Identifying ecological barriers to restoration in temperate grassy woodlands: soil changes associated with different degradation states

2002 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne M. Prober ◽  
Kevin R. Thiele ◽  
Ian D. Lunt

Temperate grassy woodlands were once the dominant vegetation across many agricultural regions of south-eastern Australia, but most of these are now highly degraded and fragmented. Adequate conservation of these woodlands is dependent on successful ecological restoration; however, ecological barriers often limit ecosystem recovery once degrading processes are removed. To help identify these barriers, we used a state and transition framework to compare topsoils of little-disturbed (reference) and variously degraded remnants of grassy Eucalyptus albens Benth. and E. melliodora Cunn. ex Schauer woodlands. Topsoils of degraded remnants showed a repeated pattern, with the most compacted, most acidic and most depleted topsoils occurring in remnants dominated by Aristida ramosa R.Br. or Austrodanthonia H.P.Linder and Austrostipa scabra (Lindl.) S.W.L.Jacobs & J.Everett; the least compacted and most nutrient rich topsoils in remnants dominated by annual exotics; and generally intermediate topsoils in remnants dominated by Bothriochloa macra (Steud.) S.T.Blake or Austrostipa bigeniculata (Hughes) S.W.L.Jacobs & J.Everett. Surprisingly, topsoils beneath trees in reference sites (supporting Poa sieberiana Spreng.) were similar to topsoils supporting annual exotics for most soil properties. Chemical properties of topsoils from open areas of reference sites [supporting Themeda australis (R.Br.) Stapf] were usually intermediate and similar to Bothriochloa macra and Austrostipa bigeniculata topsoils. The most striking exception to these trends was for soil nitrate, which was extremely low in all reference topsoils and showed a high correlation with annual exotic abundance. We discuss the potential for positive feedbacks between soil nitrogen cycling and understorey composition and the need for intervention to assist possible nitrate-dependent transitions between annual and perennial understorey states. Dominant grasses, trees and annual weed abundance may be useful indicators of soil conditions and could inform selection of target sites, species and techniques for restoration projects.

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pia Montanucci ◽  
Silvia Terenzi ◽  
Claudio Santi ◽  
Ilaria Pennoni ◽  
Vittorio Bini ◽  
...  

Alginate-based microencapsulation of live cells may offer the opportunity to treat chronic and degenerative disorders. So far, a thorough assessment of physical-chemical behavior of alginate-based microbeads remains cloudy. A disputed issue is which divalent cation to choose for a high performing alginate gelling process. Having selected, in our system, high mannuronic (M) enriched alginates, we studied different gelling cations and their combinations to determine their eventual influence on physical-chemical properties of the final microcapsules preparation,in vitroandin vivo. We have shown that used of ultrapure alginate allows for high biocompatibility of the formed microcapsules, regardless of gelation agents, while use of different gelling cations is associated with corresponding variable effects on the capsules’ basic architecture, as originally reported in this work. However, only the final application which the capsules are destined to will ultimately guide the selection of the ideal, specific gelling divalent cations, since in principle there are no capsules that are better than others.


2001 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meredith L. Mitchell ◽  
T. B. Koen ◽  
W. H. Johnston ◽  
D. B. Waterhouse

This paper reports the results of an initial evaluation of a large collection of Australian perennial native grasses. The overall aim of the research was to identify accessions that may be useful for pastoral purposes and for controlling land degradation on hill-lands in the high (>500 mm) rainfall zone of south-eastern Australia. Accessions (807) representing 37 target species were established in spaced plant nurseries at Rutherglen and Wagga Wagga. Dactylis glomerata L. cv. Porto and Eragrostis curvula (Schrad) Nees. Complex cv. Consol were established as comparator (control) species. A range of attributes was observed over a 2-year period (19900—1992), including persistence, vigour, productivity, palatability, morphology, and characteristics related to seed production. Accessions were initially culled on the basis of their persistence. Data for a range of attributes were separately analysed using pattern analysis to provide a broad overview of the performance and characteristics of the remaining accessions. A number of selection criteria were applied which resulted in selection of a promising group of 20 accessions (12 species from 8 genera). The promising group of accessions will be evaluated further at field sites typical of hilly landscapes in the 500mp;mdash;600 mm rainfall zone of south-eastern Australia.


Author(s):  
Gicuța SBÎRCIOG

In order to meet consumption requirements, according to the crops destination and way of preparing the fruits, the eggplant breeding process aims at obtaining some cultivars properly adapted to the climate and soil conditions from different culture areas.  In this context, the selection of genotypes which are tolerant to the thermal and hydric stress represents a major objective of the eggplant breeding.


Weed Science ◽  
1978 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 679-686 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Schreiber ◽  
B. S. Shasha ◽  
M. A. Ross ◽  
P. L. Orwick ◽  
D. W. Edgecomb

Four starch-encapsulated formulations of EPTC(S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate) and of butylate(S-ethyl diisobutylthiocarbamate) were prepared and evaluated by comparison with their respective emulsifiable concentrate formulations for their slow-release capabilities and efficacies. Chemical and biological evaluation indicated that difference in controlled-release could be achieved by the selection of the starch xanthate and oxidant used in the formualtion process. EPTC and butylate released slower when formulated as starch-encapsulated granules than when formulated as emulsifiable concentrates under soil conditions that favored rapid release. The initial release was adequate for weed control and slow enough for desired residual activity. Repeated seeding and harvesting the treated soils and bioassays of treated soils generally produced release rate anticipated from short term dry and wet chemical tests.


2018 ◽  
Vol 71 ◽  
pp. 352
Author(s):  
Aymee S.R. Lewis ◽  
Toni M. Withers ◽  
Helen F. Nahrung ◽  
Rebecca L. McDougal ◽  
Chris A.M. Reid ◽  
...  

Paropsisterna variicollis, the eucalyptus variegated beetle, was first detected in New Zealand in 2016. It threatens a growing eucalyptus forestry sector through larvae and adults causing significant defoliation to important plantation species. This work aimed to clarify the identification and origin of the New Zealand incursion to inform selection of suitable biological control agent(s). Australian and New Zealand specimens from the Paropsisterna obovata-variicollis-cloelia species complex were analysed by PCR and sequencing of two genetic loci, cytochrome c subunit I (COI) and cytochrome b (Cyt b). Molecular analysis of both genetic regions showed three major clusters of diversity. Cluster 1, proposed as Paropsisterna variicollis, had maximum 1.3% genetic variation and was collected from New Zealand, Western Australia and from geographically diverse locations in eastern Australia. Taxonomic results identified distinctive phenotypes of other closely related beetle species, assisting in proposing Cluster 2 as Paropsisterna near decolorata and Cluster 3 as Paropsisterna agricola. Molecular results were compared to morphological structures on adult beetles.


Author(s):  
Pavlo Kucher ◽  
Ivan Voloshyn ◽  
Andrii Kukhtiy

The article highlights the features of conducting soil excursion cognitive routes. We have proposed a comprehensive cognitive route for tourists of various degrees of educational level: schoolchildren and students of natural sciences. For each type of tourists, according to their wishes, information on natural features, soil cover and other excursion facilities are provided. Complex excursions are offered to attract more tourists. It is proposed to include in excursion routes: monuments and memorable places, architectural, archaeological, historical, sacral, museum and other valuable tourist objects. The excursion route in the Volyn region consists of eight soil study areas, where information is provided on the natural soil conditions, the most common types of soils, including gray forest soils, typical chernozems, sod-podzolic soils, peat soils and peat bogs. Two soils study areas are located on the forest-steppe area, where information on the main types of soils, their granulometric composition, and chemical properties are highlighted. The third-eighth field is laid within Volyn Polissya. Based on the study of the features of soil distribution, a soil-cognitive tourism route within the limits of the Forest-steppe and Volyn Polissya has been developed. The tour consists of information on the natural features of this territory, which testify to the conditions of the soil-forming processes, depending on the characteristics of natural conditions. During the soil study route, the peculiarities of distribution of the main types of soils and soil-forming rocks are highlighted. A table is prepared, in which a brief description of all types of soils found on the route and interesting tourist objects is located. Key words: soil, soil science cognitive field, tourist object, soil science route.


Author(s):  
Herman Herman ◽  
Bohari Yusuf ◽  
Laode Rijai ◽  
Hadi Kuncoro ◽  
Anni Anggraeni ◽  
...  

The development of the separation method has an essential role in developing science and technology for the separation and purification of an element or compound from other mixtures based on differences in physical and chemical properties. This research is more focused on the selection parameters of polystyrene-based resin production using diethylene triamine penta-acetate (DTPA) light, which used as a prototype for improved scale production. The Plackett-Burman design was used to select variables that have significant influence in Methylaminopolystyrene-Diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (MAP-DTPA) resin synthesis. Eleven variables such as mol ratio of Methylamino Polystyrene and diethylene triamine penta-acetate ligands, solvent volume, reaction time, stirring rate, reaction temperature, total volume, reaction pH, incubation time, ammonia concentration, and the addition of methanol were carried out for the selection of parameters or variables in the process of MAP-DTPA resin synthesis through a statistical approach in studies for design experiments using Software Design Expert 9.0.6.2. Of the eleven variables in resin synthesis obtained, six variables have a positive influence on the yield ratio value (percent yield ratio) of MAP-DTPA resin are the mol ratio of MAP and DTPA, Stirring Rate, reaction temperature, total volume, degree of acidity, and ammonia concentration.


1996 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. T. C. Chang ◽  
M. S. Cao

A combination of a low 37 GHz brightness temperature and a negative 19 and 37 GHz spectral gradient can be an effective discriminant for frozen and thawed soil. SSM/I data for 1988 are used to study the freeze/thaw of soil in the Northern Tibetan Plateau, China. In this study, a previously derived freeze/thaw classification scheme was tested for this unique geographic location. It was found that the 37 GHz threshold needed to be refined for this region. It was also found that the 37 GHz emission is sensitive to the scattering centers embedded in the soil, which may account for the observed low brightness temperature. The selection of the 37 GHz brightness temperature threshold depends on the atmospheric and soil conditions inherent in a particular region.


2001 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 171 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Tennant ◽  
David Tennant ◽  
David Hall ◽  
David Hall

As part of a wider analysis of the potential role for lucerne in farming systems being developed for containing the spread of salinisation, we have reviewed information generated in Western Australia on opportunities for improving the water use of annual crops and pastures. Substantial increases in water use have been shown to be possible in a number of situations and rainfall environments. Best gains, of the order of 40–70 mm, were reported on deep sand and loamy sand soil types. These were achieved from selection of deep-rooted and longer growing crop and pasture species, and from amelioration of widespread traffic pans and subsoil acidity, and/or selection of tolerant species. On more widespread gradational and duplex soils, soil physical and chemical properties that restrict water infiltration and/or root penetration to depth limit the potential to increase water use. Increases in production and water use are still possible, depending on the permeability of the lower horizons of these soils and on rainfall distribution. At best, recorded increases on these soils were of the order of 5–15 mm in short season, low rainfall environments, and around 40 mm in long season, high rainfall environments. These increases in water use were not invariable. Increases in water use were not noted in dry years on all soils and in all years on shallow duplex soils with impermeable B horizons. Seasonality impacts on all outcomes and is a key issue on all soils and in all rainfall environments.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document