ITA BONNER*, ENDRIT KULLAJ*
|
* Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania. 1 Corresponding author e-mail and telephone: ekullaj@ubt.edu.al / +355 68 40 96 186 Abstract Albania has a variety of ecological niches due to the convergence of Mediterranean and continental climates, resulting in multifarious vegetation. In this study, we have first identified 3 AOOs based on the analysis of information regarding flora composition on the sites and reviewing pertinent references, which have allowed analysis and characterization of the olive grove agro-ecosystems in terms of vegetation and biodiversity. After the desk analysis phase, different sites visited. In the 3 chosen AOOs, on-site samplings were taken during springsummer and autumn. The different vegetation components were characterized on the basis of a targeted floristic analysis using the simplified Raunkiaer method to analyze the herbaceous species. The surveyed species were noted in a form, and the number of individuals surveyed for each species was counted. Based on the values thus acquired, the Diversity value was attributed by calculating Shannon indexes (H’ E’ and IR). In the Ndroq AOO, a total of 38 species were identified, belonging to 22 families. In the Marikaj AOO, a total of 33 species were identified, belonging to 17 families. In the Prezë AOO, a total of 33 species were identified, belonging to 17 families. For each sampling site, the Shannon Diversity Index (H), Shannon Equitability Index (E), and Species Richness Index (IR) were calculated, and combined values of indices were analyzed. Besides species found through the simplified Raunkiaer method within the borders of the AOOs, we identified a series of associated species, especially perennial, and edible. Keywords: climate, ecosystem, flora, vegetation, biodiversity, Raunkiaer |