Bioindication with Ellenberg's indicator values: A comparison with measured parameters in Central European oak forests

摘要: Abstract Ellenberg's indicator values (EIVs), as bioindicators of primary environmental traits, are commonly applied in Europe; however, a problem exists with the appropriate interpretation bioindication results terms ecological gradients. Very few studies have tested predictive EIVs using validation data sets. In this study, we compared bioindications nitrogen content, soil reaction, light availability and moisture measured traits Central European oak forests assessed ability to predict based on Additionally, regression trees method was determine which influenced EIVs. The reveal that numerous linear correlations exist between mean traits. However, were rather low. established regressions allow realistic predictions case Ca content conditions, while they did not perform satisfactory nitrogen. relatively low result several factors. Among these, for species inter-correlated, might distort results, especially availability. Moreover, average assigned an indication particular trait could be by multiple factors acting together bias bioindication. tree method, more flexible one, able detect such effect influencing EIVs, it.