Leaf Trait Variability and CSR Strategy Shifts in Mediterranean Woody Species along an Edaphic Gradient

Plant species in Mediterranean ecosystems are expected to exhibit diverse responses to environmental stresses such as climate aridity and challenging soil conditions by adopting various functional strategies. However, intraspecific variability at the local scale has received insufficient attention i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ecologies (Basel) 2024-09, Vol.5 (3), p.455-469
Main Authors: Kadaoui, Khalil, Kassout, Jalal, Boselli, Vladimiro Andrea, Chakkour, Soufian, Sahli, Abdelouahab, Houssni, Mhammad, Bouziane, Hassan, Ater, Mohammed
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
CSR strategy
Ecosystems
Flowers & plants
intraspecific variability
leaf functional traits
Mediterranean shrublands
serpentine effect
ultramafic and non-ultramafic soil
Vegetation
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Summary:Plant species in Mediterranean ecosystems are expected to exhibit diverse responses to environmental stresses such as climate aridity and challenging soil conditions by adopting various functional strategies. However, intraspecific variability at the local scale has received insufficient attention in the study of CSR strategies. This study aims to evaluate intraspecific variability in leaf traits and CSR strategies of seven woody species growing on ultramafic and non-ultramafic soils in the Beni Bousera region of Northern Morocco. We first conducted a physicochemical analysis to assess differences in soil composition between the two sites. Subsequently, we measured leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, and leaf area and calculated CSR strategies for 10 individuals per species. The results revealed significant differences between the two soil types, primarily driven by a moderate serpentine effect characterized by a Ca:Mg ratio
ISSN:2673-4133
2673-4133
DOI:10.3390/ecologies5030028