Encroachment of upland Mediterranean plant species in riparian ecosystems of southern Portugal

Riparian ecosystems have unique biodiversity, are highly sensitive to disturbance and anthropogenic influence. As world water resources become scarcer, scientists predict greater competition among species for water resources. Indeed, increased encroachment of upland plants into the riparian zone is already occurring, irreversibly changing riparian plant communities. Since semi-arid regions such as Mediterranean-type ecosystems are likely to follow this same trajectory, assessing the contributions of riparian versus upland (sclerophyllous) plants to community composition is important. A survey of seventy 2 km-long riparian transects on the Sado and Guadiana watersheds in southern Portugal assessed (1) the woody riparian plant community composition, (2) how much richness is due to strictly riparian plants versus sclerophyllous upland plants, and (3) which combinations of biotic and abiotic factors allow higher species richness in the strictly riparian, sclerophyllous, and overall plant communities. The survey detected 53 different woody plant species (28 endemic) across all communities. Riparian community richness was on average 16 species, seven of which were strictly riparian and the remainder being sclerophyllous, exotic species or fruit trees. Sclerophyllous plant species occurred consistently across sampling units (90% of transects). On average, 46% of the total woody plant community richness was due to strictly riparian plants and 28% was due to sclerophyllous plants. Community richness was positively affected by the area of shrubs in the riparian zone and by the absence of human activities and goats. Surrounding landscape pattern only affected the strictly riparian plant richness. These results suggest that natural and human-mediated disturbances in riparian ecosystems create gaps and clearings for which riparian and sclerophyllous plants compete. Establishment success seems to be related to the propagule pressure of the neighbouring landscape, its diversity and density, as well as the presence of herbivores. Preserving strictly riparian plants, removing exotic species, preventing grazing, and promoting riparian values (recreation, aesthetics and the provision of ecosystem services) will aid the future conservation of the unique biodiversity of riparian ecosystems

Effect of organic amendment on soil fertility and plant nutrients in a post-fire Mediterranean ecosystem

International audienceBackgrounds and aims In Mediterranean frequentlyburnt areas, the decrease of soil fertility leads to regressivevegetation dynamics. Organic amendments couldhelp to accelerate post-fire ecosystem resilience, byimproving soil properties and plant nutrition. This studywas conducted to assess the potential of a compostedbiosolid to restore an early post-fire shrubland.Methods About 50Mg.ha−1 of fresh co-composted sewagesludge and green wastes were surface applied7 months after fire on a silty-clayey soil. We monitoredover a 2-year period organic matter and nutrient transfersto soil, nutrient responses of dominant plant species,and ecosystem contamination by potentially toxic traceelements.Results Over the experimental survey, compost rapidlyand durably improved soil P2O5,MgO and K2O content,and temporarily increased N-(NO3− + NO2−) content.Plant nutrition was improved more or less durably dependingspecies. The most positive compost effect wason plant and soil phosphorus content. Plant nutrientstorage was not improved 2 years after amendment,suggesting luxury consumption. No contamination bytrace elements was detected in soil and plant.Conclusions The use of compost after fire could helpfor rapidly restoring soil fertility and improving plantnutrition. The increase of soil nutrient pools afteramendment emphazised the diversity of plant nutritionaltraits. Eutrophication risk could occur from high compostand soil P2O5 content