Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Interspecific competition induces asymmetrical rooting profile adjustments in shrub-encroached open oak woodlands

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Trees Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

It is recognized that the extent of woody encroachment is increasing worldwide, but less is known concerning the likely altered below-ground structure of co-occurring plants. The aim of this study was to analyze the root system plasticity of three layers of vegetation growing together (trees, shrubs and pasture) and identify potential mechanisms of competition avoidance. Root morphology and distribution of trees, pasture and two contrasting shrub species (deep and shallow rooted) were studied in open oak woodlands of south-western Spain. Soil samples were obtained from paired adjacent plots, with and without shrubs, by taking soil cores to a depth of 3 m. Analysis of tree and pasture root systems in the presence of shrubs revealed significant reductions in root biomass and consistent increases in specific root length. Additionally, root profiles changed substantially, becoming significantly deeper for trees and shallower for pasture. In contrast, both types of shrub increased their root biomass when growing in competition, but without significantly modifying their rooting profile. Shrubs seem to be stronger competitors for below-ground resources than neighboring species. However, trees and pasture show clear plastic responses to shrub presence, irrespective of their rooting patterns, probably to minimize competitive interactions and maximize resource acquisition.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Absjornsen H, Tomer MD, Gómez-Cardenas M, Brudvig LA, Greenan CM, Schilling K (2007) Tree and stand transpiration in a Midwestern bur oak savanna after elm encroachment and restoration thinning. For Ecol Manage 247:209–219

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Achat DL, Bakker MR, Trichet P (2008) Rooting patterns and fine root biomass of Pinus pinaster assessed by trench wall and core methods. J For Res 13:165–175

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asner GP, Elmore AJ, Olander LP, Martin RE, Harris AT (2004) Grazing systems, ecosystem responses, and global change. Annu Rev Environ Resour 29:261–299

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aussenac G, Granier A (1988) Effects of thinning on water stress and growth in Douglas-fir. Can J For Res 18:100–105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barnes PW, Archer S (1999) Tree-shrub interaction in a subtropical savanna parkland, competition or facilitation? J Veg Sci 10:525–536

    Google Scholar 

  • Bergmeier E, Petermann J, Schröder E (2010) Geobotanical survey of wood-pasture habitats in Europe: diversity, threats and conservation. Biodivers Conserv 19:2995–3014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bolte A, Villanueva I (2006) Interspecific competition impacts on the morphology and distribution of fine roots in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). Eur J For Res 125:15–26

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Breda N, Granier A, Aussenac G (1995) Effects of thinning on soil and tree water relations, transpiration and growth in an oak forest (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.). Tree Physiol 15:295

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brooker RW (2006) Plant-plant interactions and environmental change. New Phytol 171:271–284

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Casper BB, Jackson RB (1997) Plant competition underground. Annu Rev Ecol Syst 28:545–570

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Casper BB, Schenk HJ, Jackson RB (2003) Defining a plant’s belowground zone of influence. Ecology 84:2313–2321

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eichhorn M, Paris P, Herzog F, Incoll L, Liagre F, Mantzanas K, Mayus M, Moreno G, Papanastasis V, Pilbean D, Pisanelly A, Dupraz C (2006) Sylvoarable systems in Europe: past, present and future prospects. Agrofor Syst 67:29–50

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fernández-Moya J, San Miguel-Ayanz A, Cañellas I, Gea-Izquierdo G (2011) Variability in Mediterranean annual grassland diversity driven by small-scale changes in fertility and radiation. Plant Ecol 212:865–877

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gale MR, Grigal DF (1987) Vertical root distributions of northern tree species in relation to successional status. Can J For Res 17:829–834

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gouveia AC, Freitas H (2008) Intraspecific competition and water use efficiency in Quercus suber: evidence of an optimum tree density? Trees 22:521–530

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grime JP (1979) Plant strategies and vegetation processes. Wiley, Chichester

    Google Scholar 

  • Haase P, Pugnaire F, Fernández EM, Puigdefábregas J, Clarck SC, Incoll LD (1996) An investigation of rooting depth of the semi-arid shrub Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss. by labelling of ground water with a chemical tracer. J Hydrol 177:23–31

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hernández EI, Vilagrosa A, Pausas JG, Bellot J (2010) Morphological traits and water use strategies in seedlings of Mediterranean coexisting species. Plant Ecol 207:233–244

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hodge A (2004) The plastic plant: root responses to heterogeneous supplies of nutrients. New Phytol 162:9–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IUSS Working Group WRB (2006) World reference base for soil resources. World Soil Resources Reports. FAO, Rome

  • Jackson RB, Canadell J, Ehleringer JR, Mooney HA, Sala OE, Schulze ED (1996) A global analysis of root distributions for terrestrial biomes. Oecologia 108:389–411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jackson R, Schenk H, Jobbagy E, Canadell J, Colello G, Dickinson R, Field C, Friendlingstein P, Heimand M, Hibbard K, Kicklighter D, Kleidon A, Neilson R, Parton W, Sala O, Sykes M (2000) Belowground consequences of vegetation change and their treatment in models. Ecol Appl 10:470–483

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Joffre R, Leiva Morales MJ, Rambal S, Fernández-Alés R (1987) Dynamique racinaire et extraction de l’eau du sol des graminees perennes et annuelles mediterraneennes. Acta Oecol–Oecol Plant 8:181–194

    Google Scholar 

  • Joffre R, Rambal S, Ratte J (1999) The dehesa system of southern Spain and Portugal as a natural ecosystem mimic. Agrofor Syst 45:57–79

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maestre F, Bowker M, Puche D, Hinojosa M, Martínez I, García-Palacios P, Castillo A, Soliveres S, Luzuriaga A, Sánchez A, Carreira J, Gallardo A, Escudero A (2009) Shrub encroachment can reverse desertification in semi-arid Mediterranean grasslands. Ecol Lett 12:930–941

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Manning A, Fischer J, Lindnmayer D (2006) Scattered trees are keystone structures—implications for conservation. Biol Conserv 132:311–321

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marañón T, Pugnaire F, Callaway RM (2009) Mediterranean-climate oak savannas: the interplay between abiotic environment and species interaction. Web Ecol 9:30–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Mayfield MM, Levine JM (2010) Opposing effects of competitive exclusion on the phylogenetic structure of communities. Ecol Lett 13:1085–1093

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McEwan R, McCarthy B (2008) Antrophogenic disturbance and the formation of oak savanna in central Kentucky, USA. J Biogeogr 35:965–975

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Messier C, Coll L, Poitras-Larivière A, Bélanger N, Brisson J (2009) Resource and non-resource root competition effects of grasses on early-versus late-successional trees. J Ecol 97:548–554

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer KM, Ward D, Wiegand K, Moustakas A (2008) Multi-proxy evidence for competition between savanna woody species. Perspect Plant Ecol Evol Syst 10:63–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Millar CI, Stephenson NL, Stephens SL (2007) Climate change and forests of the future: managing in the face of uncertainty. Ecol Appl 17:2145–2151

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moreno G, Cubera E (2008) Impact of stand density on water status and leaf gas exchange in Quercus ilex. For Ecol Manage 254:74–84

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moreno G, Obrador J, Cubera E, Dupraz C (2005) Fine root distribution in dehesas of Central–Western Spain. Plant Soil 277:153–162

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mulia R, Dupraz C (2006) Unusual fine root distribution of two deciduous tree species in southern France: what consequences for modelling of tree root dynamics? Plant Soil 281:71–85

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mulia R, Dupraz C, Noordwijk M (2010) Reconciling root plasticity and architectural ground rules in tree root growth models with voxel automata. Plant Soil 337:77–92

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Novoplansky A (2009) Picking battles wisely: plant behaviour under competition. Plant Cell Environ 32:726–741

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paula S, Pausas JG (2011) Root traits explain different foraging strategies between resprouting life histories. Oecologia 165:321–331

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Poot P, Lambers H (2008) Shallow-soil endemics: adaptive advantages and constraints of a specialized root-system morphology. New Phytol 178:371–381

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prentice IC, Cramer W, Harrison SP, Leemans R, Monserud RA, Solomon AM (1992) Special paper: a global biome model based on plant physiology and dominance, soil properties and climate. J Biogeogr 19:117–134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pugnaire F, Haase P, Puigdefábregas J (1996) Facilitation between higher plant species in a semi-arid environment. Ecology 77:1420–1426

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rambal S (2001) Hierarchy and productivity of Mediterranean-type ecosystems. In: Roy J, Saugier B, Mooney HA (eds) Terrestrial Global Productivity. Academic Press, San Diego, pp 315–344

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ramírez J, Díaz M (2008) The role of temporal shrub encroachment for the maintenance of Spanish holm oak (Quercus ilex) dehesas. For Ecol Manag 255:1976–1983

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rivest D, Rolo V, López-Díaz ML, Moreno G (2011) Shrub encroachment in Mediterranean silvopastoral systems: Retama sphaerocarpa and Cistus ladanifer induce contrasting effects on pasture and Quercus ilex production. Agric Ecosys Environ 141:447–454

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rolo V, Moreno G (2011) Shrub species affect distinctively the functioning of scattered Quercus ilex trees in Mediterranean open woodlands. For Ecol Manag 261:1750–1759

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryser P (2006) The mysterious root length. Plant Soil 286:1–6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schenk HJ, Callaway RM, Mahall BE (1999) Spatial root segregation: are plants territorial? Adv Ecol Res 28:145–180

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Semchenko M, Zobel K, Heinemeyer A, Hutchings MJ (2008) Foraging for space and avoidance of physical obstructions by plant roots: a comparative study of grasses from contrasting habitats. New Phytol 179:1162–1170

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silva JS, Rego FC (2004) Root to shoot relationships in Mediterranean woody plants from Central Portugal. Biologia 59:109–115

    Google Scholar 

  • Silva SS, Rego FC, Martins-Louçao MA (2002) Belowground traits of Mediterranean woody plants in a portuguese shrubland. Ecol Mediterr 28:5–13

    Google Scholar 

  • Smit AL, Bengough AG, Engels C, Van Noordwijk M, Pellerin S, Van de Geijn SC (2000) Root methods: a handbook. Springer, Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Stephenson NL (1990) Climatic control of vegetation distribution: the role of the water balance. Am Nat 135:649–670

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Auken O (2000) Shrub invasion of North American semi-arid grasslands. Annu Rev Ecol Syst 31:197–215

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Noordwijk M, Mulia R (2002) Functional branch analysis as tool for fractal scaling above- and belowground trees for their additive and non-additive properties. Ecol Model 149:41–51

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Noordwijk M, Lawson G, Soumare A, Groot J, Hairiah K (1996) Root distribution of trees and crops: competition and/or complementarity. In: Ong C, Huxley P (eds) Tree–crops interaction: a physiological approach. CAB-International, International Centre for Research in Agroforestry, Wallingford, pp 319–364

  • van Wijk MT (2011) Understanding plant rooting patterns in semi-arid systems: an integrated model analysis of climate, soil type and plant biomass. Global Ecol Biogeogr 20:331–342

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vicente A, Ales R (2006) Long-term persistence of dehesas. Evidences from history. Agrofor Syst 67:19–28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walter H, Mueller-Dombois D (1971) Ecology of tropical and subtropical vegetation. Oliver & Boyd, Edinburgh

    Google Scholar 

  • White DA, Crombie DS, Kinal J, Battaglia M, McGrath JF, Mendham DS, Walker SN (2009) Managing productivity and drought risk in Eucalyptus globulus plantations in south-western Australia. For Ecol Manag 259:33–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zavala MA, Espelta JM, Retana J (2000) Constraints and trade-offs in Mediterranean plant communities: the case of holm Oak–Aleppo pine forests. Bot Rev 66:119–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work has been funded by the Spanish Research Program (AGL 2006-09435). V. Rolo was supported by a doctoral grant funded by the Regional Government of Extremadura (Consejería de Economía, Comercio e Innovación) and Fondo Social Europeo. We are grateful to E. Juárez, A. Barril and F. Paniagua for their field support and sample handling.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Forestry, Universidad de Extremadura, 10600, Plasencia, Spain

    V. Rolo & G. Moreno

Authors
  1. V. Rolo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. G. Moreno
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to G. Moreno.

Additional information

Communicated by T. Grams.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Rolo, V., Moreno, G. Interspecific competition induces asymmetrical rooting profile adjustments in shrub-encroached open oak woodlands. Trees 26, 997–1006 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-012-0677-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-012-0677-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation