Mediterranean Pine Root Systems Under Drought

Sarris, Dimitrios; Mazza, Gianluigi

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-63625-8_8

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 61 publications

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“…In the xeric site, shrubs exclusively form tap roots in the upper layers, while they develop tap roots, lateral roots, and fine roots concurrently in the upper soil profile under more favorable moisture conditions [57]. Thus, shrubs uptake nutrients from the soil through their roots, and their activity in the shallow soil layers promotes nutrient uptake and accumulation in this region [58].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Shrub Patch Characteristics and Soil Nutrient Distribution Patterns of Four Typical Alpine Shrub Plants in the Eastern Qilian Mountains

Zhao,

Adu,

Wang

et al. 2024

Sustainability

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Shrub patches have an impact on soil fertility and vegetation, influencing species composition and diversity. The unique context of the Eastern Qilian Mountains provides insights into alpine ecosystems’ responses to environmental challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the physical characteristics and soil nutrient contents of shrub patches for four different shrub species (Salix oritrepha (SO), Spiraea alpina (SA), Rhododendron capitatum (RC), and Potentilla fruticosa (PF)). We assessed their patch characteristics and soil nutrients at different depths within three patch microsites (the center (CS), the edge (ES), and the midpoint between the center and the edge of the shrub patch (BC)). Soil samples were collected and analyzed for organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate differences among shrub species and locations within the shrub patches. Our results showed that the shrub species exhibited variations in patch characteristics and soil nutrient distribution. Soil nutrient content varied by depth and location within the shrub patches, with higher concentrations at the center. The relative interaction intensity (RII) revealed nutrient aggregation or dispersion trends. The study highlighted the complex interactions between shrub characteristics and soil nutrients, emphasizing their influence on nutrient cycling, vegetation dynamics, and soil properties. These findings contribute to our understanding of alpine ecosystem dynamics and inform conservation, sustainability, and management strategies.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Shrub Patch Characteristics and Soil Nutrient Distribution Patterns of Four Typical Alpine Shrub Plants in the Eastern Qilian Mountains

Zhao,

Adu,

Wang

et al. 2024

Sustainability

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Topographic and climatic effects on Pinus halepensis s.l. growth at its drought tolerance margins under climatic change

Sarris,

Christodoulakis

2024

J. For. Res.

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Under global warming, drought will reduce productivity of Pinus halepensis s.l. (subspecies halepensis and brutia) and cause a retreat from its rear edge distribution (latitudinal/elevational) in the Mediterranean. To test whether topography can influence this scenario, we studied for approximately 40 years the growth of six natural pine stands in water-limited habitats on the islands of Zakinthos and Samos (eastern Mediterranean Greece), and determined the critical moisture sources that drove pine growth. Dominant pines were selected with no permanent water sources under contrasting moisture conditions created by topography (“wet”-gulley/valley vs. “dry”-upslope habitats). The responses of P. halepensis s.l. to drought under a moderate and a worst case scenario were tested, projected under global warming (approx. − 25% and 40% in annual precipitation compared to 1961–1990 average). Our results show that “wet” habitat pines had higher productivity under normal to wet climate. However, the more precipitation declined, “wet” habitat tree growth was reduced at a significantly faster rate, but also showed a faster recovery, once rainfall returned. Thus, Pinus halepensis s.l. populations in gullies/valleys, may be more drought resilient and less likely to retreat towards higher elevation/latitudes under global warming, compared to pines on dry upslope sites. Under moderate drought, both ecosystems relied on deeper moisture pools supplied by rainfall of the previous 3–6 years (including the year of growth). However, valley/gully habitat pines on significantly deeper soils (and probably on deeper heavily weathered bedrock), appeared to utilize surface moisture from winter/spring rainfall more efficiently for survival and recovery. Thus, deep soils may provide the key “buffer” for pine survival in such ecosystems that could act as potential refugia for P. halepensis s.l. under climate change.

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Identifying the full spectrum of climatic signals controlling a tree species' growth and adaptation to climate change

Mazza

Sarris

2021

Ecological Indicators

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Mediterranean Pine Root Systems Under Drought

Cited by 5 publications

References 61 publications

Assessing Shrub Patch Characteristics and Soil Nutrient Distribution Patterns of Four Typical Alpine Shrub Plants in the Eastern Qilian Mountains

Assessing Shrub Patch Characteristics and Soil Nutrient Distribution Patterns of Four Typical Alpine Shrub Plants in the Eastern Qilian Mountains

Topographic and climatic effects on Pinus halepensis s.l. growth at its drought tolerance margins under climatic change

Identifying the full spectrum of climatic signals controlling a tree species' growth and adaptation to climate change

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