Effects of soil physicochemical properties on plant performance of Glaucium flavum Crantz

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Glaucium flavum is an endangered coastal herb capable of growth in a wide variety of ecosystems. We explore plant-soil relationships in this species by evaluating plant performance and soil physicochemical properties in the different types of ecosystems where it grows. METHODS: Ten natural populations from southern Spain were chosen for the study. In each experimental site, a number of variables related to the growth, reproduction and nutritional status of G. flavum were studied and an analysis of the soil physicochemical properties (texture, pH, electrical conductivity and total N, P, S and Ca concentration) was conducted. Data were statistically analyzed in order to characterize the habitat of G. flavum and to explore possible relationships between the studied variables. RESULTS: At all experimental sites, the soil presented an alkaline pH and high concentrations of Ca. Despite the low levels of soil N, P and S, our data did not indicate nutrient deficiencies in leaf tissues. The percentage of reproductive plants and number of seeds per fruit correlated positively with leaf Ca concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing Ca concentrations in plant tissues and elevated soil pH have a positive effect on plant performance of G. flavum.