Recommended Citation
Postprint version. Published in Australian Journal of Botany, Volume 63, Issue 4, March 1, 2015, pages 308-323.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1071/BT14274.
Abstract
Spatial heterogeneity of soil conditions combined with intraspecific variation confer site-specific edaphic tolerance, resulting in local adaptation and speciation. To understand the geoecological processes controlling community assembly of woodland tree species on serpentine and mafic soils, we investigated resource gradients and provenance (geographic area of propagule collection) as variables affecting typical representative upland oak (Quercus) species distribution. Accordingly, we conducted a year-long reciprocal transplant experiment in the greenhouse with serpentine and mafic soils, using seedlings of five oak species (Quercus marilandica, Q. stellata, Q. montana, Q. michauxii and Q. alba). All seedlings, regardless of provenance or soil depth, displayed more robust growth in the mafic soils. Soil depth was an important determinant, with all species exhibiting increased growth in the deeper-soil treatments. Fitness surrogates such as stem height, relative growth rate, and leaves per plant were greater when seedlings were grown in their home soil than when they were grown in the non-resident soil, suggesting an ecotypic effect. Mean stomatal conductance and stem growth were positively correlated with soil depth in all treatments. Taken together, the study showed provenance-specific growth responses of oak seedlings to soil type and depth, providing a better understanding of the mechanisms controlling species assembly in woodland communities.
Disciplines
Biology
Copyright
Copyright © 2015 Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organization (CSIRO).
Number of Pages
16
Publisher statement
The definitive version is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/BT14274.
NOTE: At the time of publication, the author Nishanta Rajakaruna was not yet affiliated with Cal Poly.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/bio_fac/481