Mycorhization et application du compost urbain pour l’amélioration de la survie et de la croissance des semis de Quercus ilex ssp. ballota en milieu sec

Abstract

We have assessed the effect of controlled mycorrhizal infection in the nursery and the application of urban compost on the survival and on the aboveground and belowground biomass of Quercus ilex ssp. ballota seedlings planted in the field. They were planted on limestone and marls, under dry thermo Mediterranean climate. After two years Quercus ilex ssp. ballota seedlings mortality was relatively high (42-70%) and was not affected by bedrock. Compost had a negative effect on the survival and growth of seedlings, probably due to the interspecific competition. Controlled mycorrhizal infection showed no effect on the aboveground biomass of the seedlings. Mortality of the seedlings treated with mycorhizal fungi was lower, although the difference was not statistically significant.