Effects of positive interactions, size-symmetry of competition and abiotic stress on self thinning in simulated plant populations

TY - JOUR

T1 - Effects of positive interactions, size-symmetry of competition and abiotic stress on self thinning in simulated plant populations

AU - Chu, Cheng-Jin

AU - Weiner, Jacob

AU - Maestre, Fernando T.

AU - Xiao, Sa

AU - Yuan, Jian-Li

AU - Du, Guo-Zhen

AU - Wang, Gang

PY - 2010/10

Y1 - 2010/10

N2 - Background and Aims: Competition drives self-thinning (density-dependent mortality) in crowded plant populations. Facilitative interactions have been shown to affect many processes in plant populations and communities, but their effects on self-thinning trajectories have not been investigated. Methods: Using an individual-based 'zone-of-influence' model, we studied the potential effects of the size symmetry of competition, abiotic stress and facilitation on self-thinning trajectories in plant monocultures. In the model, abiotic stress reduced the growth of all individuals and facilitation ameliorated the effects of stress on interacting individuals. Key Results: Abiotic stress made the log biomass - log density relationship during self-thinning steeper, but this effect was reduced by positive interactions among individuals. Size-asymmetric competition also influenced the self-thinning slope. Conclusions: Although competition drives self-thinning, its course can be affected by abiotic stress, facilitation and competitive symmetry.

AB - Background and Aims: Competition drives self-thinning (density-dependent mortality) in crowded plant populations. Facilitative interactions have been shown to affect many processes in plant populations and communities, but their effects on self-thinning trajectories have not been investigated. Methods: Using an individual-based 'zone-of-influence' model, we studied the potential effects of the size symmetry of competition, abiotic stress and facilitation on self-thinning trajectories in plant monocultures. In the model, abiotic stress reduced the growth of all individuals and facilitation ameliorated the effects of stress on interacting individuals. Key Results: Abiotic stress made the log biomass - log density relationship during self-thinning steeper, but this effect was reduced by positive interactions among individuals. Size-asymmetric competition also influenced the self-thinning slope. Conclusions: Although competition drives self-thinning, its course can be affected by abiotic stress, facilitation and competitive symmetry.

U2 - 10.1093/aob/mcq145

DO - 10.1093/aob/mcq145

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 20643802

SN - 0305-7364

VL - 106

SP - 647

EP - 652

JO - Annals of Botany

JF - Annals of Botany

ER -