Natural vegetation and ecology of abandoned coal-mined land, Rocky Mountain Foothills, Alberta, Canada

1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (7) ◽  
pp. 1286-1298 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. B. Russell ◽  
G. H. La Roi
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Rocky Mountain ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Natural Vegetation ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Plant Distribution ◽  
Slope Position ◽  
Total Plant

The natural vegetation and spoils of two abandoned, unreclaimed coal mines in the Mountain Park area were studied quantitatively in 34 stands. After 26 years of abandonment the vegetation of both Townsite and West Mine was sparse. Total plant cover was usually < 10% and isolated plants were common. The communities were dominated by perennial grasses and forbs. Seven plant community types were recognized: (i) Festuca rubra – Epilobium angustifolium, (ii) Agropyron latiglume –Agropyron repens, and (iii) Agropyron spp. – Artemisia borealis on the Townsite; and (iv) Equisetum arvense – Potentilla fruticosa, (v) Agoseris glauca – Crepis nana, (vi) Agropyron latiglume – Crepis elegans, and (vii) Crepis nana – Eriogonum androsaceum on the West Mine. The spoil materials were generally coarse textured and structureless, consisting of rock fragments and loose single grains. Spoil samples were analysed for 20 physical and chemical properties. Variation in spoil properties appeared to strongly influence plant distribution and community development. Total plant cover and species richness were correlated with several spoil properties; highest correlations were with fine earth content (<2 mm) and clay content on the Townsite and West Mine sites, respectively. Slope position strongly influenced plant distribution on both study sites. Total plant cover, species richness, and the frequency of most species were highest at the slope base and lowest at the upper slope, midslope, and (or) crest positions. The sites were only 1.2 km apart, differed only 30 m in elevation, and were abandoned for the same length of time. Nevertheless, they differed edaphically and supported significantly different plant communities.

Invasion by the leguminous tree Acacia dealbata (Mimosaceae) reduces the native understorey plant species in different communities

2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Lorenzo ◽  
Eva Pazos-Malvido ◽  
Margarita Rubido-Bará ◽  
Manuel J. Reigosa ◽  
Luís González
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Community Type ◽  
Leguminous Tree ◽  
Acacia Dealbata ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Western Spain ◽  
North Western ◽  
Understorey Plant

Acacia dealbata Link (Mimosaceae) is a woody leguminous tree introduced to Europe from Australia that has become a serious environmental problem in north-western Spain, where it forms dense monospecific patches threatening native-plant biodiversity. We describe the effects of invasion by A. dealbata on understorey plant composition in shrubland, oak- and pine-forest communities in north-western Spain. Plant species richness and composition, plant density and total plant cover were measured and compared among patches with different invasion status (invaded, transition and non-invaded patches) in each studied community. A clear effect of the community type and invasion on the understorey vegetation was observed. In general, composition of shrubland was different from that of oak and pine forests. We found significant effects of invasion status on species richness, plant density and total plant cover; values were significantly lower in invaded than non-invaded patches. Invasion by A. dealbata also was associated with changes in species composition. In total, eight native species, including the endemic Daboecia cantabrica (thuds) K. Koch, were confined to non-invaded patches and were replaced by other natives in invaded and transition patches. Our results suggest that although A. dealbata represented a serious threat to all of the study communities, the severity of the impact depended on the community type.

Morphological and Chemical Characteristics of Soil Catenas on Pinedale and Bull Lake Moraine Slopes in the Salmon River Mountains, Idaho

1987 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret E. Berry
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Soil Development ◽  
Slope Position ◽  
Salmon River ◽  
Chemical Properties Of Soils ◽  
Film Development ◽  
Pedogenic Processes

AbstractMorphological and chemical properties of soils developed on moraines of granitic composition, and forested with lodgepole pine, in Bear Valley, Idaho, change significantly with age and slope position. Soil development on Pinedale and Bull Lake moraine slopes of similar curvature and steepness was assessed at the summits, shoulders, backslopes, and footslopes of both catenas, and at the toeslope of the Bull Lake catena. Many soil properties show trends in development with both age and slope position. These properties include clay content, clay film development, color, plagioclase weathering, and dithionite-citrate-extractable iron (Fed). The degree of development of all these properties is greater on the Bull Lake catena relative to that on the Pinedale catena. This trend reflects increased soil development with age. On both catenas, development of soil properties is commonly highest at the footslope or toeslope sites and minimum at the backslope site. Downslope changes are attributed to both colluviation and pedogenic processes, including sorting of sediments during downslope transport, greater accumulation of eolian materials transported to downslope sites by surface processes, and greater in situ weathering of mineral grains at the footslope and toeslope sites.

Is there a middle way between permanent plots and chronosequences?

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 3133-3138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randall W. Myster ◽  
Michael P. Malahy
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Vegetation Changes ◽  
Middle Way ◽  
Total Species Richness ◽  
Luquillo Mountains ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Total Species

Although permanent plots have proven critical to studies of vegetation dynamics, their logistic limitations have led to the wide use of chronosequences as an alternative. Here, we test whether or not an approach combining permanent plots and chronosequences could be used successfully to accurately predict the vegetation changes that one would see in permanent plots in the same area. We used plot data from five pastures in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico, USA, and found that (i) for species composition and abundance, the five pastures did not form a single trajectory or show any convergence, (ii) for successional rate, there was a general decrease with time since abandonment for most pastures, but that decrease was not monotonic and one pasture of the five had no decrease at all, and (iii) total species richness and total plant cover showed pastures that lined up well by age, forming almost a single trajectory with little variation. We conclude that the utility of using chronosequences either alone or with permanent plots depends largely on the parameter under study with broad structural parameters, such as total species richness and total plant cover, performing best.

scholarly journals Characterization, land capability and fertility classification of soils along Kpantinapu-Nukkai toposequence in Jalingo, Taraba State

2020 ◽  
pp. 24-33
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Slope Position ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Profile Depth ◽  
Laboratory Procedures ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Lower Slope ◽  
Upper Slope

The objective of this study was to characterize the soils of the study area, determine some soil properties and classify the soils according to USDA Taxonomic System. Coordinates of the Pedons were obtained using hand held Geographic Positioning System (GIS) and one (1) profile pit was dug at the upper, middle and lower slope respectively. Some soil physical and chemical properties were determined using standard laboratory procedures. The results shows that the physical properties at the upper slope were dominated by sand with mean values ranging from 50 to 87%. Clay content increased with increase in profile depth and with decrease in slope along the toposequence (>35% clay). Soil pH were slightly acid to neutral across the slope and was statistically significant between the slopes. The soils had greater than 50% base saturation and were classified as Alfisols at the order level. The soils were classified as Typic Plinthustalfs, Typic Paleustalfs and Vertic Halpustalfs at the upper, middle and lower slope respectively. Capability class showed class C3(IIIse) at the upper slope while the lower slope was C3 (IIIws); and fertility class varied from moderately suitable (S2) to marginally suitable (S3). In order to attain food security and enhance agricultural productivity and quality of life in the study area, close attention should be given to upper slope position to control the damaging effects of erosion and integrated nutrient management should be employed to improve the soil fertility of the land

Red soils of different origins from southwest Nigeria: Characteristics, classification, and management considerations

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. A. Okusami ◽  
R. H. Rust ◽  
A. O. Alao
Keyword(s):  
Clay Mineral ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Clay Fraction ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Parent Material ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Biotite Gneiss ◽  
Variable Charge

Representative profiles of the Owena, Egbeda, Alagba, and Balogun series were studied. The Owena soil is formed in amphibolite whereas Egbeda and Balogun soils are formed in biotite gneiss derived parent materials. The Alagba soil is formed in sandstone parent rock. The main objectives were to characterize the soils and their clay fraction, and to classify and interpret soil properties for agricultural land use. Most soils exhibit 2.5 YR hues in subsurface horizons. A pedon formed in biotite gneiss has the highest dithionite Fe content and Fed/clay ratio. The relationships between clay content and Fed values vary according to parent material origin and, therefore, would have to be interpreted differently for soil weathering processes. Clay coatings were noticeable in some soil horizons of all pedons studied. Soils are generally medium to slightly acid with sandstone-derived soils being the most acid. The clay mineral suite in all soils is dominated by kaolinite with traces of 2:1 and 2:2 clay minerals, goethite, hematite, anatase, maghemite, and rutile. In addition, some soils contain trace amounts of gibbsite. Kandic horizons have been identified in all soils. The low charge properties of the soils reflect the intensely weathered clay mineral suite. The base status is probably influenced by the cropping system and therefore may tend to unnecessarily differentiate highly weathered soils at the order level. The Egbeda and Balogun series were classified as Rhodic Kandiudults, clayey-skeletal, oxidic and Rhodic Kandiudalfs, clayey-skeletal, oxidic, respectively. Others, Owena, and Alagba series, were classified as Typic Kanhaplohumults, clayey, oxidic and Rhodic Kanhaplustults, fine loamy or clayey, oxidic, respectively. In the FAO-Unesco legend, all soils become Rhodic Ferralsols. In addition, the Owena (with its nitic properties) is further classified as niti-rhodic Ferralsol. The two classification systems are at variance for highly weathered (variable charge property) soils and this difference will definitely influence management decisions depending on which system is used at any particular time. Soil attributes favorable for agricultural use include thick sola and favorable structures. Chemical properties suggest minimal fixation of phosphorus. Key words: Dithionite Fe, kandic, oxidic, variable charge, ferralic, exchangeable Al

scholarly journals Effect of termite activity on soil under different land management strategies

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Liane Barreto Alves Pinheiro ◽  
Rodrigo Camara ◽  
Marcos Gervasio Pereira ◽  
Eduardo Lima ◽  
Maria Elizabeth Fernandes Correia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Termite Mounds ◽  
Eucalyptus Plantation ◽  
Exchangeable Acidity ◽  
Calcium And Magnesium ◽  
Surrounding Soil

Mound-building termites are important agents of soil bioperturbation, but these species have not been extensively studied thus far. The present study aimed to evaluate the soil particle-size and the chemical attributes of termite mounds and the surrounding soil under different land use strategies. A one-hectare plot was defined for an unmanaged degraded pasture, planted pasture, and for a eucalyptus Corymbia citriodora plantation. In each plot, the top, center, and base sections of five Cornitermes cumulans mounds, and the surrounding soil at the depths of 0-5; 5-10; 10-20 cm, were sampled in the Pinheiral, Rio de Janeiro state. In the three areas, the center of the mounds contained higher clay content, organic carbon, phosphorous, calcium and magnesium, total bases, and cation exchangeable capacity, when compared to the top, base, and the surrounding soils. However, the center had lower values of exchangeable acidity and potassium, of the three areas. In the eucalyptus plantation, the values of pH, total bases, calcium, and magnesium were lower, whereas aluminum, exchangeable acidity, sodium, and cation exchange capacity were higher both in the mounds and in the surrounding soil, in relation to the pastures. There were no differences among the three areas in terms of organic carbon, potassium, phosphorous, and total bases, in the mounds and adjacent soil. Thus, the termite activity altered the clay content and most of the soil chemical properties in all of the studied areas, but only for the center of the mounds. However, the effect of these organisms was different in the eucalyptus plantation in relation to the pasture areas.

scholarly journals Habitat, food, and small mammal community structure in Namaqualand

Koedoe ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Van Deventer ◽  
J.A.J. Nel
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Plant Litter ◽  
Shrub Cover ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Habitat Differences ◽  
Elephant Shrew ◽  
Density And Biomass

The effect of habitat differences and food availability on small mammal (rodent and elephant shrew) species richness, diversity, density and biomass was investigated in Namaqualand, South Africa. Species richness in the three habitats sampled, namely Upland Succulent Karoo, Dry Riverine Shrub and North-western Mountain Renosterveld was low, with only 2–4 species per habitat. Rodents trapped were predominantly Gerbillurus paeba and Aethomys namaquensis, with fewer Mus minutoides and Petromyscus sp. The only non-rodent was the elephant shrew Elephantulus edwardii. Ten habitat features, the percentage of total plant cover, tree cover, shrub cover, grass cover, plant litter, total basal cover, sand, gravel or rock cover, and the dominant plant height were recorded at 30 randomly chosen points on five sampling grids in each habitat. Small mammal density and biomass was significantly correlated with food availability (green foliage cover, seeds, and relative density and biomass of insects). Species richness and diversity of small mammals were significantly correlated with shrub cover. Numbers and biomass of specific species correlated significantly with different habitat features in each case.

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