scholarly journals Plant community diversity and composition provide little resistance to Juniperus encroachment

Botany ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (12) ◽  
pp. 1416-1426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy C. Ganguli ◽  
David M. Engle ◽  
Paul M. Mayer ◽  
Eric C. Hellgren
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Community ◽  
Tallgrass Prairie ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Community Diversity ◽  
Oak Forest ◽  
Old Field

Widespread encroachment of the fire-intolerant species Juniperus virginiana  L. into North American grasslands and savannahs where fire has largely been removed has prompted the need to identify mechanisms driving J. virginiana encroachment. We tested whether encroachment success of J. virginiana is related to plant species diversity and composition across three plant communities. We predicted J. virginiana encroachment success would (i) decrease with increasing diversity, and (ii) J. virginiana encroachment success would be unrelated to species composition. We simulated encroachment by planting J. virginiana seedlings in tallgrass prairie, old-field grassland, and upland oak forest. We used J. virginiana survival and growth as an index of encroachment success and evaluated success as a function of plant community traits (i.e., species richness, species diversity, and species composition). Our results indicated that J. virginiana encroachment success increased with increasing plant richness and diversity. Moreover, growth and survival of J. virginiana seedlings was associated with plant species composition only in the old-field grassland and upland oak forest. These results suggest that greater plant species richness and diversity provide little resistance to J. virginiana encroachment, and the results suggest resource availability and other biotic or abiotic factors are determinants of J. virginiana encroachment success.

Edge influence on herbaceous plant species, diversity and soil properties in sparse oak forest fragments in Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gelareh Valadi ◽  
Javad Eshaghi Rad ◽  
Yahia Khodakarami ◽  
Mostafa Nemati Peykani ◽  
Karen A. Harper
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Herbaceous Plants ◽  
Oak Forest ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Edge Influence

Abstract Aims Forest edges have been well studied in temperate and tropical forests, but less so in open canopy forests. We investigated edge influence on plant species diversity and soil properties in sparse oak forest fragments. Methods Data were collected along three transects from the edge to the interior of three small (under 10 ha) and three large (over 10 ha) oak forest fragments in Kermanshah province, Iran. We measured herbaceous plants (< 0.5 m in height) and soil attributes at 0 (forest edge), 25, 50, 100 and 150 m. We quantified species diversity using the Shannon index, used rarefaction to compare species richness between two different sizes of fragments and applied non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination to investigate the variation in species composition. We estimated the distance of edge influence using randomization tests. Generalized linear mixed models with post-hoc Tukey's HSD tests were used to assess the effects of distance from edge and fragment size on diversity and soil properties. Important findings We found greater species richness, diversity and evenness at the edge of both small and large fragments, and lower nitrogen and organic carbon at the edge compared to the interior of large fragments, with most changes within 50 m of the edge. Species composition, organic carbon and total nitrogen were significantly different between small and large fragments. Our findings of significant edge influence on herbaceous plants and soil properties in these sparse forests provide a significant contribution to the literature on edges, especially in relation to herbaceous plants.

Changes in vegetation and soil properties following 6 years of enclosure in riparian corridors

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-138
Author(s):  
Di Wang ◽  
Yi-Ran Zhang ◽  
Yu-Long Feng ◽  
Zhi Liu ◽  
Bo Qu
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Riparian Vegetation ◽  
Vegetation Restoration ◽  
Plant Species Diversity ◽  
Main Stream ◽  
Riparian Corridors

Abstract Aims Riparian corridors play vital roles in the maintenance of biodiversity. Nonetheless, plant species diversity and vegetation coverage in riparian corridors are seriously threatened by increasing pressure owing to livestock consumption and anthropogenic disturbance; even the stability of river courses has been threatened. The establishment of enclosures is a widely used strategy to restore degraded grassland ecosystems, but its impact on degraded herbaceous riparian vegetation and soil properties remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether species composition, richness, diversity, and soil properties can be recovered by the enclosure. Methods Twenty long-term monitoring sample plots were set in the Liaohe main stream river, Liaohe main stream river was enclosed for grazing and farmland exclusion in 2012. The height, coverage and individual numbers of plant were recorded for species richness and diversity evaluation from 2012 to 2017; soil nutrients were measured for comparative analysis in 2012 and 2017. We examined the effects of the establishment of enclosures on plant species diversity and soil properties from 2012 to 2017 in the riparian corridors of the Liaohe River system in China. Important Findings Plant species richness and diversity significantly increased from 2012 to 2017. The dominance of Asteraceae plants increased, while the abundance of Gramineae plants decreased over time. The difference in abundance increased each year since enclosure was implemented in 2012. The concentrations of phosphorus and potassium in the soil significantly decreased as a result of the combined effects of vegetation restoration and prohibition of farming practices following the establishment of enclosures. There was also a lag time related to the response of soil organic matter to the establishment of enclosures. In conclusion, our study provides new evidence regarding the response of species diversity, species composition and soil properties following riparian vegetation restoration efforts through enclosure development.

scholarly journals Plant Species Diversity in Young Conifer Plantations in Northern and Central California

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-54
Author(s):  
Philip M. McDonald ◽  
Gary O. Fiddler
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Ecosystem Management ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Site Productivity ◽  
Central California ◽  
Conifer Plantations ◽  
Number Increase

Abstract In this age of ecosystem management, plant species have value as an integral component of an ecosystem, as possible sustenance for animals, and even as a provider of medicines or food for humans. Plant species in plantations are no exception. But what species are present, how long are they present, and does their number increase or decrease? Are some species found in most plantations? Such knowledge could enhance the management of vegetation in plantations as well. In 21 study areas (plantations) in northern and central California with at least 10 years of data, we found 237 species in six categories (conifers, hardwoods, shrubs, forbs, graminoids, ferns). The average number of species in each plantation was 23 at the beginning of the studies and 28 after 10 years. The range of species was 13 to 61, with high variability and no trend of species richness to site productivity or age of vegetation. Three species and 10 genera were common to a majority of plantations. The vegetation manager now has some knowledge about species composition in young plantations in northern and central California and how it changes during the first 10 years after site preparation and release.

scholarly journals Effect of environmental gradients on diversity and plant community distribution in remnant dry Afromontane forest of Mount Duro, Nagelle Arsi, Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-31
Author(s):  
Mengistu Teshome ◽  
Zebene Asfaw ◽  
Gemedo Dalle
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Community ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Forest Ecosystem ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Community Type ◽  
Diversity Assessment ◽  
Bersama Abyssinica

Abstract For forest ecosystem management to be effective, explicit understanding of the species diversity-environmental relationship along elevation gradient is crucial. This study aimed at identifying and describing plant communities and also documenting their species diversity. Evaluation of relationships between selected environmental variables and species diversity was another objective of this study. Systematic sampling techniques were used to collect vegetation data in a total of forty two sample plots (size=20×20 m). Within main plots, four sub-plots of 5×5 m were established at four corners and – one sub-plot of the same size in the center. These plots were used for shrub and herb diversity assessment. Within each sample plot, all plant species were documented and their scientific names were identified. Environmental variables, such as: elevation, aspect and slope, were also recorded for each main plot. Species diversity was determined using Shannon-Wiener diversity index and evenness in R statistical software. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering method was used for plant community classification. The total of 44 plant species belonging to 30 families was documented. Four plant community types were identified with different diversity, evenness and species richness. These plant communities were: Afrocurpus falcatus-Ficus sur, Maesa lanceolata-Bersama abyssinica, Vernonia myriantha-Urera hypselodendron and Croton machrostachus-Tecleanobilis occurring at average elevation of 2521, 2429, 2329, and 2364 m asl, respectively. Maesa lanceolata-Bersama abyssinica community type exhibited the highest species diversity and evenness followed by Croton machrostachus-Teclea nobilis community type showing the fact that median elevation ranges were rich in species. Elevation and slope gradient explained significant variation in species richness in the studied forest. For effective conservation of biodiversity and sustainable management of the forest ecosystem, further research on the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances and soil properties is recommended as a result of this study.

Diversity of the Western Carpathian flysch grasslands: Do extremely species-rich plant communities coincide with a high diversity of snails?

Biologia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Dvořáková ◽  
Kristina Merunková ◽  
Zdenka Preislerová ◽  
Michal Horsák ◽  
Milan Chytrý
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Plant Species Richness ◽  
Snail Species ◽  
Local Species ◽  
White Carpathians

AbstractUpland fringes of the White Carpathians (Czech Republic) are known to support grasslands with the world’s highest local plant species richness. We investigated whether this unusually high plant richness has a parallel in snail communities, whether patterns of species composition of snail and plant communities in grasslands co-vary and how they are affected by local environment and landscape history. We compared plant and snail communities of dry to mesic grasslands in three neigh bouring regions: (1) hilly lowland of the Central Moravian Carpathians, (2) upland fringes and (3) upland of the White Carpathians. Both snail and plant communities exhibited a strong gradient in species composition associated with altitude, annual temperature and precipitation, soil calcium and pH. However, there was no correlation between local species richness of plants and snails in individual plots. The upland fringes of the White Carpathians were richest in snail species, probably due to intermediate environmental conditions, supporting the occurrence of species with contrasting environmental requirements. The highest local numbers of plant species were also recorded there, although differences among regions were not significant. The regional species richness of plants was also highest in the upland fringes, whereas that of snails was highest in the hilly lowland. Similarities in the diversity patterns of plants and snails among regions suggest the importance of regional factors for local richness, although local abiotic factors, which are partly correlated with the three regions, also influence local species composition and richness.

scholarly journals Arbuscular mycorrhizal association and dependency determined the pioneer plant community, diversity structure and plant cover in two river bank under same climate

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (13) ◽  
pp. 453-465
Author(s):  
Somdatta Ghosh ◽  
D. Kuila ◽  
N. K. Verma
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Community ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Similarity Index ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Community Diversity ◽  
River Bank ◽  
Pioneer Plant ◽  
Mycorrhizal Association

Early colonization of plants in an area is influenced mostly by climatic, edaphic and phytogeographic factors. As arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) was associated with early invasion of land plants on earth, AM may have some role in defining the first seral community in any land. Two riverbanks were selected to study their pioneer plant community structure with species composition and diversity, soil characters and arbuscular mycorrhizal association; and correlations among these factors. Species composition, diversity and richness indices, active AM association of early colonizing plant species, soil texture, moisture, pH and E.C in two river banks differed. Similarity index for plant species between the two communities was poor. Diversity and richness indices were high in K site while evenness was high in R site. AM colonization and spore density correlated highly with plant cover and frequency in both riverbanks. Soil moisture showed a strong negative impact on mycorrhization, soil organic carbon showed little. Soil pH showed varied correlation in different sites. Early colonizing plants in R site with silt-loam soil with high moisture level are found poorly mycotrophic or nonmycotrophic; though plant cover correlated highly with mycotrophy in both sites. Plants in sandy soil of K site are highly mycotrophic and with high arbuscular and vesicular colonizations. The distribution of frequency in R site is highly deviated from Raunkiuer’s frequency class; in K site it is rather stable. The soil condition is only key factor to determine plant composition and plant-mycorrhizal relations influencing colonization of early seral community.

scholarly journals Composition and diversity of anurans in the Restinga of the Conde municipality, northern coast of the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Augusto Trindade Gondim-Silva ◽  
Alessandra Rodrigues Santos Andrade ◽  
Rafael Oliveira Abreu ◽  
Jamile Santos Nascimento ◽  
Geovane Paixão Corrêa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
The State ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Freshwater Wetland ◽  
Northern Coast ◽  
Anuran Species

Abstract The Conde municipality is located in the northern coast of the state of Bahia (NC), northeastern Brazil, and is part of the Atlantic Tropical domain. The anuran fauna of the northern portion of the NC is still poorly known if compared to the southern portion. The Restinga is one of the predominant environments of the coastal plains of the NC and it is characterized essentially by presenting sandy soil covered by herbaceous and shrubby vegetation. The objective of this study was to determine the anuran species composition and diversity for the Restinga of the Conde municipality. Sampling was carried out at night by active search over four periods of five consecutive days each, two over the 'main rainy season' and two in a 'lesser rainy season', using 14 sample units (SUs) and five extra sample plots (EPs). We calculated dominance and species diversity using the Berger-Parker and Shannon-Wiener H' indices, respectively. We used accumulation curves and the Jackknife 1 estimator to estimate anuran species richness, considering only the data obtained from the SUs. We recorded 713 anuran specimens distributed within 33 species, 13 genera and five families (Bufonidae, Craugastoridae, Hylidae, Leptodactylidae and Microhylidae). The Hylidae and Leptodactylidae families had the highest species richness. Considering only the SUs (Jackknife 1 estimator in brackets), we recorded 28 species in the study area (33.9 ± 2.3), 13 in Shrubby Vegetation Zones - SVZ (20.8 ± 2.9) and 25 in Freshwater Wetland Zones - FWZ (28.9 ± 1.9). The abundance and species diversity of the FWZ (n = 638 specimens; H'= 2.4) were higher than those recorded for the SVZ (n = 52 specimens; H' = 1.9). The SVZ and FWZ showed distinct dominant species, wherein Pristimantis paulodutrai was the dominant species in SVZ and Scinax fuscomarginatus in FWZ. The Restinga of the Conde municipality stands out as the one with the highest anuran species richness already recorded considering only SVZ and FWZ. Moreover, its anuran species composition represented 55% of the anuran species known for the NC and included taxa common to three different morphoclimatic domains (Tropical Atlantic, Cerrado and Caatinga).

scholarly journals Grazing management effects on plant species diversity in tallgrass prairie

2011 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Hickman ◽  
David Hartnett ◽  
Robert Cochran ◽  
Clenton Owensby
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Tallgrass Prairie ◽  
Plant Species Diversity ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Management Effects
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