Conservation of Mediterranean oak woodlands: understorey dynamics under different shrub management

Published source details Canteiro C., Pinto-Cruz C., Simões M.P. & Gazarini L. (2011) Conservation of Mediterranean oak woodlands: understorey dynamics under different shrub management. Agroforestry Systems, 82, 161-171.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Use vegetation removal together with mechanical disturbance to the soil Action Link
	Add organic matter Action Link
	Use soil scarification or ploughing to enhance germination Action Link

Use vegetation removal together with mechanical disturbance to the soil

A replicated, controlled study in 1998-2007 in Mediterranean oak woodland in Portugal (2) found that cutting shrubs followed by vegetation removal and ploughing increased plant cover nine years after treatment. Total plant cover was higher in ploughed (87%) than control plots (82%). In June 1998, ploughing and no treatment (control) were each applied to three plots (50 × 14 m). Total plant cover was measured in 2007 in five subplots (2 × 2 m) in each treatment plot.
Add organic matter

A replicated, controlled study in 1998-2007 in Mediterranean oak woodland in Portugal (Canteiro et al. 2011) found that addition of plant material on the soil surface increased total plant cover. Addition of plant matter (mulching) increased total plant cover to 87% compared with 82% in control plots. In June 1998, mulching and control (no additions) treatments were each applied to three plots (50 × 14 m). In 2007, total plant cover was measured in five 2 × 2 m subplots in each treatment plot.
Use soil scarification or ploughing to enhance germination

A replicated, controlled study in 1998-2007 in Mediterranean oak woodland in Portugal (Canteiro et al. 2011) found that ploughing increased plant cover nine years after treatment. Total plant cover was higher in ploughing plots (87% in both) than control plots (82%). In June 1998, ploughing (incorporating plant matter into the soil) and control treatments were each applied to three plots (50 × 14 m). Total plant cover was measured in 2007 in five subplots (2 × 2 m) in each treatment plot.