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Intercanopy community structure across a heterogeneous landscape in a western juniper-encroached ecosystem

Authors :
Steven L. Petersen
Tamzen K. Stringham
Source :
Journal of Vegetation Science. 20:1163-1175
Publication Year :
2009
Publisher :
Wiley, 2009.

Abstract

Questions: How does landscape position influence biotic and abiotic attributes of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) encroached ecosystems? How does intercanopy plant community structure respond to changes in soil moisture and temperature based on juniper cover and topographic position? Location: Steens Mountain, southeast Oregon, USA. Objectives: Competition with western juniper modifies plant community composition, alters soil hydrology, and reduces plant productivity. Research is needed to understand these influences across heterogeneous landscapes. This study characterizes the relationship between juniper encroachment and soil water, soil temperature, topographic position, and intercanopy plant community structure. Methods: Using a completely randomized block design, plant density and cover, percent bare ground, percent soil moisture, soil temperature, heat accumulation, and elevation were sampled in 10 m2 plots representing low (

Details

ISSN :
16541103 and 11009233
Volume :
20
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of Vegetation Science
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........225bc8cd8510b4c1b9823d94af8a785b
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1654-1103.2009.01116.x