Is the patch size distribution of vegetation a suitable indicator of desertification processes?

• DOI: 10.1890/08-2096.1
• Publication Date: 2009-07-07T18:47:08Z
• Authors: Fernando T. Maestre; Adrián Escudero
• Keywords: Desertification; Steppe

The monitoring of desertification processes, and particularly the development “early‐warning” systems, is an increasingly important in management drylands. It has been shown that patch size distribution dryland vegetation can be described using power laws deviations from such patterns may used as early‐warning signal for onset desertification. We tested this idea data 29 semiarid steppes located along a latitudinal gradient Spain. A truncated law (TPL) fitted perennial better than all evaluated sites. Variations distribution, measured with scaling exponent (γ) TPL, were not related to total cover, but negative logarithmic relationship was found between γ soil variables processes (total nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon). positive stronger linear cover same variables. Our results suggest characterized by are directly They also indicate plant effectively monitor key linked processes.