Competition between three Chihuahuan desert species: evidence from plant size-distance relations and root distribution

Abstract. Using size-distance data we tested the intensity and importance of competition between Hilaria mutica (a tussock grass), Larrea tridentata (a microphyllous shrub) and Opuntia rastrera (a succulent) in the Chihuahuan desert. We also compared the vertical and horizontal distribution of roots to assess the potential degree of overlap in the use of soil resources. The relationships between sizes and distances of nearest-neighbour plants suggested that intraspecific competition is generally more important than interspecific competition. However, evidence of stronger inter than intraspecific competition was found in some cases. Species combinations showing significant interspecific competition involved always Opuntia, whereas Larrea and Hilaria did not influence each other. The analysis of the symmetry of competition showed that Opuntia was adversely affected by the presence of Hilaria or Larrea. Although differences were found in the distribution of roots, the results of the size-distance study support the idea that, (particularly) Opuntia, below-ground niche differentiation is not sufficiently important to totally avoid the negative effects of plant competition.