Population dynamics of Eupatorium odoratum in successional environments following slash and burn agriculture.
Abstract
Recruitment, mortality, population flux and reproductive efficiency of Eupatorium odoratum was investigated in plant successions occurring after slashing and burning in north-eastern India. Seedling populations of E. odoratum experienced greater mortality in 10- and 20-year-old fallows than in 1-, 3- and 5-year-old fallows, such that no recruitment occurred in fallows over 10 years old. The mortality of adult shoots was greatest in a 5-year-old fallow. Changes in population size and reproductive output are discussed in relation to the changing ecological conditions following slashing and burning.