The role of reproductive plant traits and biotic interactions in the dynamics of semi-arid plant communities

Pueyo, Yolanda; Kéfi, Sonia; Díaz‐Sierra, Rubén; Alados, Concepción L.; Rietkerk, Max

doi:10.1016/j.tpb.2010.09.001

Cited by 23 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…We introduce a model with four partial differential equations (PDEs), which is a modified version of a spatially explicit integro-differential model introduced by Pueyo et al (2010), including some elements from Gilad et al (2007) (see below for details). The model describes the dynamics of tree density, b T (g m −2 ), grass density, b G (g m −2 ), soil water content, w, (mm) and surface water, h (mm):…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These resource-concentration mechanisms, leading to short scale positive feedback and long range negative feedbacks, are related to the existence of bistability and catastrophic shifts in ecosystems (Rietkerk et al 2004;Rietkerk and van de Koppel 2008). Considering the models that include explicit spatial representations, Pueyo et al (2010) explore the role of different plant reproductive traits on the interplay between competition and facilitation among plants, but they do not investigate the possible outcomes of competition. Gilad et al (2007) examine the interplay of different water-vegetation feedbacks in woody-herbaceous communities, evaluating how species interactions can vary from facilitation to competition depending on the relative feedback strength.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We analyze under which conditions spatial mechanisms may foster the stable coexistence of grasses and trees (mostly shrubs in the driest ecosystems). We introduce a modified version of the model by Pueyo et al (2010), where grasses reproduce by vegetative propagation whereas trees disperse seeds, and we include some elements from the model of Gilad et al (2007). The model represents water dynamics in space, and vegetation dynamics is dependent only on soil water content.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The model represents water dynamics in space, and vegetation dynamics is dependent only on soil water content. Gilad et al (2007) and Pueyo et al (2010) assume that both plant types can increase water infiltration, and in Gilad et al (2007) both plant types shade the soil as well. However, here, we consider that the two plant types have different water-vegetation feedbacks.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Complexity and coexistence in a simple spatial model for arid savanna ecosystems

Baudena

Rietkerk

2012

Theor Ecol

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Complexity and coexistence in a simple spatial model for arid savanna ecosystems

Baudena

Rietkerk

2012

Theor Ecol

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“…In contrast, the identity of the colonizing shrub species as major driver of shrub expansion has seldom been studied. This is despite the strong relationship between climate, morphological/-functional traits and shrub dynamics (Eldridge et al, 2011;Pueyo et al, 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Water availability and species identity control shrub colonization in abandoned semiarid steppes

Rolo

Amat

Cortina

2016

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

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Highlights• Shrub cover has increased in former agricultural lands worldwide.• Colonization rates are explained by the identity of shrub species.• Species idiosyncratic effects are contingent on water availability.• Abiotic attributes, such as aspect or rock cover, played a lesser role. 1 AbstractThe increase in shrub cover and density is a widespread phenomenon in drylands worldwide. Its causes and consequences are complex and strongly idiosyncratic. Detailed knowledge of the rate of shrub colonization, and its abiotic and biotic drivers is crucial to fully understand and manage these areas. We used a set of aerial photographs (1956, 1978, 1985, 1998 and 2009) describing early, gradual and late recruitment, respectively. Differences in shrub patch colonization rate were related to the identity of patch-forming species, but contingent on water availability. Total increases in shrub patch density were larger when patches were dominated by late colonizer species. Overall shrub patch dynamics was mostly related to the identity of patchforming species and climatic conditions, and to a lesser extent physical factors such as aspect and rock cover. Given the sensitivity of patch-forming species to climatic conditions, new challenges for steppe management will emerge over the next decades. Species able to thrive under harsh conditions may increase their dominance at the expense of species adapted to less demanding conditions.

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From nonequilibrium initial conditions to steady dryland vegetation patterns: How trajectories matter

Caviedes‐Voullième

Hinz

2020

Ecohydrology

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The multiscale nature of ecohydrological processes and feedbacks implies that vegetation patterns arising in water‐limited systems are directly linked to water redistribution processes occurring at much shorter timescales than vegetation growth. This in turn suggests that the initially available water in the system can play a role in determining the trajectory of the system, together with the well‐known role of the rainfall gradient. This work explores the role of initial hydrological conditions on vegetation dynamics and vegetation patterns. To do so, the HilleRisLambers–Rietkerk model was solved with different rainfall amounts and a large range of initial hydrological conditions spanning from near‐equilibrium to far‐from‐equilibrium conditions. The resulting vegetation patterns and ecohydrological signatures were quantitatively studied. The results show that not only do initial hydrological conditions play a role in the ecohydrological dynamics but also they can play a dominating one even resulting in divergent vegetation patterns that exhibit convergent mean‐field properties, including a new set of hybrid patterns. Our results highlight the relevance of assessing both global ecological and hydrological signatures and quantitatively assessing patterns to describe and understand system dynamics and in particular to determine if the systems are transient or steady. Furthermore, our analysis shows that the trajectories the system follows during its transient stages cannot be neglected to understand complex dependencies of the long‐term steady state to environmental factors and drivers.

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The role of reproductive plant traits and biotic interactions in the dynamics of semi-arid plant communities

Cited by 23 publications

References 59 publications

Complexity and coexistence in a simple spatial model for arid savanna ecosystems

Complexity and coexistence in a simple spatial model for arid savanna ecosystems

Water availability and species identity control shrub colonization in abandoned semiarid steppes

From nonequilibrium initial conditions to steady dryland vegetation patterns: How trajectories matter

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