Summary: Abstract: The encroachment of woody plant species
into open grasslands and savannas is a worldwide problem.
We tested the hypothesis that species' encroachment
potential is linked to higher establishment success under
drought and defoliation stress, comparing early seedling
growth in three leguminous shrubs native to the arid
southwestern US: Acacia greggii and Cercidium
microphyllum, both non-encroaching species, and Prosopis
velutina, an aggressive encroacher. We found that all three
species were very tolerant to stress treatments (seedlings
did not die), but only P. velutina continued to grow under the
highest stress level.
Shrub Seedlings, Stress and the Potential for Woody
Plant Encroachment into Grasslands: Seedling Development
Introduction
Conclusion
The Hypotheses
Worldwide, woody plant species are invading open grasslands and
savannas, a phenomenon called woody encroachment. This has
profound effects on carbon, water and nutrient cycles, and reduces

Source: Archer, Steven R. - Savanna/Woodland Ecology Lab., School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona

Collections: Environmental Sciences and Ecology