Shrub-oak seedling spatial associations change in response to the functional composition of neighbouring shrubs in coastal dune forest communities

Abstract:Context: The abundance and distribution of tree regeneration is driven by several processes acting at both the seedling establishment and survival stages. Plant– plant interactions highly contribute to regeneration dynamics through seed dispersal and competition or facilitation processes.Aims: The aim of the present study was to assess the relative importance of different functional groups of shrubs for the early establishment of oak seedlings in the coastal forest communities of south-western France.Material and methods: We applied spatial and non-spatial analysis methods in eleven 315-m2 regeneration plots. Within each plot, oak seedlings (height <25 cm) and shrubs (height >50 cm and DBH <4 cm) were mapped to ±1 cm. The spatial distribution patterns of the oak seedlings (Quercus robur, Quercus suber and Quercus ilex) were analysed for each species while the association patterns were detected between the seedlings of the three oaks and four functional groups of shrubs (Fagace...