Details zur Publikation

Kategorie Textpublikation
Referenztyp Zeitschriften
DOI 10.2307/2261480
Titel (primär) Tree spacing and coexistence in semiarid savannas
Autor Jeltsch, F.; Milton, S.J.; Dean, W.R.J.; Van Rooyen, N.
Quelle Journal of Ecology
Erscheinungsjahr 1996
Department OESA
Band/Volume 84
Heft 4
Seite von 583
Seite bis 595
Sprache englisch
Keywords cellular automaton model; coexistence; large-scale disturbances; pattern formation; savanna
Abstract 1 In the debate on the stability of savanna vegetation, spatial processes are often neglected. A spatial simulation model based on a cellular automata approach was constructed to identify the factors and processes crucial to the coexistence of trees and grass, and their effects on the spatial arrangement of trees in arid and semiarid savannas.

2 The simulation shows that the traditional key determinants of savannas - rain, fire and grazing - generate and sustain a coexistence of trees and grasses only under specific conditions.

3 An increase in the rainfall (improved tree establishment) or in grazing (reduced competition from grass), led to an increase in the woody component in the model. Where this trend was reversed by occasional fires, the simulation indicated that trees would be patchily distributed in thickets that excluded fire.

4 For an intermediate range of fire, grazing and rainfall variables this strongly clumped distribution pattern of trees represented a stable tree-grass mixture for more than 20 000 simulated years.

5 The hypothesis is formulated that factors or processes other than competition for moisture, herbivory and fire are needed in addition to induce a long-term persistence of scattered trees.

6 By exploring the long-term and spatial consequences of altering the variables that were thought to be key determinants of savanna vegetation, this spatiotemporal model provides a novel insight into the understanding of savanna dynamics.
dauerhafte UFZ-Verlinkung https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=21551
Jeltsch, F., Milton, S.J., Dean, W.R.J., Van Rooyen, N. (1996):
Tree spacing and coexistence in semiarid savannas
J. Ecol. 84 (4), 583 - 595 10.2307/2261480