The effect of phosphorus nutrition, shrub control and fire on the dynamics of Mediterranean batha vegetation in Galilee, Israel
1995
Henkin, Z. (Galilee Technological Center, Kiryat-Shmona (Israel)) | Noy-Meir, I. (Agricultural Research Organisation, Bet Dagan (Israel). The Volcani Center. Dept. of Evolution, Systematics and Ecology) | Gutman, M. | Seligman, N.G. (Agriculture Research Organization, Bet Dagan (Israel). Dept. of Natural Resources)
The low rate of available soil phosphorus is the main limiting factor for herbaceous plant growth on terra rossa and brown rendzina soils of the hilly Galilee, Israel. These areas are dominated by "batha", a shrubland of spiny shrubs and dwarf shrubs (mainly Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach). Transition of "batha" open woodland to (rich) herbaceous vegetation would improve pasture value, reduce fire hazard and increase the suitability of these areas for tourism and recreation. The influence of phosphorus application and shrub control by spraying herbicide on the relationship between herbaceous vegetation and shrubs was studied, on a site burnt by a wildfire. The herbicide eliminated almost all the bushes, and their regeneration was slow. A single P application increased the herbaceous yield initially by 100-400 per cent. The effect decreased in subsequent years but was still detectable in the sixth year. Application of P, in addition to herbicide, led to even slower regeneration of the bush component. As a result, the herbaceous vegetation competed more effectively with shrub seedlings, and a new dynamic balance between the two components was maintained. Application of phosphorus may be useful for converting low bush formations in open woodlands to rich grasslands
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