1654-1103/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=7f2c8b7b3a93fb717f1e529c72b5547b53d4cab1 "Journal of Vegetation Science")
Nomenclature: Tutin et al. (1964-1980).
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Floristic fluctuations in annual pastures: the role of competition at the regeneration stage
Article first published online: 24 FEB 2009
DOI: 10.2307/3235971
1994 IAVS - the International Association of Vegetation Science
Additional Information
How to Cite
Peco, B. and Espigares, T. (1994), Floristic fluctuations in annual pastures: the role of competition at the regeneration stage. Journal of Vegetation Science, 5: 457–462. doi: 10.2307/3235971
Publication History
- Issue published online: 24 FEB 2009
- Article first published online: 24 FEB 2009
- Received 19 March 1993; Revision received 9 August 1993; Accepted 12 December 1993.
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Autumn rain;
- Germination;
- Phytotron;
- Seedling mortality
Abstract. Many studies have shown the existence of large between-year fluctuations in the floristic composition of annual Mediterranean pastures, and these fluctuations have been linked to autumn rainfall patterns. It has been postulated that differing interannual weather patterns may play a decisive role in competitive processes, especially during the period of germination and seedling establishment. Removal experiments in conjunction with rainfall manipulation in a phytotron were conducted to test whether competition affects germination and seedling mortality under different autumn rainfall patterns, in pastures at three successional stages after last being ploughed.
Early and late autumn rains affect the floristic composition as certain species germinate better under certain conditions than others in each successional stage. In general, however, competition is not manifested through the inhibition of new germination once the space has been occupied, and density-dependent mortality is found only for a few species.