Ecological insights and floristic diversity pattern of the reclaimed desert agroecosystems in Egypt's Western Desert: A case study of El-Keram integrated farm system

Abstract

Agroecosystems are modified natural systems designed to produce food and fiber, integrating ecosystem services like soil fertility enhancement, water provisioning, and pollination. In Egypt, land reclamation projects in the Western Desert aim to alleviate overpopulation pressures, enhance food security, and transform arid landscapes into productive agricultural areas. This study investigates the floristic diversity and ecological patterns of reclaimed agroecosystems in the El-Beheira Governorate, a key region for agricultural expansion. Fieldwork was conducted in 2022, surveying 29 stands, including natural and reclaimed habitats, to document plant species composition, life forms, habitats, and chorological types. Diversity patterns were analyzed using alpha diversity indices, while vegetation communities were classified using TWINSPAN and DECORANA. Soil samples from each stand were analyzed for texture, nutrients, and salinity to identify edaphic drivers of diversity. The results revealed 111 plant species spanning multiple life forms and geographic origins, reflecting the interaction of natural desert vegetation with reclaimed agricultural habitats. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) highlighted significant relationships between environmental variables and vegetation communities, demonstrating the influence of soil salinity, nutrient availability, and land management practices on floristic diversity.The findings underscore the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functionality in reclaimed agroecosystems. Recommendations for biodiversity conservation and habitat management include minimizing agrochemical inputs, enhancing soil fertility naturally, and integrating natural vegetation patches into agricultural landscapes. This study provides valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of reclaimed desert agroecosystems, contributing to efforts aimed at balancing agricultural productivity with biodiversity conservation in arid regions.