Design of artificial edaphic mesocosms (MEA) for ecological experiments in natural environments

Abstract

During in situ experimentations, a lot of non-controlled biotic and abiotic factors are met and they may alter or distort an experimentation. We have developped and used experimental devices, semi-controlled confined surroundings, in order to control stational edaphic variations, which can be huge in natural surroundings. These edaphic experimental devices are drilled and made with standard ground with different horizons. They have been placed directly in the fields to follow phytometers for several years. This system has been implemented to regeneration (germination, survival and growing) of the beech (Fagus sylvatica) for two years, in response to micro-environment generated by the forest canopy at a landscape scale/measure.