Study on Community Stability and Interspecific Correlations among Dominant Populations in Platycarya longipes Community in Dolomite Area of Guizhou Province

The study of the interspecific relationships and community stability within the Platycarya longipes community in dolomite areas of Shibing County, Guizhou Province, has certain guiding significance for Karst forest conservation and rocky desertification control. A range of analytical methods were employed, including the ratio of variance (VR) method, χ² test, association coefficient (A_C), co-occurrence percentage (P_C), point correlation coefficient (Ф), Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman rank correlation coefficient, and M. Godron stability analysis. The inter-species associations, inter-species covariation patterns, and overall community stability of the top 15 dominant species based on importance were examined. Results show that:(1) The Platycarya longipes community in dolomite areas comprised 55 woody plant species, belonging to 44 genera and 31 families. Platycarya longipes was the absolute dominant species, with an importance value of 31.81%;(2) The community showed a significant positive overall species association, indicating a relatively stable composition and structure;(3) Most woody plant species exhibited non-associated relationships, indicating a certain degree of ecological independence and contributing to the overall stability of the community;(4) Interspecific correlations were predominantly negative, implying competitive interactions among species and a tendency toward independent spatial distribution;(5) The intersection coordinates from M. Godron stability analysis were (10.897 6, 89.102 4), relatively close to the theoretical stability point (20, 80), indicating a community that tends toward stable. Overall, under the unique edaphic conditions of dolomite, the Platycarya longipes, which is a species highly adapted to calcareous environments, emerges as the dominant species. It coexists with other ecologically similar species, collectively adapting to and utilizing this specialized habitat. The strong ecological adaptability and growth ability of Platycarya longipes contribute to rapid vegetation restoration, soil improvement, and enhanced habitat stability in this region.