Intraspecific trait variability of herbaceous plants in organic and conventional olive plantations in region at desertification risk

Dr. Michele MIGLIORINO

Diplomová práce

Grassland vegetation restoration on arable land in dry regions

Abstract:

This thesis is an ecological study in an agricultural context (agroecological research). It is carried out in olive plantations in south Italy, Apulia, a region at strong desertification risk. The effect of agricultural management (organic vs. conventional) is investigated on i) the herbaceous species composition ii) intraspecific trait variability of five selected herbaceous plants iii) soil conditions. Herbaceous plants are here considered as "indicators" of olive plantations' health. Studying if and how species traits and soil parameters vary with management, should reveal how olive understory grasslands are responding to increasing drought conditions and other desertification constraints. Management of grasslands and soils is critical to maintain high ecological functionality and services of olive agroecosystems.

Abstract:

This thesis is an ecological study in an agricultural context (agroecological research). It is carried out in olive plantations in south Italy, Apulia, a region at strong desertification risk. The effect of agricultural management (organic vs. conventional) is investigated on i) the herbaceous species composition ii) intraspecific trait variability of five selected herbaceous plants iii) soil conditions. Herbaceous plants are here considered as "indicators" of olive plantations' health. Studying if and how species traits and soil parameters vary with management, should reveal how olive understory grasslands are responding to increasing drought conditions and other desertification constraints. Management of grasslands and soils is critical to maintain high ecological functionality and services of olive agroecosystems.

Keywords

intraspecific trait variability, grasslands, organic agriculture, herbaceous plants, functional traits, olive plantations, agroecosystems, desertification, drought, aridity

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 8. 12. 2023

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedoucí: RNDr. Ondřej Mudrák, Ph.D.

JIHOČESKÁ UNIVERZITA V ČESKÝCH BUDĚJOVICÍCH

Přírodovědecká fakulta

Magisterský studijní program / obor:
Ecology / Ecology