Ecological factors affecting distribution and abundance of Medicago minima
Diana E. Fresnillo-Fedorenko A B C D , Philip S. Cocks A B and John W. Bowden B C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Plant Biology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
B Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
C Grain Industries, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, South Perth, WA 6151, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: dfedorenko@agric.wa.gov.au
Crop and Pasture Science 62(7) 581-590 https://doi.org/10.1071/CP03123
Submitted: 11 June 2003 Accepted: 16 June 2011 Published: 28 July 2011
Abstract
A survey was conducted to study the distribution and abundance of Medicago minima in relation to soil factors and rainfall. The collection targeted two regions of Western Australia where this species is known to occur. The frequency and pod density of M. minima and other naturalised annual pasture legumes (Medicago spp. and Trifolium spp.) was recorded per site. In addition, soil samples were taken and analysed for physical and chemical characteristics.
Soils where M. minima was present were finer textured, higher in pH, nitrate and potassium, and lower in available phosphorus than soils where it was absent. These soils were commonly found in low rainfall areas. The highest frequency (55%) and density (4000 pods/m2) of M. minima were recorded in areas with 275 mm average annual rainfall. In a third of the collection sites M. minima was the only pasture legume present in the plant community. In the driest areas (260 mm annual rainfall) with the lowest content of available phosphorus (7.5 mg/kg) M. laciniata was associated with M. minima. In areas with 300–325 mm rainfall, M. minima was associated with M. truncatula, M. polymorpha and M. littoralis.
The absence of M. minima in areas of Western Australia with >325 mm annual rainfall was related to its low tolerance to soil acidity. This paper examines the ecological success of M. minima with regard to its ability to use phosphorus in soils of high pH and lime content, and to set seed under water stress. It also discusses the distribution of M. minima in Western Australia in relation to its distribution in the Mediterranean Basin and other areas that the species is known to have colonised.
Additional keywords: adaptation, annual medics, colonisation, pasture legumes, rainfall, soil.
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