Germination and Establishment of Juncus Effusus L.: The Effect of Different Companion Species and of Variation in Soil and Fertility Conditions

Abstract

Seeds of J. effusus were sown alone and with various mixtures of grass and clover species in boxes on two soil types and at three fertility levels. Results showed that the companion species had a great influence both on initial germination and subsequent development of the Juncus. Neither soil nor fertility differences in themselves had any effect on initial establishment of the seedlings but in their subsequent development plants of J. effusus growing alone produced more herbage under high fertility than under low fertility conditions. Under the management adopted plants growing with companion species and establishing in the early stages after sowing also grew into larger individuals under conditions of high fertility. However, when companion species were present fewer J. effusus seedlings established in the later stages after sowing, and there was also a higher mortality rate of such seedlings.