Effects of community- and neighborhood-scale spatial patterns on semi-arid perennial grassland community dynamics.

Although plant spatial patterns strongly influence community-structuring processes, few empirical studies have addressed pattern effects on perennial community dynamics. We tested the effects of community- and neighborhood-scale patterns in experimental semi-arid grassland communities comprising the stronger competitor crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) and the weaker competitor Snake River wheatgrass (Elymus wawawaiensis). Treatments consisted of community-scale patterns (Poisson random, regular, and aggregated) and neighborhood-scale patterns (Poisson random, small, and large aggregations) applied to 6.