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- Title
Nucleation and facilitation in salt pans in Mediterranean salt marshes.
- Authors
Rubio-Casal, A.E.; Castillo, J.M.; Luque, C.J.; Figueroa, M.E.
- Abstract
Arthrocnemum macrostachyum is a perennial species acting as a primly colonizer of salt pans in Mediterranean high salt marshes. Salicornia ramosissima, an annual, occurs in salt pans under Arthrocnemum canopies and in open areas. The aim of this study was to analyse, in wild populations and a traumata experiment, how S. ramosissima population dynamic and growth are affected by A. macrostachyum. The environmental conditions within the patches of Anthrocnemum were less stressful than in the open areas, with lower radiation levels and salinity concentrations. In the inner areas of A. macrostachyum patches, density-dependent mortality processes of S. ramosissima seedlings led to low densities of adult individuals with greater morphological development and reproductive success than in open areas. However, at the edges of Arthrocnemum patches facilitation of seedling survival favored high densities. Environmental stress hindered development, decreased reproduction and premature death. These results are in agreement with the general theory of factors controlling vegetation distribution that biotic interactions dominate in low stress environments, while abiotic interactions dominate under harsher environmental conditions. A. macrostachyum plays an essential role in the succession in these salt pans, facilitating seed production and stimulating nucleation processes in S. ramosissima.
- Subjects
PERENNIALS; SALT pans (Geology); SALT marshes; VEGETATION &; climate
- Publication
Journal of Vegetation Science, 2001, Vol 12, Issue 6, p761
- ISSN
1100-9233
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2307/3236863