Herbaceous diversity patterns and their relationship with environmental gradients and holm oak dehesa decline

Autores/as

  • Katherine Onoszko Universidad de Córdoba
  • Pablo González-Moreno
  • Ángel Lora-González
  • Francisco José Ruiz-Gómez

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31167/csef.v0i51.20172

Resumen

The dehesa is a unique ecosystem that integrates trees, livestock, and pastures, balancing agropastoral production with sustainability. Despite its biological richness and the significant ecosystem services it provides, in recent decades, it has experienced a decline in tree vitality, density, and cover, mainly due to the decline of the holm oak (Quercus ilex). This study investigated the relationship between herbaceous plant diversity, environmental factors, and the health status of holm oaks in dehesas in the northern part of Córdoba Province and the Huelva region. Herbaceous biodiversity under the oak canopy was analyzed at different scales, identifying patterns associated with climate and sampling orientation. Additionally, this project aimed to quantify the effect of tree health on herbaceous plants, as well as possible interactions with soil biotic agents like Phytophthora cinnamomi. Alpha diversity was evaluated using Shannon and Simpson indices, species richness, and biomass under the canopy of Q. ilex in north and south orientations. Sampling orientation and soil clay content appeared to be significant variables in herbaceous richness. The highest biomass values were observed in trees with over 90% defoliation. A significant correlation was found between the presence of P. cinnamomi and the decrease in herbaceous biodiversity, with a greater impact observed in the Huelva region, possibly due to climatic differences between the two regions studied.

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Publicado

2025-03-14

Cómo citar

Onoszko, K., González-Moreno , P., Lora-González, Ángel, & Ruiz-Gómez, F. J. . (2025). Herbaceous diversity patterns and their relationship with environmental gradients and holm oak dehesa decline. Cuadernos De La Sociedad Española De Ciencias Forestales, 51(1), 95-112. https://doi.org/10.31167/csef.v0i51.20172

Número

Sección

V Reunión Grupo de Trabajo de Sanidad Forestal (Albacete, 19-21 junio de 2024)