The effect of Sarcopoterium spinosum on soil and vegetation characteristics

The effect of Sarcopoterium spinosum on soil and vegetation characteristics

This study addressed the effect of the dwarf shrub Sarcopoterium spinosum on soil properties, soil moisture and vegetation characteristics (plant density and richness) in a semi-arid ecosystem. Vegetation characteristics and soil sample data were obtained from three areas: 1) beneath the S. spinosum...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Catena (Giessen) Vol. 100; pp. 10 - 14
Main Authors: Mohammad, Ayed G., Alseekh, Saleh H.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Cremlingen-Destedt Elsevier B.V 01-01-2013
Catena
Subjects:
annuals
Bgi / Prodig
Biogeography
canopy
community structure
Competition
ecosystems
Ecosystems and biological productivity
habitats
nitrates
organic matter
phosphorus
Physical geography
plant density
range management
Sarcopoterium spinosum
shrubs
Soil properties
soil water
soil water content
vegetation
Vegetation density and richness
Palestinian Territories
Competition
Vegetation density and richness
Soil properties
Sarcopoterium spinosum
Soil moisture
Ecosystem
Vegetation
Semi-arid area
Biodiversity
Scrub
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Summary:This study addressed the effect of the dwarf shrub Sarcopoterium spinosum on soil properties, soil moisture and vegetation characteristics (plant density and richness) in a semi-arid ecosystem. Vegetation characteristics and soil sample data were obtained from three areas: 1) beneath the S. spinosum patch, 2) between the patches and 3) from the open area. The results showed that the area beneath S. spinosum had significantly higher soil moisture content, organic matter, available ammonium, nitrate, and phosphorus compared to the areas between shrubs and open areas. The results also showed that the total plant density and richness decreased significantly beneath the shrub canopy compared to the areas between shrubs and open areas. Certain plant species are found only beneath the shrub canopy. Our results indicated that S. spinosum creates habitat heterogeneity by modifying the area beneath its canopy and influencing the community structure. Interactions and the mechanisms of interactions between S. spinosum and other annual plants play an important role in determining community structure and affecting the distribution of plant species beneath and around the shrub canopy. Thus, understanding such interactions and understanding their mechanisms are important issues that should be considered for rangeland management and conservation. ► S. spinosum has an influence on vegetation community. ► Improving the resource availability (organic matter, nutrient, soil moisture) ► The role of S. spinosum should be considered in rangeland management. ► S. spinosum is important in protecting some plant species under semi-arid conditions.
Bibliography:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2012.07.013
ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-2
content type line 23
ISSN:0341-8162
1872-6887
DOI:10.1016/j.catena.2012.07.013