Syntaxonomical analyses of the secondary vegetation of harran plain (Sanliurfa/Turkey) ensuing excessive irrigation by using GIS and remote sensing

Abstract

This study has been conducted for the purpose of determining the halophytic and ruderal vegetation located in the study area where secondary salinization occurs due to excessive irrigation and evaporation of the irrigation water leaking from surrounding lands of the agricultural territory in Akçakale region on Turkish-Syrian borders in the southern part of Harran plain and its periphery. Analysis of the vegetation has been conducted by using Braun-Blanquet method. Structures and limits of the vegetation mosaic of present associations were determined by Geographic information system (GIS) and Satellite remote sensing data. As a result of this study, the following were found: a new alliance belonging to halophytic vegetation, Halothamno hierochunticae-Salsolion incanescentis and two new associations, Halothamno hierochunticae-Salsoletum incanescentis and Hymenolobo procumbentis-Aeluropetum lagopoidis and two new associations belonging to ruderal vegetation, Frankenio pulverulentae-Chenopodietum albi and Prosopo farctae-Alhagietum manniferae.