干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

In arid and semi-and areas of the Mediterranean basin, open steppes are dominated by alfa grass (Stipa tenacissima L) tussocks which play a crucial role in maintaining ecological ecosystem integrity In this study, we analyze the effects of S. tenacissima tussocks on soil properties in an arid S tenacissima steppe in Southern Tunisia Our main objective is to test whether S tenacissima microsite is able to ameliorate soil surface properties in semiarid degraded steppes Soils under S tenacissima tussocks have higher organic matter, nitrogen content, phosphorus and CO(2) efflux than those from open areas S tenacissima tussocks improve also physical soil features by increasing soil water content and infiltration capacities underneath the canopy This study reinforces the idea that fertile patches and particularly S tenacissima tussocks, by their positive effect on the soil, can be of particular importance for successful restoration in degraded arid and semiarid steppes