Authors:
Maestre, F.T., S. Bautista, J. Cortina and J. Bellot
Publication Date:
2001
Abstract/Summary:
In this study, we analyzed the effects of S. tenacissima tussocks on the survival, growth, and ecophysiological features of experimentally planted seedlings of Medicagoarborea, Quercuscoccifera, and Pistacialentiscus in three sites in a semiarid region in southeastern Spain. Our main objective was to test whether S. tenacissima was able to facilitate shrub establishment in semiarid degraded steppes. Our results suggest a direct facilitative effect of S. tenacissima on introduced shrubs. This study indicates that positive interactions in semiarid steppes can be of particular importance for effective restoration in degraded semiarid ecosystems.
Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article
Source:
Ecological Applications