Size-uneven competition and resource availability: A factorial experiment on seedling establishment of three Mediterranean species

Abstract

A factorial experiment was conducted in order to test whether the ranking of competitive ability at seedling stage is affected by different resource availability and competition asymmetry levels. Seedlings of three Mediterranean species (Rhamnus alaternus, Ampelodesmos mauritanicus and Cistus incanus) were grown at two competition intensities with different water and nutrient levels. Plants responses were expressed as mortality, biomass production and plant architecture. Data were also analysed by an index of competitive response intensity. A clear ranking of competitive response was observed, with Rhamnus > Ampelodesmos > Cistus. Competition was affected both by water and nutrient availability, but none of these factors modified competitive ranking. Seedling competition behaviour appeared to be related to species successional roles.