An index of weed size for assessing the soil productivity of ancient crop fields |
| |
Authors: | A Bogaard J G Hodgson P J Wilson S R Band |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Archaeology and Prehistory, University of Sheffield, Northgate House, West Street, S1 4ET Sheffield, UK;(2) Unit of Comparative Plant Ecology, Department of Animal and Plant Science, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN Sheffield, UK |
| |
Abstract: | A method is presented for generating data on archaeological weed species relevant to soil productivity and consequently crop husbandry. Three plant attributes (maximum canopy height, maximum canopy spread and maximum dry leaf weight per node) which are functionally related to habitat productivity were measured for 161 British annual species. These three attributes were combined to produce an index of weed size. Index values were found to differ significantly between character species of phytosociological classes from fertile and infertile habitats and to provide an objective assessment of CSR (Competitor/Stress-tolerator/Ruderal) strategysensu Grime (1974, 1979). Further work is required, however, to distinguish medium-sized species that exploit highly disturbed and productive habitats from those of less disturbed and less productive situations. |
| |
Keywords: | Weed ecology Crop husbandry Soil productivity Functional attributes CSR strategy |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|