Influence of mediterranean shrub species on soil chemical properties in typical mediterranean environment

Abstract

The influence of two Mediterranean shrub species (Rosmarinus officinalis and Ulex parviflorus) on soil chemical properties in a typical pine (Pinus halepensis) forest hillside was studied. This study was conducted also in the adjacent openings of these plants. The seasonal evolution of the selected soil chemical properties was monitored during one-year period. Ammonium-N (N-NH+4) and available phosphorus showed similar values under shrub cover those in openings. However, the highest levels on electric conductivity, organic matter, total nitrogen and nitrate-N (N-NO-3) were observed in soil underneath canopies, whereas, soil pH was lower in the first 5 cm of soil surface under shrubs than in openings. The differences are statistically significant and indicate strong differentiation of surface soil conditions at the scale of individual plants. The results obtained suggest that the studied shrubs bring about an important function in to improving soil conditions under their canopies. The short-term fluctuation of some important soil chemical properties shows a clear difference between wet and dry seasons.