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)

Promotor

Kris Verheyen

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.