Project

The effect of phosphorus bioavailability on the recovery of plant communities in post-agricultural forests

Code
3G065409
Duration
01 January 2009 → 31 December 2014
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Other chemical sciences
    • Plant biology
  • Agricultural and food sciences
    • Agricultural plant production
    • Forestry sciences
Keywords
land use history ancient forest species biogeochemistry secondary succession
 
Project description

After afforestion of agricultural land, herbaceous species have to re-establish through colonization. The remaining high P-stocks are, however, likely to hamper establishment. Tree species selection modifies, e.g. via pH, bioavailability of P. On the other hand, differences in light characteristics change the expression of P in the herb layer the productivity is changed and processes such as competition are altered.