Moisture Regime and Nutrient Control of Seasonal Growth in Mediterranean Ecosystems

Abstract

In Chapter 2 of this volume Specht and Moll showed that soil nutrient status plays a major role in the development of the structure of the plant community in the mediterranean regions of southern Australia and South Africa. Three major suites of soils were distinguished: (a) moderately leached soils, with an adequate balance of essential plant nutrients ; (b) strongly leached soils, containing low levels of available nutrients; and (c) calcium-rich/high-pH soils, which may induce various nutrient deficiencies.