Effects of Soil Attributes on Floristic Composition and Structure of Dry Forests in the Brazilian Savanna

Soil attributes significantly influence community patterns within dry forests, yet the factors driving regional community formation in the Brazilian savanna remain poorly understood. This study aimed to describe and compare the floristic composition, vegetation structure and soil properties across dry forests, specifically examining the impact of soil attributes on the floristic composition and structure of woody vegetation. The research was conducted in four dry forests within Goiás State, including two deciduous forests (DF) and two semideciduous forests (SF), with 25 permanent plots (20 × 20 m) established in each forest type. We inventoried tree species with a diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than or equal to 10 cm and analysed the physicochemical properties of the soil. Principal component analysis of the soil variables accounted for 86% of the floristic composition variation, whereas cluster analysis distinctly separated deciduous forests from semideciduous. The deciduous forests presented more fertile soil, whereas the semideciduous forests presented greater sand contents. Differences in floristic composition and structural parameters were evident, with the semideciduous forest at Itajá showing the highest species richness and diversity. The Jataí semideciduous forest exhibited greater structural development. We found substantial effects of soil attributes on vegetation parameters, with pH, effective cation exchange capacity, calcium content, potential acidity and sand percentage being the primary correlates of variation in floristic and structural characteristics between the two forest physiognomies. Our results highlight the relevance of soil characteristics as determinants in the differentiation of forest communities in the Cerrado, highlighting the need to deepen the understanding of soil–vegetation relationships to guide preventive conservation strategies.