The ecology of the oak tree (Quercus ilex L.) from two sites in Malta

Abstract

This study attempts to investigate various aspects of the ecology of the oak, Quercus ilex, at two sites in Malta. The sites chosen were Buskett (including Il-Bosk) and Il-Ballut tal-Wardija. No significant differences in air temperature at the two sites were found, while the humidity at il - Ballut (Wardija) was found to be slightly higher than that at Buskett. Buskett had a higher percentage of sunny and windy days than il -Ballut. Light intensity at the woodland floor mainly varied between 60 - 70% of that on open ground. The mean light intensity varied seasonally, in part due to vegetation.al changes. In general,average light intensities were higher at Buskett than at Wardija. This was mainly due to the denser vegetation at the Wardija·site. At both sites the parent rock consisted of Upper Coralline limestone, giving calcareous soils. The soils were neutral (pH of 7), with a high organic content and with a loamy texture. Soil depth at Buskett was found to be greater than that at Wardija. Conditions for tree growth were found to be rrore favourable at Buskett than at Wardija; however, conditions for regeneration of Quercus ilex are rrore favourable at Il-Ballut than at Buskett.