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Grazing affects shoot growth, nutrient and water status of Quercus ilex L. in Mediterranean open woodlands

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Abstract

Context

Mediterranean open woodlands (dehesa) have faced a dual process of intensification and abandonment of grazing which has resulted in alteration of the understory vegetation.

Aims

We analysed the effects of land use changes on the physiological status of holm oak in different open woodlands (dehesa) in southern Iberian Peninsula.

Methods

In an area of extensive grazing, we selected six paired plots (one grazed, one abandoned) and grouped them by habitat types according to understory composition (nearly all monospecific Cistus ladanifer L. shrub or mixed shrub). Six plots of moderate and heavy grazing intensity were chosen within a settled area of livestock use. Shoot growth, macronutrient concentrations and water content were assessed in samples of holm oak leaves.

Results

Abandonment of grazing affected some nutrient concentrations and water content of holm oak leaves, but the effects were different according to habitat type. C. ladanifer shrub reduced N and P concentrations and water content while mixed shrub increased P concentration and water content. High grazing intensity improved shoot growth and leaf N and Mg concentrations.

Conclusion

Extensive grazing could be a useful management tool to enhance growth, nutritional and water status of holm oak in a habitat with limited resources such as Mediterranean open woodlands (dehesa).

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Funding

This study was sponsored by the Department of Innovation, Science and Business of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Spain (project P10-AGR6501), and the Spanish Ministry of Science (project AGL2009-00530).

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Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pilar Fernández-Rebollo.

Additional information

Handling Editor: Gilbert Aussenac

Contribution of the co-authors

P. Fernández-Rebollo conceived the idea. A. García-Moreno, M.D. Carbonero-Muñoz and M. Serrano-Moral performed the field samplings and laboratory measurements. A. García-Moreno and P. Fernández-Rebollo analysed the data and wrote the paper.

Executive summary

The abandonment of grazing in Mediterranean open woodland enhances or makes worse the habitat for trees, depending on shrub species involved in encroachment process. In areas with ancient livestock use, tree growth and leaf N concentration increase with grazing intensity.

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García-Moreno, A.M., Carbonero-Muñoz, M.D., Serrano-Moral, M. et al. Grazing affects shoot growth, nutrient and water status of Quercus ilex L. in Mediterranean open woodlands. Annals of Forest Science 71, 917–926 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-014-0397-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-014-0397-x

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