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Effects of rodents on plant cover,soil hardness,and soil nutrient content: a case study on tuco-tucos (Ctenomys minutus) |
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| Authors: | Daniel Galiano Bruno B Kubiak Gerhard E Overbeck Thales R O de Freitas |
| Institution: | 1. Programa de Pós-Gradua??o em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gon?alves 9500, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil 2. Departamento de Botanica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gon?alves, 9500, 91540-000, Porto Alegre, Brazil 3. Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gon?alves 9500, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil |
| Abstract: | We analyzed the effects of tuco-tucos (Ctenomys minutus, Ctenomyidae) on plant cover, plant biomass, soil hardness, soil pH, and variables related to nutrient disposition (P, K, Mg, and Ca), using data from three areas in the South Brazilian coastal plain. In each area, samples were taken from sites with and without C. minutus and results are presented in a concatenate way. Our results show that the presence of C. minutus modifies total plant biomass, grass cover, bare soil, soil hardness, soil pH, and nutrient content. Soils horizons at the depths of 10 and 20 cm are significantly softer in sites with C. minutus and phosphorus and potassium had higher concentrations. The content of magnesium and calcium were not affected. Soil pH was significantly lower where tuco-tucos occurred. Altogether, our results show that these animals may have a significant effect on vegetation composition and dynamics as well as on soil properties. |
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