Scholarly record

VEGETATION STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION IN URBAN PARK ECOSYSTEM

Cristina Tota, Berar Cristian, Sala Florin

Abstract

Parks have multiple functionalities in the urban environment, from ornamental, ecological, cultural, historical and other perspectives. This study analyzed the vegetation in “Justice” Park, Timisoara Municipality, Romania. The study evaluated the vegetation based on specific parameters, height (H, m), crown diameter (CD, m) and structural volume (SV). The crown projection area (CPA) was evaluated. The ecological value (EV), and landscape value (LV) indices were determined. Based on the inventory of plant specimens, by specific parameters, vegetation was classified into age classes (AC). Seven age classes resulted, with four specimens in the AC60 class (>100 years), with a crown projection area CPA = 564.72 m2, up to 207 specimens in the AC20 class (21 – 40 years), with a total crown projection area CPA = 2577.94 m2. Multivariate analysis (PCA) showed the correlation of the AC20 class with specimen number (SN), respectively the correlation of the AC30 class with crown projection area (CPA). Quadratic polynomial models and graphical models (3D, in isoquant format) described the variation of EV and LV indices with vegetation parameters, in conditions of statistical safety (p<0.001). The recorded results and the obtained models are important for the analysis and characterization of urban parks, and for providing information in management decisions for local authorities.

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