Identification of driving factors for plant spatial distribution patterns in alpine gorge region

Ecological restoration in engineering-disturbed areas is meaningful for maintaining ecosystem functions and constructing regional ecological barriers. The selection, configuration, and maintenance of plants are key steps affecting the effectiveness of ecological restoration in disturbed areas. Identifying the driving factors for the spatial differentiation of plant communities can provide direct guidance for the selection, configuration, and maintenance of plants. In this study, Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station project area was taken as the main study area, and the contribution rates of climate, topography, and soil factors to the plant distribution pattern were analyzed by using the grographical detector model. The results indicated that precipitation, temperature, and slope aspect were the primary factors influencing the spatial pattern of plant distribution, and thus should serve as the main basis for plant selection and configuration. In contrast, the impact of various soil factors on the plant distribution pattern was relatively minor, and these factors could be improved through maintenance measures. Therefore, soil factors could be used as auxiliary bases for plant selection and configuration; when it was impossible to balance the major environmental factors, soil factors should be optimized through maintenance. The research could provide references for the implementation of ecological restoration in engineering-disturbed areas of alpine gorge region (such as the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station area), help improve the effectiveness of ecological restoration, consolidate regional ecological barriers, and held great significance for protecting the green mountains and clear waters of China.