A comparative analysis of Poaceae pollen seasons in Lublin (Poland)

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the dynamics of grass pollen seasons and to assess whether the method of grouping pollen seasons and years with similar weather conditions would apply to the same groups. On the basis of Spearman's correlation test between pollen counts and weather parameters during the pollen season, the strongest positive correlation was found with temperature and air humidity. The pollen seasons greatly varied in terms of air humidity, rainfall, and cloud cover, whereas temperature variations were small. The seasons in 2004 (very cold) and in 2010 (very warm) are exceptions. As a result of cluster analysis, three groups of seasons were distinguished. The grouping of seasons by using various criteria produced different groups of pollen seasons. No strong direct relationship was found between the mean values of the seasonal meteorological factors analysed and groups of seasons. PCA analysis can be used for quick and easy interpretation of weather characteristics of a particular season and to compare it with other seasons.

Keywords

• pollen monitoring
• meteorological factors
• PCA
• cluster analysis