Vegetation strategies for soil water consumption along a pluviometric gradient in southern Spain

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

RUIZ-SINOGA, J.D.

Dep. of Geography, Univ., Málaga, Espagne

GABARRÓN GALEOTE, M.A.

Dep. of Geography, Univ., Málaga, Espagne

MARTINEZ MURILLO, J.F.

Dep. of Geography, Univ., Málaga, Espagne

GARCIA MARÍN, R.

Dep. of Geography, Univ. of Extremadura, Espagne

Description :
The AA. analyze variation in soil moisture, water availability for plants, and drying processes on the hillslopes, and relationships between these factors and the annual variability of vegetation cover. The results show that clay content is a key factor defining the limit of water availability in the soil (the wilting point). Significant differences between soil moisture/available water and vegetation cover were observed, defining a positive feedback process that varied in nature along the pluviometric gradient. At the driest sites the vegetation species were better adapted to the lack of water and more independent of rainfall.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2011, vol. 84, n°. 1-2, p. 12-20, nombre de pages : 9, Références bibliographiques : 1,5 p.

Date :
2011

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena

Langue :
Anglais