PJB-2021-622
EFFECTS OF SHUB IDENTITY AND ABIOTIC FACTORS ON UNDERSTOREY RICHNESS AND OCCURRENCE IN MEDITERRANEAN ARID PSEUDO SAVANNA
Imed Mezghani
Abstract
The objectives of the study, conducted in the National Park of Bou-Hedma (South Tunisia), are to know the relative importance of shrub patch characteristics and abiotic factors as predictors of the distribution of understorey species. Soil water content and soil nutrient concentration were collected under the canopy of different shrubs and in open areas to evaluate the relative roles of shrubs in structuring vegetation composition and diversity patterns in arid pseudo-savanna. The herbaceous community (species density, species richness and dry matter) and soil characteristics (soil nutrients and soil water) were sampled using the quadrat method beneath and between different shrub and in open areas. Results show that all studied shrubs improve soil water availability, as well as the nutrient status of soil (organic matter, total nitrogen, extractable phosphorus). Results, also, show that R. raetam had the best effect compared to the other shrubs, it is expected that the species presents the strongest positive effect on soil fertility and understory vegetation. Environmental management activities within this pseudo savanna should promote the conservation of remnant shrubs, as well as its introduction with restoration activities.
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