Multivariate model-based exploration of ecological niche in plants communities of natural and artificial salt marshes of the Venice Lagoon

Ecological differences between natural and artificial saltmarshes in the Venice Lagoon were investigated over several months through field sampling, involving the assessment of vegetation coverage, redox potential, sediment granulometry, and altitude. Indeed, restored ecosystems, exemplified by artificial saltmarshes in the Venice Lagoon, exhibited varying degrees of biological and physical deviation from their natural counterparts. The gathered data underwent statistical analysis to comprehend the diversities and similarities, as well as the ecological status, of natural and artificial saltmarshes. Building on this novel multivariate dataset, an ecological niche model was constructed to establish a predictive framework for the future restoration of salt marshes.