Nutrient attributes of tissues in relation to grazing in an evergreen sclerophyllous shrub (Quercus coccifera L.) dominating vegetation in Mediterranean-type ecosystems

This study aims to identify differences in the nutrient attributes of Quercus coccifera (L.) tissues in response to grazing. For above-ground tissues, the analysis reveals a clear-cut distinction between samples from non-grazed, moderately grazed and overgrazed shrubs in relation to their nutrient attributes (N, P, Ca, Mg, K, and Fe concentrations). Variables with the greatest discriminatory power are those relating to the concentration of Mg, Fe and Ca in shoots. Analogous distinction is not recorded for below-ground tissues. The N and P concentrations in leaves (mg/g) are not affected by grazing while the amounts of Ca, Mg, Fe and N per unit leaf area, are significantly higher in the leaves of overgrazed shrubs.