ISSN:
1432-1009
Keywords:
KEY WORDS: Aegean; Poterium spinosum; Pastures; Petrall curves; Sheep; Goats; Plant cover
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
Notes:
Poterium spinosum, competitive under conditions of overgrazing and fire, accounted for 70%–85% of the total plant cover in all sites, except Santorini, where participation of spiny species was very low. In the recently abandoned sites, annuals accounted for 50%–60% of the standing biomass, but constituted only a tiny fraction in those abandoned for 30 years or more. This was not paralleled by any remarkable increase of the total plant cover. In fact, the yearly produced green biomass decreased with the years after abandonment. The productivity of old fields abandoned for a long time is insufficient to support the grazing animals present. This shortfall, given the animals' requirements, is most dramatic in Symi. The nonrecovering vegetation in the old fields of these mountainous islands constitutes a severe environmental threat; remedial measures appear imperative.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002679900130
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