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Weak Evidence of Regeneration Habitat but Strong Evidence of Regeneration Niche for a Leguminous Shrub

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  • Florian Delerue
  • Maya Gonzalez
  • Richard Michalet
  • Sylvain Pellerin
  • Laurent Augusto

Abstract

The identification of an ecological niche specific to the regeneration phase has mobilised significant attention. However, the importance of the regeneration niche concept remains unclear. Our main objective was to study the existence of such a regeneration niche for a leguminous shrub, Ulex europaeus. This study was carried out in southwest France in the context of water and nutrient stresses (mainly phosphorus limitation) due to the presence of nutrient-poor sandy soils. We analysed the regeneration of the species from the germination of seeds and emergence of new seedlings until the seedlings reached young shrub size. Our design included a P fertilisation treatment. We also investigated microsite characteristics (micro-topography and vegetation development) as they can interact with meteorological conditions and determine water availability for seeds and seedlings. We found that P availability controlled seedling growth and the time necessary to reach young shrub size. Water availability appeared to impact the species germination and seedlings survival. We also found that P and water availability depended on the interactions between microsite characteristics and climatic variations. Finally we found evidence that P and water availability are important ecological factors shaping the regeneration niche of the species, but we found weak evidence that any microsite would be appropriate for the regeneration of the species in the long term. Future studies regarding regeneration niches need to distinguish more clearly the ecological factors important for regeneration (the regeneration niche per se) and the physical world where the seedlings appear and develop (the regeneration habitat).

Suggested Citation

  • Florian Delerue & Maya Gonzalez & Richard Michalet & Sylvain Pellerin & Laurent Augusto, 2015. "Weak Evidence of Regeneration Habitat but Strong Evidence of Regeneration Niche for a Leguminous Shrub," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(6), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0130886
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130886
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jonard, Mathieu & Augusto, Laurent & Hanert, Emmanuel & Achat, David L. & Bakker, Mark R. & Morel, Christian & Mollier, Alain & Pellerin, Sylvain, 2010. "Modeling forest floor contribution to phosphorus supply to maritime pine seedlings in two-layered forest soils," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 221(6), pages 927-935.
    2. Jin, Menggui & Zhang, Renquan & Sun, Lianfa & Gao, Yunfu, 1999. "Temporal and spatial soil water management: a case study in the Heilonggang region, PR China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 42(2), pages 173-187, November.
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