The Growth and Competitive Ability of Contrasting Natural Populations of Trifolium Repens L. on Calcareous and Acid Soils

Abstract

Natural local populations of Trifolium repens from calcareous and acid soils were grown on both calcareous and acid soils. Populations from acid soils showed severe lime-induced chlorosis on calcareous soil. Each population performed relatively better on its native soil type. The difference between contrasting populations was greatest when contrasting populations competed in mixed plantings. It is concluded that the wide edaphic tolerance of T. repens is due, at least in part, to ecotypic differentiation, and that competition is an important factor limiting ecodeme distribution.