Competition for Nutrients and Light between the Annual Grassland Species Bromus Mollis and Erodium Botrys

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Abstract
Experiments showed that when competition between the common grass resident, Bromus mollis, and an associated forb, Erodium botrys, was primarily for sulfur and crowding was not intense, Erodium growth was much greater than in pure stands, and Bromus growth was markedly less. With competition under a low sulfur regime, Erodium acquired a disproportionate share of the available sulfur because of its more rapid root extension. At high sulfur levels, Bromus became increasingly competitive as its population density was increased, and wide ratios of Bromus to Erodium virtually eliminated Erodium. Leaf area and illumination profiles revealed that Bromus became the superior competitor for light because of its greater stature and more erect leaf habit when exposed to favorable nutrition and population density, and that Erodium supremacy at low sulfur levels and sparse population densities was closely associated with reduced leaf—area production by Bromus.

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