Vegetation Zones
Definition
Vegetation zones divide landscapes into areas where plant communities share environmental controls—temperature, precipitation, soils, and disturbance regimes. Zones can be mapped from field plots, climate layers, and remote sensing, and are used to guide conservation, restoration, and land-use suitability.
Application
Land managers plan species mixes; wildfire agencies assess fuel types; agriculture matches crops to zones; and climate adaptation plans anticipate transitions.
FAQ
How do zones relate to Köppen climate classes?
Köppen provides a climate taxonomy; vegetation zones reflect realized ecology that includes soils and disturbance—often aligned but not identical.
Why are ecotones important in zoning?
Transitions host high biodiversity and can act as early-warning indicators of change; zoning should preserve their connectivity.
How should indigenous knowledge inform zone maps?
Local species uses and observations of change refine boundaries and management priorities, improving legitimacy and outcomes.
What update cadence is reasonable?
Every 5–10 years or after major disturbances; longer in stable regions but with monitoring for shifts.