Ecology of linear dunes: effect of surface stability on the distribution and abundance of annual plants

Relationships between environmental factors and annual vegetation were investigated in a landscape dominated by linear dunes near Nizzana, Western Negev Desert, Israel. Measurements of vegetation (density and above-ground biomass of each species) and environmental factors (surface stability, sand texture, sand moisture, organic matter and electrical conductivity) were taken along a gradient from the crest of a dune ridge toward the adjacent interdune corridor. Results suggest that surface stability may function as a major niche axis for annual plants inhabiting desert linear dunes. -from Authors