ahmed, and Shaukat (2012).
Considering the effects of dominant species and common species on communities was
calculated. The species formed an important value matrix in excel. Densities of shrubs and herbs
were also calculated on per ha basis. Species richness, evenness and Shannon’s diversity index
(H0) were calculated for each plot.

3: Results
3.1: Sampling size and species composition
Total 30 quadrates of 5*5 meters were established in different areas of District Buner. In which 5
mining sites and 5 industrial sites were included. These were the disturbed areas of mining and
marble industries.Altogather 30 quadrates of 5*5 m covering 750m area was studied representing
1344 plants.

Table 1: Showing IVI, CM/ha and D/ha of Torwarsak Mining site

IVI of Site Site Site 4 Site Cm2/ Site 2 Site Site Site 5 D/ha Site 2 Site Site 4 Site
mining 2 3 5 ha 3 4 Site 1 3 5
site 1 site 1

73.11 49.0 23.3 28.80 21.3 5036. 4599. 4018 360 1254. 1946 9333. 4266 266.66 266.
2 5 2 53 2 1.3 53 6.67 33 .66 66
3

5.28 13.0 15.8 10.44 7.08 52 761.7 1808 172 187.3 800 1066. 2933 266.66 133.
5 6 8 .53 .93 3 66 .33 33

5.01 10.5 9.13 12.43 13.7 109.3 732.8 505. 543 323.2 400 1066. 2666 266.66 266.
3 4 3 46 .6 66 .66 66

8.25 4.64 9.91 6.16 14.6 68.4 175.7 326. 261 430.1 266.6 666.6 2666 133.33 266.
1 3 4 .46 3 6 6 .66 66
4.13 8.36 3.00 10.47 6.26 36 216.9 66.1 177 87.06 133.3 1200 800 266.66 133.
2 3 33 .06 3 33

4.18 5.50 5.21 6.71 7.60 44.26 177.2 214. 364 251.7 133.3 1066. 133.33 133.
13 .66 3 3 66 933. 33
33

100 4 .63 4.82 7.32 9.82 173.2 165. 479 524 666.6 800 133.33 133.
6 .3 6 33

4.23 2.28 5.17 6.89 149.8 49.3 77. 164.2 533.3 400 133.33 133.
6 3 06 6 3 33

100 2.69 6.20 12.6 218. 269 870.1 933. 133.33 133.
4 13 .06 3 33 33

5.87 6.25 100 274 279 1200 133.33

.46

2.80 100 70.8 666.

66

4.32 305. 1066

46 .66

2.78 183.
86 400

2.17 20.1 400

3

5.74 744. 933.

8 33

100
The phytosociological attributes of the vegetation in Torwarsak mining site is presented in Table
1. Six species have been recorded from this sampling site with an IVI ranged from 4.18 to
73.11%. Among the species, Parthenium hysterosphorus was the dominated specie with an IVI
important value of 73.11 followed by Otostegia limbita with an IVI 8.25% in the stand. Four co-
dominant species including Origanum vulgare, Justica adhatoda, Daphne oleoides and
Cannabis sativa were associated with an IVI ranged from 5.28% to 4.18% in the stand.

In addition, from mining site two, 8 species have been recorded with an IVI ranged from 4.23%
to 49.028 %. Parthenium hysterophorus was the dominated specie among them with an IVI
49.028% followed by Taraxicum oficinale with an IVI 13.056% ,Justica adhatoda , Dodonea
vescosa, Artemisia annua, Eurphobia helioscopia ,Artemisia capillaries and Carthamus
oxycantha were also present as a co-dominant species at the site with an IVI ranged from 10.53%
to 4.23%.

From sampling site three,15 species have been recorded with an IVI ranged from 23.35% to
5.74%, among these species Xanthium strumarium was the dominated specie with an IVI 23.35%
followed by Parthenium hysterosphorus with an IVI range 15.86%. Thirteen co-dominant
species including Cannabis sativa, Taraxicum oficinale, Medicago manima, Chenopodium
Ambrosioides, Ajuga parviflora, Cynodon dactylon, Dodonea vescosa, Arthemisia annua,
Eurphobia helioscopia, Carthamus oxycantha, Justica adhatoda, Tulipa clusiana and Apluda
mutica were associated with an IVI ranged from 9.13% to an IVI ranged of 5.74%.

From sampling site 4 of the mining, 10 species had been recorded with an IVI ranged from
28.80% to 6.258% in which Parthenium hysterosphorus, was the dominant species among the
them with an important value 28.80%, followed by Canabis sativa, with an IVI of 12.43%, and
eight co-dominant species i.e., Dodonea vescosa, Justica adhatoda, Daphne oleoides, Xanthium
strumarium, Apluda mutica, Ajuga parviflora, Ostegia limbita, Ghwandi with an IVI ranged
from 10.44% to 5.17% in the stand. In the same way nine species have been recorded from
mining site 5 which is the last one site of mining with an important value ranged from 21.32% to
12.645%, among the species Parthenium hysterosphorus was present as dominant species with
an important value of 21.32%, followed by 8 co-dominant species including Ostegialimbita,
Dodonea vescosa Xanthium strumarium, Artemisis capillaris, Carthamus oxycantha, Apluda
mutica, Ajuga parviflora and Justica adhatoda with an IVI ranged from 14.61% to 6.89% in
the stand.

The phytosociological attributes and absolute values Cover meter per hectare of the vegetation in
Torwarsak mining is presented in Table one. From this sampling site 6 species have been
recorded with a cover meter per hectare ranged from 5036.53% to 44.26% in the stand. Among
the species, Parthenium hysterosphorus was the dominated specie with a Cm2/h % 5036.53
followed by Justica adhtoda with Cm2/h 109.33% , and four co-dominant species including
Organum volgare, canabus sativa,daphne oleoides and Otostegia limbitawith a Cover meter per
hectare ranged from 44.26 to 36% .

As compare to site 1, eight species have been recorded from sampling site 2 with a Cm2/h
ranged from 459920% to 14986.67% in which parthenium hystrosphorus was the dominant
species among them with a Cm2/h 459920% followed by Justica adhtoda with Cm2/h
76178.67%, among them Dodoneae vescosa ,Teraxicum officinale, Arthemisia capillaris,
Eurphobia helioscopia ,Arthemisia annua and Carthamus oxycantha were present as a co-
dominant species with a Cover meter per hectare ranged from 73280% to 14986.67% in the
stand.

With comparison to site 1 and site 2 from mining site three, 15 species have been recorded,
among that 15 species Xanthium strumarium is the dominant species with a Cm2/h 401800 %
followed by Parthenium hysterosphorus with a Cm2/h 180853.3%. Canabis sativa, Taraxicum
oficinale, Medicago manima, Chenopodium Ambrosioides , Ajuga parviflora, Cynodon dactylon,
Dodonea vescosa, Arthemisia annua, Eurphobia helioscopia, Carthamus oxycantha, Justica
adhatoda , Tulipa clusiana and Apluda mutica were included as a co-dominant species from
Cover meter per hectare ranged from 50546.67% to 4933.333% in the stand.
Less species were recorded from site four with comparison to site three. Total of 10 species
were recorded from site 4 in which again parthenium hystrosphorus was the dominant species as
similar to site 1 and site 2 with a Cm2/ha 360133.3% followed by Dodoneae vescosa with a
Cm2/ha 54360% and eight co-dominant species included Senecio sineraria,Otostegia
limbitaCanabis sativa, Daphne oleoides, Justica adhatoda, Xanthium strumarium, Apluda
mutica and Ajuga parviflora were recorded along them with a Cm2/ha ranged from 7706.66% to
17706.67%.

In the same way 9 species have been recorded from mining site 5 which is the last one site of the
mining which includeded Parthenium hysterophorus, Xanthium strumarium, Ostegia limbita,
Dodonea vescosa, Carthamus oxycantha,Arthemisia annua , Apluda mutica, Ajuga parviflora
and Justica adhatoda with a Cover meter per hectare ranged from 125453.3% to 16426.67%
among these nine species Parthenium hysterophorus was again the dominant species as like site
1, site 2,site 4 and site 5 followed by Justica adhatoda with a Cm2/ha 87013.33%.

The phytosociological attributes and absolute values of Diameter per hectare of the vegetation in
Torwarsak mining site is presented in table one. From this sampling site 6 species have been
recorded from site 1 with a Diameter per hectare ranged from 19466.67% to 133.33% among the
species Parthenium hysterophorus was the dominant species with a D/ha 19466.67% followed
by Organum volgare with a D/h 800%. Along the species Justica adhatoda, Daphne oleoides,
Ostegia limbita and Canabis sativa were present as a co-dominant species with a Diameter per
hectare ranged from 400% to 133.33% in the stand.

With comparison to site one, from mining site two the numbers of species recorded were eight
with a D/h ranged from 9333.33% to 533.33%. Among that eight species as just like site one
again Parthenium hysterophorus was the dominant species with a D/h 9333.33% followed by
Taraxicum oficinale with a D/ha 1200%, along Parthenium hysterophorus and Taraxicum
oficinale six co-dominant species were recorded including Dodoneae vescosa ,Organum volgare,
Justica adhatoda, Eurphobia helioscopia Artemesia annua, and Carthamus oxycantha with a
Diameter per hectare ranged from 1066.66% to 533.33%. .As compare to all the five sites
mining site 3 is the most species rich site in which 15 species have been recorded with a
Diameter per hectare ranged from 4266.66% to 266.66%. In which Xanthium strumarium is
recorded as a dominant species with a D/ha 4266.66% followed by Parthenium hysterophorus
 with a D/ha 2933.33%. Fourteen co-dominant species including Canabis sativa, Taraxicum
oficinale, Medicago manima, Chenopodium Ambrosioides, Ajuga parviflora, Cynodon dactylon,
Dodonea vescosa, Artemisia annua, Eurphobia helioscopia, Carthamus oxycantha, Justica
adhatoda, Tulipa clusiana and Apluda mutica were associated with a Diameter per hectare
ranged from 2666.66% to 400%. Total of 10 species were recorded from site 4 which is less
species rich site as compare to site 3 with a D/ha ranged from 266.66% to 133% in which
parthenium hystrosphorus, Dodoneae vescosa, Canabus sativa and Justica adhatoda were
present as the dominant species with a D/ha 266.66% followed by Senecio sineraria, Daphne
oleoides, Xanthium strumarium, Apluda mutica and Ajuga parviflora with a diamere per hectare
133.33% to 133.33% in the stand. In the same way nine species have been recorded from mining
site 5 which includeded Parthenium hysterophorus, Xanthium strumarium, Ostegia limbita,
Dodonea vescosa, Carthamus oxycantha, Arthemisia annua, Apluda mutica, Ajuga parviflora
and Justica adhatoda with a diameter per hectare ranged from 266.66% to 133.33% among that
nine species Parthenium hysterophorus was again the dominant species with a diameter per
hectare 266.66% followed by Justica adathoda with a D/ha 133.33%. Seven co-dominant
species included, Xanthium strumarium, Ostegia limbita, Dodonea vescosa, Carthamus
oxycantha, Arthemisia annua Apluda mutica and Ajuga parviflora were associated with a D/ha
ranged from 266.66% to 133.33% in the stand.

Table 2: Showing IVI, CM/ha and D/ha of sawarai Mining site

IVI of Site 2 Site Site Site Cm2 Site Site 3 Site Site D/ha Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5
Indus 3 4 5 /ha 2 4 5 Site 1
tries site
site 1 1

23.52 50.54 34.3 36.7 37. 2684 3146 2305. 1596 2357 5866. 10533. 1000 8571.4 5866.6
2 9 28 .66 .93 06 .66 .86 66 33 0 2 6

22.44 15.77 25.5 12.1 25. 1608 794. 2200. 300. 1865 1200 2266.6 6000 2857.1 3466.6
1 9 52 26 66 .06 6 4 6
7.14 9.37 9.35 14.3 17. 248. 111. 457.7 658. 627. 1200 1333.3 1600 2000 2266.6
1 80 87 2 3 93 86 3 6

7.07 14.95 7.11 4.12 3.2 233. 711. 304.1 96.1 15.0 2266. 2133.3 666.6 571.42 133.33
0 77 6 3 33 66 66 3 6

11.46 4.53 7.27 3.03 4.9 726. 71.4 186.6 33.6 191. 933.3 533.33 1200 285.71 400
3 84 6667 6 46 3

7.16 4.81 4.79 4.46 11. 353. 112. 213.4 81.6 443. 400 533.33 933.3 857.14 1200
24 2 2667 6 46 3

5.53 100 3.60 3.54 100 223. 106.2 37.2 1066. 533.3 571.42
06 6 66 3
7.11 5.41 8.95 292. 290.1 342. 800 1066. 2000
67 3 8 66

5.06 2.60 3.74 353. 33.8 57.8 666.6 133.3 571.42

56 66 6 3

3.47 100 4.17 79.1 52.5 1800 857.14

9 33 0

100 4.64 100. 857.14

53
100
In Table 2 the the absolute values of the vegetation in sawarai,Chanar, Cheena, Dherai and
Totyanu Kalay Industrial site is presented. Ten species have been recorded from this sampling
site 1 Sawari with an IVI ranged from 23.52% to 3.47%. Among the species, Parthenium
hysterosphorus was the dominated specie with an IVI important value of 23.52% followed by
Xanthium strumarium with an IVI 22.44% in the stand. Eight co-dominant species including
Verbascum Thapsus, Mentha longifilia, Mentha avensis, Amarinthus caudatus, Cannabis sativa,
Solanum nigrum, Dysphenia Ambrosioides, Polygonum aviculare were associated with an IVI
ranged from 11.46 % to 3.47 % in the stand.

With comparison to site one from Industrial site two Chanar , 6 species have been recorded with
an IVI ranged from 50.54% to 4.81 %. As similar to site 1 again Parthenium hysterophorus was
the dominated specie among them with an IVI 50.54% followed by Xanthium strumarium with
an IVI 15.77% , Verbascum Thapsus, Mentha longifilia, Euphorbia hirta and Cannabis sativa
were also present as a co-dominant species at the site with an IVI ranged from 14.95% to 4.53 %
in the stand.

From sampling site three Cheena Industry, 9 species have been recorded with an IVI ranged from
34.32% to 2.60%, among these species Parthenium hysterosphorus was the dominated specie
with an IVI 34.32% followed by Xanthium strumarium with an IVI ranged 25.51%. Seven co-
dominant species including Canabis sativa, Euphorbia hirta, Verbascum Thapsus,
Amaranthuscaudatus, Amarinthusviridis, Menthe longifolia, Ophentiadilleni Haw were
associated with an IVI ranged from 9.35 % to an IVI ranged of 2.60% in the stand.

From sampling site four of the Dherai Industries, 11 species had been recorded with an IVI
ranged from 36.79 % to 4.64% in which Parthenium hysterosphorus, was again the dominant
species among them with an important value 36.79%, followed by Cannabis sativa with an IVI of
14.31%, and nine co-dominant species i.e., Xanthium strumarium, Amarinthus viridis,
Apludamutica, Euphorbia hirta, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Mentha avensis, Verbascum
thapsus, Mentha Longifolia and Carthamus oxycantha were associatedwith an IVI ranged from
12.19% to 4.64 % in the stand. In the same way 6 species have been recorded from Totyanu Kale
industrial site 5 which is the last one site of Industries with an important value ranged from
37.28% to 3.20%, among the species as just like all the four sites once again Parthenium
hysterosphorus was present as dominant species with an important value of 37.28%, followed by
Xanthium strumarium with an IVI range of 25.52% and four co-dominant species were
associated including Amarinthus viridis, Verbascum Thapsus, Canabis sativa and Euphorbia
hirta with an IVI ranged from 17.80% to 3.20 % in the stand.

The phytosociological attributes and absolute values Cover meter per hectare of the vegetation in
Swarai, Chanar, Cheena, Dherai and Totyanu kalay is presented in Table one. Ten species have
been recorded from this sampling site 1 Sawari with an Cm2/h ranged from %2684.66 to79.19
%. Among the species, Parthenium hysterosphorus was the dominated specie with a Cm2/h of
2684.66% followed by Xanthium strumarium with a Cm2/h 1608% in the stand. Eight co-
dominant species including Verbascum Thapsus, Mentha longifilia, Mentha avensis, Amarinthus
caudatus, Cannabis sativa, Solanum nigrum, Dysphenia Ambrosioides, Polygonum aviculare
were associated with a Cm2/h ranged from 2684.66 % to79.19percentage in the stand.

With comparison to site one from Industrial site two Chanar , 6 species have been recorded with
a Cm2/h ranged from 3146.93% to 71.46667%. As similar to site 1 again Parthenium
hysterophorus was the dominated specie among them with a Cm2/ha 3146.93% followed by
Xanthium strumarium with a Cm2/h 794.26% , Verbascum Thapsus, Mentha longifilia,
Euphorbia hirta and Cannabis sativa were also present as a co-dominant species at the site with a
cover meter square per hectare ranged from 711.6% to 71.46% in the stand.

From sampling site three Cheena Industry, 9 species have been recorded with an Cm2/h ranged
from 2305.06% to 33.8 %, among these species Parthenium hysterosphorus was the dominated
specie with a Cm2\h 2305.06% followed by Xanthium strumarium with a Cm2\h 2200. Seven
co-dominant species including Canabis sativa, Euphorbia hirta, Verbascum Thapsus,
Amaranthuscaudatus, Amarinthusviridis, Menthe longifolia, Ophentiadilleni Haw were
associated with an Cm2/hranged from 457.73 % to 33.8% in the stand.
From sampling site four of the Dherai Industries, 11 species had been recorded with an cover
meter square per hectare ranged from 1596.66% to 33.6% in which Parthenium hysterosphorus,
was again the dominant species among them with a Cm2\h 1596.66 %, followed by Cannabis
sativa with a Cm2/h 658.93%, and nine co-dominant species i.e., Xanthium strumarium,
Amarinthus viridis, Apludamutica, Euphorbia hirta, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Mentha
avensis, Verbascum thapsus, Mentha Longifolia and Carthamus oxycantha were associatedwith
a Cm2/h ranged from 300.66% to52.533 % in the stand. In the same way 6 species have been
recorded from Totyanu Kale industrial site 5 which is the last one site of Industries with a Cm2\h
2357.86% to 443.46%, among the species as just like all the four sites once again Parthenium
hysterosphorus was present as dominant species with a Cover meter square per hectare of
2357.86%, followed by Xanthium strumarium with a Cm2\h 1865.06% and four co-dominant
species were associated including Amarinthus viridis, Verbascum Thapsus, Canabis sativa and
Euphorbia hirta with a Cm2\h ranged from 627.86% to 443.46 % in the stand.

Plant species composition and floristic similarityTable 3:

Taxonomic Diversity of Flora of different Mining and Industrial sites of Buner.

Taxonomic Number of Percentage Taxonomic Number Percentage

group species distribution

Mining site Industrial site

Dicot 17 85% Dicot 15 94%

Monocot 3 15% Monocot 1 6%

Total 20 100% Total 16 100%

The total number of species recorded in the Mining and industries site was 36 as shown in Table
3. Twenty species were recorded from mining site and 16 species from industrial site were
recorded. A total of 17 dicot (85%) and three monocot (15%) species were recorded in mining
site. As compare to the mining site 15 dicot (96%) and 4 monocot (6%) were recorded from
industrial site. In both of the mining and industrial site the abundance of dicot, species were
higher than that of the monocot species (Table 3).

Diversity Indices of different sites of Mining:

Mining Richness Evenness M-index S-index Sh-index P-index Mk’s

Sites Index
Mining 6 -28.9331 0.986 1.183 0.396 0.221 0.4758
site 1
Mining 8 3.7383 1.470 2.613 1.440 0.692 0.6136
site 2
Mining 15 2.3399 2.783 8.738 2.395 0.974 1.2127
site 3
Mining 10 1.8283 3.410 8.909 2.243 0.974 2.6726
site 4
Mining 9 2.0356 3.219 8.000 2.38 0.973 2.5981
site 5

M index = Margalef index, S index = Simpsons index, Sh-index =Shannon-Wiener Index

P index = Portfolio index, Mk index= Menhinick’s index

Species Richness:

The highest ratio of species richness were found in the mining site 3 Bampokha,a total of 15
species were observed there followed by mining site 4 Torwarsak consisting of 9 species at that
site and mining site 5 Bampokha having 9 species there. At mining site two Torwarsak the
species richness observed there were 8 species. At mining site, one Bampokha the species
richness was less than the other entire site consisting of six species only.

Species Evenness:

The evenness of the species recorded was highest at Mining site 2 Torwarsak i-e 3.7383
followed by mining site 3 Bampokha the species evenness of which observed was 2.3399 and
mining site 5 Bamphokha, the species evenness of which was 2.0356, The species evenness of
site 4 recorded was 1.8283 in spite of that all the lowest evenness of the species was recorded at
Mining site 1 Bampokha consisting of species evenness -28.9331.

Margalef index:

The values of Margalef index recorded highest was at mining site 4 Torwarsak which was
observed as 3.410 followed by site 5 Bampokha 3.219. M.index at site 3 Bampokha was
recorded as 2.783 and site 2 as 1.470, and the lowest value of M.index was recorded as 0.986 at
site 1 Bampokha.

Simpsons index:

As compare to M-Index, the value of S-index was also observed highest at mining site 4
followed by site 3 as similar to that of M-Index the value of which recorded was 8.738 and site 5
consisting of S-index 8.000. The value of site two recorded was 2.613, and the lowest value of S-
index was recorded at site 1, the value of which observed was 1.183 of all the mining sites.

Shannon-Wiener Index:

As compare to M-index and S-index the value of SH was observed as highest at mining site 3 the
value of which recorded was 2.395 followed by site 5 and site 4 the values of which observed
were 2.38 and 2.243 and the value of site was recorded as 1.440.Whereas the value of SH-index
is also observed as the lowest at mining site 1 as that of M-index and S-index the value of which
recorded was 0.396.

Portfolio index:
P-index was observed as highest at site 3 and site 4 the values of which were similar i-e 0.974
followed by site 5 valued 0.973 and site 2 valued 0.692 the value of P-index was also recorded as
the lowest at site 1 the value of which recorded was 0.221 of all the indices.

Menhinick’s index:

As similar to that of M-index, S-index and P-index the value of Mk-index is also highest at
mining site 4 Torwarsak consisting of the Mk-index as 2.6726 followed by site 5 the value of
which recorded was 2.5981, at site 3 the value of Mk-index was recorded as 1.2127.whereas
again the Mk-index was also recorded as the lowest at site 1 valued 0.4758 and site 2 comprising
of the Mk value 0.6136.

Diversity Indices of different sites of Industries.

Industrial Richness Evenness M-index S-index Sh-index P-index Mk’s

Sites Index

Industrial 10 3.2542 1.835 5.524 1.975 0.585 0.8607

site 1
Industrial 9 46.1074 1.027 2.443 1.238 0.691 0.5262
site 2
Industrial 6 3.6641 1.752 3.592 1.641 0.713 0.4657
site 3
Industrial 11 2.1869 2.354 4.306 1.872 0.781 1.3148
site 4
Industrial 6 16.7886 1.086 3.342 1.381 0.771 0.6
site 5
Site 1 = Sawarai, Site 2 = Chanar, Site3 = Cheena, Site 4 = Dherai, Site5 = Totyanu Kalay

Species Richness:

As compare to mining sites the species richness of industrial sites were calculated as highest
ratio of species richness were found in the site 4 Dherai, a total of 11 species were observed there
followed by site 1, consisting of 10 species at that site and site 2 comprising of 9 species there.
The species richness of site 3 and site 5 of the industries were similar to each other comprising of
six species each.

Species Evenness:

The highest evenness of the species was recorded at site 2 Chanar i-e 46.1074 followed by site 5
the species evenness of which observed was 16.7886, whereas the species evenness of site 3 and
site 1 was recorded as 3.6641 and 3.2542, in spite of that all the lowest evenness of the species
was recorded at Industrial site 4 Dherai consisting of species evenness 2.1869.

Margalef index:

The values of M- index was recorded highest at site 4, which was observed as 2.354 followed
by site 1 and site 3 and consisting of M.index 1.835 and 1.752 and the lowest value of M.index
was recorded at site 2 and site 5 the values of which were 1.027 and 1.086 each .

Simpsons index:

As compare to M-Index, the value of S-index was observed highest at site 1 comprising the value
of S-index 5.524 followed by site 4 the value of which is 4.306. Whereas the values of site 3 and
site 5 were observed as somewhat similar to each other consisting of S-index 3.592 and 3.342
values each, and the lowest value of S-index was recorded at site 2, the value of which observed
was 2.443of all the entire industrial sites.

Shannon-Wiener Index:

As compare to that of S-index the value of SH was observed as highest at industrial site 1
Sawarai the value of which recorded was 1.975 followed by site 4 and site 5 the values of which
observed were 1.872 and 1.381 respectively. Whereas the value of SH-index was observed as
lower at site 2 and site 3 than the entire sites comprising of SH value 1.238 and 1.641 each.

Portfolio index:

P-index was observed as highest at site 4 and site 5 the values of which were 0.781 and 0.771
followed by site 3 and 2 valued 0.713 and 0.691 the value of P-index was also recorded as the
lowest at site 1 the value of which recorded was 0.585 of all the indices.

Menhinick’s index:

As similar to that of M-index and P-index the nvalue of Mk-index is also highest at industrial site
4 Dherai consisting of the Mk-index as 1.3148 followed by site 1 the value of which recorded
was 0.8607, at site 2 and 3 the value of Mk-index was recorded as 0.5262 and 0.4657 .whereas
the Mk-index was recorded as the lowest at site 5 valued 0.6.

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%
Series1
10%

5%

0%

Fig. 2.1: Families’ contribution with different percentile of plant species of Mining sites.

A total of 20 species and 11 families were recorded from different mining sites. The leading
family with the largest number of species (N) in the total studied area of different sites of mining
was Asteracea (N=7; 35%) followed by Limiaceae (N=3; 15%) and Poaceae (N=2; 10%)
respectively. In addition, Canabaceae, Euphorbaceae, Acanthaceae, Thymeleaceae,
Chenopodeceae, Liliaceous and Papilionaceae were associated each has contributed (N=1; 5%)
species (Fig.2.2). The number of species of mining sites is greater than that of industrial site.
 20%
18%
16%
14%
12%
10%
8%
6% Series1
4%
2%
0%

Fig. 2.2: Families’ contribution with different percentile of plant species of different
Industrial sites.

A total of 16 species and 11 families were recorded at the different site of industries. The number
of species in the industrial site is less than that of the mining site. The highest number of species
was found in the mining site. The leading family with the largest number of species (N) in the
different five sites of industries was Asteraceae (N=3; 19%) followed by Amaranthaceae,
Limiaceae and Chenopodeaceae each has 2 species (N=2; 13%) with associated species of
Euphorbaceae, Schrophularaceae , Cactaceae, Poaceae, Solanaceae and Polygonaceae each has
contributed (N=1;6%) species respectively in the floristic composition.
 60%

50%

40%

30%
Series1
20%

10%

0%
Annual Biennial Perennial
9 2 5

Fig. 2.3: Relative proportions of annuals, biennials and perennials in Different Industrial
Sites Buner.

Life span of different plan taxa of different sites of Industrial sites show that annuals were the
dominated group consisting of 9 species (56%)\, followed by perennials 5 species (30%),
whereas Biennials were found to be less than 15% of the total flora of Industrial site with 2
species (13%) (Fig. 2.3).
 50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%
Series1
20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
Annual Pereniel biennial
9 2 9

Fig. 2.4: Relative proportions of annuals, biennials and perennials in Different Mining
Sites Buner

As compare to Industrial sites life span of different plan taxa of different mining sites show that
annuals and biennials were the dominated groups consisting each of 9 species (45%)\,
followed by perennials 2 species (10%), which were found to be less than 15% of the total
flora of mining site (Fig. 2.4).
 90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% Series1

30%

20%

10%

0%
Herb Woody herb Shrub

Morphological Distribution of Plant Taxa of Industrial site Buner

Similarly, herb species were observed as the leading class consisting of 13 species (81%)
followed by shrub consisting of 2 species (13%) and only 1 species of woody herb is present
comprising a percentile of (6%) which is less than 10% of the total species of the industrial site.

70%

60%

50%

40%

Series1
30%

20%

10%

0%
Herb shrub grass woody herb
Morphological Distribution of Plant Taxa of mining sites Buner

As compare to industrial site, herbs were observed as the leading class from mining sites there
were 12 species (60%) followed by shrub (25%) consisting of 5 species, grasses were observed
as (10%) consisting of 2 species and only 1 species of woody herb was observed which was
less than 10 percent of the total flora of mining site.

Life form spectrum:

A life-form spectrum indicates climatic and human disturbances in a geographic area and is
characterized by plant adaptation to certain ecological conditions (Cain and Castro 1959;
Durrani et al., 2010). The biological spectrum was analyzed which shows that Therophyte, the
leading life form, consisted of 7 species (35%), followed by Nanophanerophyte, Chemeophyte
and Hemicryptophyte consisting of 4, 4 species (20%), which show that three of them are
comparatively higher than Therophyte and Cryptophytes was observed as the smallest life-form,
comprising 1 species (5%) in the study area of mining sites of Buner (Table3). In addition, the
observed flora was compared with Raunkiaer (1934) normal spectrum, which accounts for
homogenous climatic conditions and has been created for world flora (Asghar et al., 2017).
40%

35%

30%

25%

20%
Series1
15%

10%

5%

0%
Th Np He ch cr

Comparison of Normal Raunkiaer’s (1934) spectrum to the observed life-form spectrum

of different Mining sites Buner

As similar to mining site the biological spectrum of Industrial sites were also analyzed which
shows that again Therophyte was the leading life form of the sites consisted of 12 species (75%)
followed by Cryptophytes consisted of 2 species (13%) and as compare to therophyte and
cryptophytes, Nanophanerophytes and Hemi cryptophytes were observed as the smallest species
comprising of 1 species each (6%) of the industrial sites (Table 4).

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%
Series1
30%

20%

10%

0%
Therophyte Cryptophyte Nanophanerophyte Hemicryptophyte

Comparison of Normal Raunkiaer’s (1934) spectrum to the observed life-form spectrum

of different Industrial sites Buner

Leaf size spectrum: The relationship between leaf sizes to ecological factors is quite important
and plays a significant role to help for studying vegetation at regional scale (Floret et al., 1990).
The leaf size spectrum of different Industrial sites of Buner shows that microphyll, the dominant
leaf size class in study area, comprises 9 species (56%), followed by mesophyll 3 species,
(19%), nanophyll 2 species, (13%) and leptophyllous and aphyllous were observed as the
smallest leaf size spectrum each comprising of 1 species (6%) respectively .
 60%

50%

40%

30%
Series1

20%

10%

0%
Mesophyll, Microphyll Nanophyll Aphyllous Leptophyll

Fig. 5: Indicate the percentage (%) of leaf size spectrum of plant taxa in Industrial sites
Buner
As similar to Industrial sites the leaf size spectrum of different sites of mining shows that
Microphyll is the dominant leaf size class in this study site consisting of 11 species (55%)
followed by Nanophyll and Leptophyllous comprising each of 4 species (20%).As compare to
them Mesophyll is the least dominant class consisting of less than 10% i.e. 1species (5%) of the
total sites of mining (Fig 6).

60%

50%

40%

30%
Series1

20%

10%

0%
Microphyll Mesophyll, Nanophyll Leptophyll

Fig. 6: Indicate the percentage (%) of leaf size spectrum of plant taxa in Mining site
Buner.
Results

Soil properties

The soils in all the studied areas were analyzed in PRC (Peshawar research centre) among
which one common characteristic in all the soil of the studied area was the longitude of both
areas which was 34.54±0.034 at mining sites and 34.44±0.0116 at industrial sites the H statistics
and P values of which was 5.7709 and 0.01629 which is significant at P<0.05. Although there
are significant differences between the elevation, slope and latitude of industrial and mining
areas. In general, the physiochemical characteristics of soil were unfavorable and reflected at
high degree of variation from each other.

Mining Sites Industries sites H- P-value Significance

Soil Parameters Mean±SE Mean±SE statistics
Lat 34.54±0.034 34.44±0.0116 5.7709 0.01629 P<0.05
Long 72.40±0.0345 72.487±0.0024 2.454 0.1171 Not sig
Elev 919.03±96.822 724±3.898 2.454 0.1171 Not sig
Slope 2.746±0.0024 2.744±0.004 0.0436 0.83453 Not sig
Clay 10±0.70 10±0.70 6.2836 0.01219 P<0.05
Silt 71±3.49 27.04±8.68 6.8182 0.00902 P<0.05
Sand 19.5±4.26 68.04±10.16 6.8182 0.00902 P<0.05
PH 7.58±0.02 7.6±00 0.272 0.60151 Not sig
OM 2.55±0.46 0.12±0.55 6.818 0.00902 P<0.05
Lime 24.6±2.0 13.7±5.79 2.454 0.11719 Not sig
N 0.13±0.02 0.006±0.002 6.8182 0.00902 P<0.05
P 9.26±0.20 17.64±2.76 6.8182 0.00902 P<0.05
K 114.4±2.78 81±13.16 3.9382 0.0472 P<0.05
W point 0.127±0.014 0.297±0.092 2.454 0.11719 Not sig
Fcapic 0.315±0.01 0.40±0.111 2.454 0.11719 Not sig
BD 1.37±0.038 1.74±0.295 2.454 0.11719 Not sig
Satur 0.48±0.014 0.44±0.111 2.454 0.11719 Not sig
Conduc 18.2±6.21 4.41±1.609 4.8109 0.02828 P<0.05
Avail water 0.188±0.005 0.111±0.299 6.8182 0.00902 P<0.05
OM= Organic matters, N=Nitrogen, K= Potassium, P=Phosphorus, W=wilting point, F=Field
capacity,

BD=Bulk density, Sat= Saturation, Conduct= Conductivity, Avail= Available water,

Lat= Latitude, Long= Longitude, Elve= Elevation

Soil acidity was characterized by PH values, which were studied areas that are 7.58±0.02 Ph
value at mining site and 7.6±00 at Industrial site. The values of clay silt and sand shows
significant variations from each other. The value of clay at mining sites was 10±0.70 and as
compare to mining sites the value of clay at industrial sites is 10±0.70 the H statistics of which
was 6.2836 and the P values are 0.01219 which is significant at P<0.05.The values of sand at
mining site is 19.5±4.26 and in comparison to which the value of sand at industrial sites is
68.04±10.16 the H statistics and P values of which is 6.8182 and 0.00902 which is also
significant at P<0.05. At industrial sites the silt values was 71±3.49 and compare to that the
value of silt at industrial sites was 27.04±8.68, which shows a huge difference from each other.
The H statistics and P value of silt is 6.8182 and 0.00902 which is significant.

The level of K, P and Mg were very different and show significant differences from each other
and that of the control. The concentration of N was less at industrial site which was
0.006±0.002 from that of the mining site which was 0.006±0.002 although the H statistics and P
value of which is 6.8182 and 0.00902 which was significant at P<0.05 value. Whereas the level
of P at mining site is 9.26±0.20 which is less than industrial site the concentration of which was
17.64±2.76. And the H statistics and P value of which was 6.8182 and 0.00902 which was
significant at P<0.05 value similar to that of N.Whereas the concentration of K at mining site is
greater than that of industrial site which is 114.4±2.78 and at industrial sites its concentration
was 81±13.16 which was significant, the H statistics and P value of which was 3.9382 and
0.0472.

The 2D NMS ordination is shown in figure 1 with a final stress valve of 4.60 and instability
(0.00000). The total number of iteration was 29 for the 2-D NMS solution. This ordination
procedure was applied to explain n of the species gradients responsible for species composition
 and to search the overall pattern of the species distribution along the governing factors(i.e.
topographic, edaphic and soil physiochemical properties)

NMS
St.7 St.6

Lat
Condu
St.10 St.9 OM %
silt%
St.3
Avail wa Clay% Lime %
Axis 2

BDSt.2
K (mg/kg P(mg/kg
Satur St.5 Sand%
St.4 T class

St.8
St.1

34.40 34.50 34.60 34.70

Axis 1
Lat 34.70

Axis 1 Figure 1. 2-D Non metric multidimensional scaling ordination based on plants species
r = -.379 tau = -.333
distributed
34.60 in different sites in mining sites in District Buner
Axis 2
r = .592 tau = .333
Twenty different environmental factors were tested in the ordination procedure in which 9
34.50
factors including three topographic variables showed a strong negative relationship with
ordination axis 1, and
34.402 respectively. For instance latitude showed a strong negative relationship

(r = -0.4827; p≤0.05), with axis 1 and 2. Similarly a comparatively strong relationship was
recorded for elevation (r = 0.6025, P≤ 0.01) and a weak relationship for slope gradient ( r = -
0.216; P≤ 0.02).

Environmental variables Axis 1 Axis 2 Significance level

Latitude -0.48273 -0.47679 ns
Longitue 0.122622 0.361475 ns
Elevation -0.48719 -0.60259 ns
Slope -0.21623 0.06703 ns
Clay% -0.03233 -0.62867 p>0.05
 silt% -0.07432 -0.72858 P>o.o1
Sand% 0.09884 0.725353 p>0.01
Texture class 0.084463 0.544451 ns
PH 1:5 0.000 0.000 ns
Organic Matters % -0.32641 -0.54685 ns
Lime % 0.122622 -0.43146
Nitrogen % 0.103188 0.369977 ns
Phosphorus(mg/kg -0.08635 0.736981 p>0.01
Potassium (mg/kg) 0.133117 -0.46052 ns
W point 0.285707 0.176394 ns
Field capacity 0.294514 -0.09174 ns
Bulk density -0.33818 0.467585 ns
Saturation 0.338418 -0.46811 ns
Conductivity -0.42678 -0.398 ns
Available water 0.058453 -0.74074 p>0.01

Among the soil physical properties clay (%), silt and sand exhibited a very strong relationship
with 2-D NMS ordination axis 2, whereas a somewhat similar trend was observed for T-class
(r=0.544; P≤0.05), organic matter (r = -0.546; P≤0.05), lime (r,), Nitrogen (r = 0.3699; P≤0.05)
Phosphorus ( r = 0.7369;P≤0.05) and Potassium ( r = -0.460; P≤0.05) respectively , which
contributed significantly to overall floristic variation in the study area. In addition, W. point, F
capacity, BD, Saturation and conductivity were moderately correlated with NMS. Ordination
axis 1 and 2 respectively indicated that factors are also vital and play significant role in
Vegetation pattern.
Furthermore determined correspondence analysis (DCA) was employed to detect the
relationship between species composition and the corresponding governing factors responsible
for its distribution. It was observed that standing species were clearly separated along the first
and second exits of the 2D DCA Ordination. Generally the ordination revealed two different
segregation of stands and species along the axis. The percentage values of species,
environmental relationship for axis of DCA ordinatin. However, the average values for three of
the axis were 0.478%, 0.182% and 0.0416 % for axis 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
The randomization test with 100 NMS suggested a statistically significant difference for axis
1(P = 0.009901). The species environmental correlation coefficient obtained for the first three
axis of DCA of the 20 different environmental differences environmental variables are shown in
table 2.The highest correlation coefficient with first DCA axis were recorded for silt ( r =
0.722; P≤ 0.05), sand (r = -0.716; P≤0.001) and organic matter ( r = 0.711; P≤0.05) respectively.
Other factors like elevation (r = 0.665; P≤0.05), Latitude (r = 0.604; P≤0.05), T class (r = 0.56;
P≤0.05), Clay (r = 0.581; P≤0.05), Conductivity (r = 0.525; P≤0.05) and available water in the
soil (r = 0.597; P≤0.05) were closely correlated with axis 1.
Few environmental variables showed moderate correlation with axis 3 (i.e. Slope and
potassium). However, few weak relationships (i.e. longitude and clay) were also found along
the second axis of ordination in the present study area.