Litter as a filter for germination in semi-arid Stipa tenacissima steppes
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Title: | Litter as a filter for germination in semi-arid Stipa tenacissima steppes |
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Authors: | Tormo Blanes, Jaume | Amat Martínez, Beatriz | Cortina, Jordi |
Research Group/s: | Gestión de Ecosistemas y de la Biodiversidad (GEB) |
Center, Department or Service: | Universidad de Alicante. Departamento de Ecología | Universidad de Alicante. Instituto Multidisciplinar para el Estudio del Medio "Ramón Margalef" |
Keywords: | Drylands | Mediterranean | Spatial heterogeneity | Regeneration | Facilitation | Nurse effect | Pistacia lentiscus | Brachypodium retusum |
Knowledge Area: | Ecología |
Issue Date: | Dec-2020 |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Citation: | Journal of Arid Environments. 2020, 183: 104258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2020.104258 |
Abstract: | Woody species play a key role in Stipa tenacissima steppes, they affect ecosystem functioning, facilitate establishment of other plants and increase plant richness. Among the mechanisms involved in facilitation, effect of litter on seed germination and seedling establishment is largely underexplored. We studied the properties of the litter layer under five woody species common in Stipa tenacissima steppes, and assessed its effect on the germination of seeds of two key species with contrasting ecological strategy and seed morphology (the perennial grass Brachypodium retusum and the resprouting shrub Pistacia lentiscus). Litter accumulation was highest under Quercus coccifera and Pinus halepensis, and lowest under Rhamnus lycioides. Pistacia lentiscus and Rosmarinus officinalis showed intermediate levels. Litter accumulation hampered germination, particularly when seeds were sown over the litter. Litter of all species but Rhamnus lycioides reduced germination when seeds were under the litter. Litter extracts had no effect on germination. The effect of litter was largely independent of seed type. Our results show that litter has an overall negative effect acting as a physical barrier for. Litter may influence the balance between facilitation and interference. Its relation with species traits and its impact on habitat heterogeneity and community assemblage deserves further attention. |
Sponsor: | The authors appreciate funding from Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and European Regional Development Funds (FEDER), projects UNCROACH (CGL2011-30581-C02-01) and COSTERA (RTI2018-095954-B-I00). |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10045/108841 |
ISSN: | 0140-1963 (Print) | 1095-922X (Online) |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2020.104258 |
Language: | eng |
Type: | info:eu-repo/semantics/article |
Rights: | © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. |
Peer Review: | si |
Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2020.104258 |
Appears in Collections: | INV - GEB - Artículos de Revistas |
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File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Tormo_etal_2020_JAridEnviron_183-104258_final.pdf | Versión final (acceso restringido) | 2,42 MB | Adobe PDF | Open Request a copy |
Tormo_etal_2020_JAridEnviron_183-104258_revised.pdf | Versión revisada (acceso abierto) | 755,1 kB | Adobe PDF | Open Preview |
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