Soil versus Biological Controls on Nutrient Cycling in Terra Firme Forests

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elvira Cuevas
Keyword(s):  
Amazon Basin ◽  
Evergreen Forest ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Terra Firme ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Seasonally Dry ◽  
The Andes ◽  
Rio Negro ◽  
Blackwater Rivers ◽  
Seasonally Flooded

Terra firme forests are those that by definition are not permanently or seasonally flooded (terra firme meaning “firm terrain”). This type of forest encompasses the Amazon and Orinoco basins, stretching from the lower slopes of the Andes, east to the Guianas, and south to about 15°S in western Brazil and northern Bolivia (Richards 1996). Structural and compositional variability in these forests in the Amazon basin is very wide as a result of climate differences and geomorphological position. The region is not climatically uniform; the central and much of the southern parts have less and more seasonal rainfall than the eastern and western parts (Walsh 1996). These differences have direct and indirect ecological significance, as phenology and biological processes related to nutrient availability will be strongly influenced by both factors (Cuevas and Medina 1986, 1988, 1990, Medina and Cuevas 1989). Periods of two or more consecutive dry days are ecologically significant in a humid area such as San Carlos de Río Negro, in the northern part of the Amazon, because of low water retention capacity in the widespread sandy soils. In lower geomorphological positions, dry spells of 5-10 days may result in fluctuations of the water table from 0.4-1.0 m (Herrera 1977, Bongers et al. 1985). In areas with a more strongly seasonal climate, roots have been found extending to 18 m depth (Nepstad et al. 1995). This may explain the presence of evergreen forest in the seasonally dry eastern Amazon. Structure and physiognomy of terra firme forests is very similar throughout Amazonia, but floristically it is quite variable due to different compositions in the subbasins of the Amazon’s major tributaries. These subbasins are located within geochemical regions that can be differentiated based on the physicochemical properties of drainage waters (Sioli 1975, Fittkau 1971, Fittkau et al. 1975). Blackwater rivers, such as the Río Negro, drain mostly sandy podsolized soils low in most essential nutrients for plant growth. They are characterized by a high content of humic acids, which remain dissolved because of the predominant low concentrations of polyvalent cations, mainly Ca2+ and Mg2+.

scholarly journals Evaluating the effect of nutrient redistribution by animals on the phosphorus cycle of lowland Amazonia

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 279-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corina Buendía ◽  
Axel Kleidon ◽  
Stefano Manzoni ◽  
Björn Reu ◽  
Amilcare Porporato
Keyword(s):  
Amazon Basin ◽  
P Availability ◽  
Phosphorus Cycle ◽  
Terra Firme ◽  
The Andes ◽  
P Content ◽  
Spatial Redistribution ◽  
Soil Age ◽  
Seasonally Flooded ◽  
Lowland Amazonia

Abstract. Phosphorus (P) availability decreases with soil age and potentially limits the productivity of ecosystems growing on old and weathered soils. Despite growing on ancient soils, ecosystems of lowland Amazonia are highly productive and are among the most biodiverse on Earth. P eroded and weathered in the Andes is transported by the rivers and deposited in floodplains of the lowland Amazon basin creating hotspots of P fertility. We hypothesize that animals feeding on vegetation and detritus in these hotspots may redistribute P to P-depleted areas, thus contributing to dissipate the P gradient across the landscape. Using a mathematical model, we show that animal-driven spatial redistribution of P from rivers to land and from seasonally flooded to terra firme (upland) ecosystems may sustain the P cycle of Amazonian lowlands. Our results show how P imported to land by terrestrial piscivores in combination with spatial redistribution of herbivores and detritivores can significantly enhance the P content in terra firme ecosystems, thereby highlighting the importance of food webs for the biogeochemical cycling of Amazonia.

Evaluation of Resistant Starch Quality from Different Types of Banana in Batter Coating Formulation to Reduce Oil Absorption in Fried Food

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-120
Author(s):  
Karissha Fritzi Della ◽  
Mutiara Pratiwi ◽  
Purwa Tri Cahyana ◽  
Maria DPT Gunawan-Puteri
Keyword(s):  
Resistant Starch ◽  
Extraction Process ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Oil Absorption ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Fried Food ◽  
Musa Paradisiaca ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Coating Formulation

Fried food is convenient for many people due to its pleasant texture and taste. On the other hand, it comes with the risk of high oil absorption which might lead to certain health problems. Resistant starch (RS) has been known to have a functionality of reducing oil absorption. Three different types of banana: Kepok (Musa paradisiaca formatypica), Raja Bulu (Musa paradisiaca L.) and Ambon (Musa paradisiaca L. var sapientum) were evaluated on its performance when utilized as source of resistant starch especially on their application in reducing oil absorption in fried food. Tempeh was used as the food model. Banana starch (RS2) was isolated through water alkaline extraction process, continued with modification process through three repeated cycles of autoclaving-cooling process to obtain the RS3. RS3 was added into the batter coating formulation at three substitution ratios (10%, 30% and 50%) and then used to coat tempeh before frying. Evaluation of resistant starch in batter and battered productwas conducted on the following parameters: fat content, water retention capacity (WRC), coating pick up and sensory analysis. The result of this study revealed that Raja Bulu showed the most effective result on reducing oil absorption in the food tested. In the three bananas used, the ratio of 50% performed best in coating pick up (highest), WRC (highest) and fat content(lowest) parameters, but not significantly different with the 30% ratio. In terms of sensory acceptance, using Raja Bulu as the selected banana type, 30% of substitution ratio was significantly more preferable by the panelists in crispness, oiliness, and overall acceptance attributes compared to control and other substitution ratios.

scholarly journals Kombucha Tea as a Reservoir of Cellulose Producing Bacteria: Assessing Diversity among Komagataeibacter Isolates

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1595
Author(s):  
Salvatore La China ◽  
Luciana De Vero ◽  
Kavitha Anguluri ◽  
Marcello Brugnoli ◽  
Dhouha Mamlouk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intraspecific Diversity ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Combined Model ◽  
Discrimination Power ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
High Mechanical Strength ◽  
Kombucha Tea ◽  
Typing Methods ◽  
Fermented Beverage ◽  
Tea Production

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is receiving a great deal of attention due to its unique properties such as high purity, water retention capacity, high mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. However, the production of BC has been limited because of the associated high costs and low productivity. In light of this, the isolation of new BC producing bacteria and the selection of highly productive strains has become a prominent issue. Kombucha tea is a fermented beverage in which the bacteria fraction of the microbial community is composed mostly of strains belonging to the genus Komagataeibacter. In this study, Kombucha tea production trials were performed starting from a previous batch, and bacterial isolation was conducted along cultivation time. From the whole microbial pool, 46 isolates were tested for their ability to produce BC. The obtained BC yield ranged from 0.59 g/L, for the isolate K2G36, to 23 g/L for K2G30—which used as the reference strain. The genetic intraspecific diversity of the 46 isolates was investigated using two repetitive-sequence-based PCR typing methods: the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) elements and the (GTG)5 sequences, respectively. The results obtained using the two different approaches revealed the suitability of the fingerprint techniques, showing a discrimination power, calculated as the D index, of 0.94 for (GTG)5 rep-PCR and 0.95 for ERIC rep-PCR. In order to improve the sensitivity of the applied method, a combined model for the two genotyping experiments was performed, allowing for the ability to discriminate among strains.

scholarly journals Buoyancy control in ammonoid cephalopods refined by complex internal shell architecture

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Peterman ◽  
Kathleen A. Ritterbush ◽  
Charles N. Ciampaglio ◽  
Erynn H. Johnson ◽  
Shinya Inoue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Tension ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Functional Explanation ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Biomechanical Stress ◽  
Liquid Retention ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Functional Explanations ◽  
Hydrophilic Coatings ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe internal architecture of chambered ammonoid conchs profoundly increased in complexity through geologic time, but the adaptive value of these structures is disputed. Specifically, these cephalopods developed fractal-like folds along the edges of their internal divider walls (septa). Traditionally, functional explanations for septal complexity have largely focused on biomechanical stress resistance. However, the impact of these structures on buoyancy manipulation deserves fresh scrutiny. We propose increased septal complexity conveyed comparable shifts in fluid retention capacity within each chamber. We test this interpretation by measuring the liquid retained by septa, and within entire chambers, in several 3D-printed cephalopod shell archetypes, treated with (and without) biomimetic hydrophilic coatings. Results show that surface tension regulates water retention capacity in the chambers, which positively scales with septal complexity and membrane capillarity, and negatively scales with size. A greater capacity for liquid retention in ammonoids may have improved buoyancy regulation, or compensated for mass changes during life. Increased liquid retention in our experiments demonstrate an increase in areas of greater surface tension potential, supporting improved chamber refilling. These findings support interpretations that ammonoids with complex sutures may have had more active buoyancy regulation compared to other groups of ectocochleate cephalopods. Overall, the relationship between septal complexity and liquid retention capacity through surface tension presents a robust yet simple functional explanation for the mechanisms driving this global biotic pattern.

scholarly journals Chemical Composition and Functional Properties of Dietary Fibre Concentrates from Winemaking By-Products: Skins, Stems and Lees

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1510
Author(s):  
María Ángeles Rivas ◽  
Rocío Casquete ◽  
María de Guía Córdoba ◽  
Santiago Ruíz-Moyano ◽  
María José Benito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Functional Properties ◽  
Dietary Fibre ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Oil Retention ◽  
High Antioxidant Activity ◽  
By Products

The objective of this study was to evaluate, from a technological and nutritional point of view, the chemical composition and functional properties of the industrial winemaking by-products, namely skins, stems and lees. The chemical and physical characteristics, as well as the functional properties (fat and water retention and swelling capacity, antioxidant capacity, and their prebiotic effect), of the dietary fibre of these by-products were studied. The results showed that the skins, stems, and lees are rich in fibre, with the stem fibre containing the highest amounts of non-extractable polyphenols attached to polysaccharides with high antioxidant activity and prebiotic effect. Lee fibre had the highest water retention capacity and oil retention capacity. The results reveal that winemaking by-products could be used as a source of dietary fibre with functional characteristics for food applications.

scholarly journals Marked Differences in Butterfly Assemblage Composition between Forest Types in Central Amazonia, Brazil

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 942
Author(s):  
Isabela Freitas Oliveira ◽  
Fabricio Beggiato Baccaro ◽  
Fernanda P. Werneck ◽  
Thamara Zacca ◽  
Torbjørn Haugaasen
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Spatial Arrangement ◽  
High Water ◽  
Butterfly Species ◽  
Terra Firme ◽  
Central Amazonia ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Contrasting Habitats ◽  
Seasonally Flooded

Amazonia comprises a mosaic of contrasting habitats, with wide environmental heterogeneity at local and regional scales. In central Amazonia, upland forest (terra firme) is the predominant forest type and seasonally flooded forests inundated by white- and black-water rivers (várzea and igapó, respectively) represent around 20% of the forested areas. In this work, we took advantage of a natural spatial arrangement of the main vegetation types in central Amazonia to investigate butterfly assemblage structure in terra firme, várzea and igapó forests at the local scale. We sampled in the low- and high-water seasons, combining active and passive sampling with traps placed in both the understory and canopy. Terra firme supported the highest number of butterfly species, whereas várzea forest provided the highest number of butterfly captures. The high species richness in terra firme may reflect that this forest type is floristically richer than várzea and igapó. Várzea is a very productive environment and may thus support a higher number of butterfly individuals than terra firme and igapó. Most butterfly species (80.2%) were unique to a single forest type and 17 can be considered forest type indicator species in this landscape. Floodplain forest environments are therefore an important complement to terra firme in terms of butterfly species richness and conservation in Amazonia.

Landscape patterns influence communities of medium- to large-bodied vertebrates in undisturbed terra firme forests of French Guiana

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 423-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cécile Richard-Hansen ◽  
Gaëlle Jaouen ◽  
Thomas Denis ◽  
Olivier Brunaux ◽  
Eric Marcon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beta Diversity ◽  
Amazon Basin ◽  
French Guiana ◽  
Forest Ecology ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Landscape Patterns ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Terra Firme ◽  
Association Index

Abstract:Whereas broad-scale Amazonian forest types have been shown to influence the structure of the communities of medium- to large-bodied vertebrates, their natural heterogeneity at smaller scale or within the terra firme forests remains poorly described and understood. Diversity indices of such communities and the relative abundance of the 21 most commonly observed species were compared from standardized line-transect data across 25 study sites distributed in undisturbed forests in French Guiana. We first assessed the relevance of a forest typology based on geomorphological landscapes to explain the observed heterogeneity. As previously found for tree beta-diversity patterns, this new typology proved to be a non-negligible factor underlying the beta diversity of the communities of medium- to large bodied vertebrates in French Guianan terra firme forests. Although the species studied are almost ubiquitous across the region, they exhibited habitat preferences through significant variation in abundance and in their association index with the different landscape types. As terra firme forests represent more than 90% of the Amazon basin, characterizing their heterogeneity – including faunal communities – is a major challenge in neotropical forest ecology.

Host preferences of low-trunk vascular epiphytes in a cloud forest of Veracruz, Mexico

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 651-660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus Mehltreter ◽  
Alejandro Flores-Palacios ◽  
José G. García-Franco
Keyword(s):  
Water Retention ◽  
Cloud Forest ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Host Preferences ◽  
Host Group ◽  
Vascular Epiphytes ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Tree Ferns ◽  
Epiphyte Species

The diversity, abundance and frequency of vascular epiphytes on the lower trunk were compared between two host groups of a Mexican cloud forest: angiosperm trees (n = 72) and tree ferns (n = 28). The bark of the five most frequent host trees and the root mantle of the two tree ferns were analysed for their thickness, water content, water retention capacity and pH. A total of 55 epiphyte species and 910 individuals were found on the 27 host species. On hosts with a dbh range of 5–10 cm, epiphytes were significantly more diverse (4.3±0.9 species per host) and more abundant (12.5±2.2 individuals per host) on tree ferns than on angiosperm trees (1.9±0.2 species per host and 3.9±0.6 individuals per host). However, these differences were not significant for the dbh class of 10–20 cm, because epiphyte numbers increased on angiosperm trees with larger host size, but not in tree ferns. Most epiphyte species had no preference for any host group, but four species were significantly more frequent on tree ferns and two species on angiosperm trees. The higher epiphyte diversity and abundance on tree fern trunks of the smallest dbh class is attributed to their presumably greater age and to two stem characteristics, which differed significantly between host groups, the thicker root mantle and higher water retention capacity of tree ferns. These bark characteristics may favour germination and establishment of epiphytes.

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