scholarly journals Influence of the herbaceous layer and litter depth on the spatial distribution of litter macrofauna in a forest plantation

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. I. Faly ◽  
V. V. Brygadyrenko
Keyword(s):  
Size Structure ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Robinia Pseudoacacia ◽  
Herbaceous Plants ◽  
Forest Belt ◽  
Taxonomic Structure ◽  
Herbaceous Plant ◽  
Disturbed Condition ◽  
Steppe Species ◽  
Number Of Species

The litter invertebrate community consists of species from different size, trophic and taxonomic groups. The distribution of the animal population of the litter horizon depends upon many factors, especially the content of the phytocoenosis, the projective herbaceous plant cover, moisture, litter thickness and the soil texture. This article analyses the variability of the main characteristics of litter invertebrate communities (total number, number of species, diversity according to the Shannon–Wiener and Pielou indices) on plots with different herbaceous plant composition and cover in plantations of Robinia pseudoacacia L. in the South steppe zone of Ukraine (territory of the “Tiligulsky” Regional Landscape Park). The taxonomic structure of the litter communities in the Robinia plantation was dominated by predatory groups of invertebrates (Carabidae, Aranea, Formicidae). The abundance of Julidae, Isopoda, Silphidae and Staphylinidae was relatively low. The studied forest plots were characterized by the simplified size structure of the litter macrofauna. The absence of species with body length of 16–20 mm and length over 20 mm indicates damage to the most significant trophic chains. The forest belt studied is in a highly disturbed condition, the plots being dominated by steppe species of herbaceous plants. The analyzed factors (diversity and extent of cover of herbaceous plants) do not determine the structure of the litter macrofauna community but affect it indirectly: a slight increase in the total number of invertebrates was observed in areas with minimal and maximum number of species of herbaceous plants. The relationship between the abundance of invertebrates and the percentage of herbaceous plant cover is manifested insignificantly. We noted a tendency for the number of invertebrate species to decrease along the gradient of herbaceous plant cover due to the concentration of dominant predatory species which exterminate other trophic groups of macrofauna.

scholarly journals Peculiarities of spatial structure, floristic similarity and phytocoenic activity of herbaceous plant species in afforestations and natural steppe groups of Southern Kryvyi Rih area

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Structure ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Robinia Pseudoacacia ◽  
Occurrence Rate ◽  
Herbaceous Plant ◽  
Floristic Similarity ◽  
Gleditsia Triacanthos ◽  
Number Of Species ◽  
Steppe Communities ◽  
Robinia Pseudoacacia L

The spatial structure, phytocoenic activity, frequency of occurrence and floristic similarity of herbaceous and shrub tiers have been studied in different-aged (30–50 years) afforestations of five species (Gleditsia triacanthos L., Quercus robur L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Pinus pallasiana D. Don, P. sylvestris L.) and steppe communities of Southern Kryvyi Rih area. It was shown that the spatial structure, floristic similarity in the number of species and phytomass in these afforestations depends on the composition of tree species, their age and the type of light structure. During studying the spatial and storey structure of tree plantations it has been found that multi-storeyness is characteristic for the different ages oakeries. The second storey consists of an artificially planted undergrowth. In the stands of Gleditsia triacanthos, the second storey is not developed, and, in artificial pine forests at the sand arenas, the undergrowth is practically absent. The spatial structure of the national-significant nature monument "Natural Landmark Stepok" depends on the mesophytization and ruderalization of the communities, which are the result of a long and complete reservation. It leads to the increase of the areas of Bromopsideta inermis, Poeta angustifoliae formations and the community with domination of Galium aparine L. During the studying steppe phytocoenoses, it has been found that similarity of their floristic compositions depends on the pasture degeneration (slope steppes), and similarity of their phytomasses depends on the dominant species in phytocoenoses. In forest plantations and steppe communities, the largest number of species has a low occurrence rate (up to 20%) and phytocoenic activity by projective coverage up to 1%. In forest and steppe communities, only dominant species have constant phytocoenotic activity of species by phytomass over the years. In general, the species composition of forest stands, their age and light structure affect in different ways the spatial structure, phytocoenic activity by the projective cover and phytomass of species that spontaneously emerge in the stands.

scholarly journals Foraging use of cultivated fields by the Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae Rothschild and Hartert, 1894 on Fuerteventura (Canary Islands)

1999 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 373-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Félix M. Medina
Keyword(s):  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Food Resource ◽  
Herbaceous Plants ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Herbaceous Plant ◽  
Vegetation Height ◽  
Houbara Bustard ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Relationship

SummaryThe Houbara Bustard on Fuerteventura uses cultivated fields (gavias) as feeding sites, finding in these a high-level resource of easy access. A total of 521 visits were observed during this study, 81 to abandoned gavias, 139 to cultivated, and 301 to ploughed ones. This use was correlated with the total vegetation cover, as well as with cover by herbaceous plants and by alfalfa Medicago sativa. The relationship with invertebrate abundance was negative. Cultivated gavias were selected in relation to their alfalfa cover, abandoned gavias in relation to their herbaceous cover, and ploughed gavias were selected in relation to total vegetation cover, cover of herbaceous plants, Launaea arborescens and Salsola vermiculata cover, and vegetation height. Figs, present in ploughed gavias only, were a highly favoured food resource. Of the three study localities, Lajares was most visited by Houbaras (357 visits), followed by Triquivijate (105) and Tefía (59). This use was not correlated with the population of Houbaras in each locality but with the resources that were found in them. The gavias were used in all seasons of the year, mainly in summer, and less so in spring. In summer, use was correlated with herbaceous plant cover and associated to the presence of figs, and in winter with herbaceous cover; in autumn there was no overall selection for variables; in spring, selection was negative with respect to invertebrate availability. This predictable food resource is a real advantage for the maintenance of Houbara populations and contributes to the conservation of the species on Fuerteventura.

Peculiarities of seasonal changes of taxonomic structure and number of weevil-beetles (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) of herptobios in Kharkiv urbocenoses (Ukraine)

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.A. Komaromi ◽  
A.V. Putchkov ◽  
V.Yu. Nazarenko
Keyword(s):  
Early Summer ◽  
Taxonomic Structure ◽  
Dynamic Density ◽  
Number Of Species ◽  
Summer Maximum ◽  
Minimal Quantity ◽  
Slight Rise ◽  
Suburban Forests ◽  
The City ◽  
Increased Activity

A total of 54 species in 35 genera of Curculionidae are registered in the urbocenoses of Kharkiv city. Only three species, Exomias pellucidus, Otiorhynchus raucus and Ot. ovatus, are recorded as dominants. Some other species (Urometopus nemorum, Sciaphobus squalidus and Glocianus punctiger) are sporadically noted in some sites as subdominants. The total number of species turned out to be higher in the herpetobios of plantings at periphery (31), slightly lower in private farmlands of the city (21), parks and plantings of the center (17 each), but minimal in suburban forests (11 species). The highest quantity of specimens were observed for the plantations of the center and margins of city: nevertheless, minimal quantity of specimens was registered at parks and woods. The maximum number of species (including all cenoses) was recorded from the end of April to first decade of May (28 species). From May to the end of June 15–18 species were registered. Ten species were recorded at July, and only six species at August. A slight rise was noted from the end of August to mid-September (11 species). In biotopes where Exomias pellucidus appeared to be the monodominant, the seasonal dynamic density of weevils reached a peak at late May or early June, but the significant decline was observed from early June to July. At the sites with several dominants, two or three peaks were registered: at spring (May) and at mid-summer (end of June or beginning of July). Furthermore, the number of weevils decreased gradually, but some species of Curculionidae were rather abundant even from the end of summer to September–October. The spring increase is reasoned by high density of species in the genus Otiorhynchus; the peak in early summer (maximum) is caused by the increased activity of majority of dominant species; the autumn peak is also caused by the high number of species of the genus Otiorhynchus. The level of sex index (by the example of E. pellucidus) differed significantly at all plots. It was higher for the plantations at the periphery of the city (0.70), and it was minimal at private farmlands (0.20). Relative conjugacy of sex index and dynamic density were not observed: the maximum abundances of quantity of Curculionidae were recorded 20–30 days earlier than the maximal numbers of the sex index.

scholarly journals RESTORATION OF FORMER GRASSLAND IN SOUTH-CENTRAL TEXAS

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy J. Leonard ◽  
O. W. Van Auken
Keyword(s):  
San Antonio ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Herbaceous Plant ◽  
Percent Cover ◽  
Juniperus Ashei ◽  
South Central ◽  
Central Texas

Abstract In the past, grasslands and savannas were common in many areas of south-central Texas, including the San Antonio area. With the advent of European settlers and their livestock, much of this area was converted to agriculture and rangeland. Today, most of San Antonio is developed, but some preservation has occurred. Restored grassland, mechanically cleared of Juniperus ashei (juniper, Ashe juniper) and other woody species in 2013, was examined and compared to adjacent non-cleared woodland. The woodland examined was dominated by Diospyros texana (Texas persimmon) and Juniperus ashei. Richness in the woodland canopy was 15 species. The understory below the canopy had 25 woody species. In the restored grassland area, herbaceous plant cover was 41.8%, woody plant cover 5.8%, bare soil 2.9%, and litter cover 49.5%. Species richness was 71, with 60 herbaceous and 11 woody species (percent cover of each from <0.1–7.1%). The most common species in the restored grassland in descending order were Nassella leucotricha (Texas winter grass), Calyptocarpus vialis (straggler daisy), Carex planostachys (cedar sedge), Sporobolus crypandrus (sand dropseed), D. texana, and Verbesina virginica (frost weed). Several C4 grass species were present with low cover but may increase in abundance over time. Four of the six most common restored grassland species were present below the woodland canopy and 12 woody species were present in the restored grassland as juveniles. Cost of restoration was approximately $38,500 ($7,500 supplies, $31,000 labor).

Effects of different nanoparticles and biochar application on the biological indicators of a polluted mine soil

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubén Forján Castro ◽  
Diego Baragaño Coto ◽  
Daniel Arenas Lago ◽  
José Luis Rodríguez Gallego ◽  
Erika Silva Santos
Keyword(s):  
Contaminated Soils ◽  
Iron Nanoparticles ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Biological Indicators ◽  
Enzymatic Activities ◽  
Herbaceous Plant ◽  
Mine Soil ◽  
Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles ◽  
Commercial Mixture

<p>In active mines areas without environmental management plans or abandoned mines, the mineral processing and mining-waste disposal are common sources of pollution that can affect large areas comprising soils and waters. Inevitably this situation leads to a degradation of plant cover whether natural or planted. Thus, a sustainable recovery of mine tailings and contaminated soils, located inside or surrounding the mine area is necessary, especially with innovative strategies for in situ elements stabilization. Within different stabilization options, nanoremediation, i.e. amending with nanomaterials (usually Fe-based nanoparticles) alone or combined with other amendments, is an interesting approach. Most of the studies are focused on the immobilization of metal(oid)s by nanoparticles, however only a few works assess the effects of these amendments on contaminated soils on their microbiology and plants. For these reasons, the main scope of this study was the assessment of some biological indicators, namely several enzymatic activities in soils and plant development, of a contaminated mine soil amended with two different types of commercial nanoparticles (iron nanoparticles nZVI and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles) and their combinations with biochar (by PYREG Carbon Technology Solutions, was made from wood following the PYREG® methodology). The studied soil belongs to a broad mining area in NW Spain and it revealed high total concentrations of Cu and As (5000 and 300 mg/kg, respectively). The mine soil was amended in a factorial experiment in pots assay, under controlled conditions in greenhouse, with iron nanoparticles (nZVI), hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHP), biochar, and the combination of nZVI+biochar and nHP+biochar. In these pots was sown a commercial mixture of herbaceous plant species for pasture being monitored for 45 days. Plant cover was determined and once this assay time had elapsed, four enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase and urease) of the soil and biomass weight was analyzed.</p><p>Only rye grass germinated. Same result was verified in the pot assay and independently of treatment. Plant cover in all treatments was similar reaching more than 80 %, however dry plant biomass varied. Notable differences were observed in the enzymatic activity among the soil amended only with nanoparticles, the soil amended with the combination of nanoparticles and biochar or biochar alone. In general, the application of studied amendments, alone or combined and compared to the control, increased the functioning of the overall microbial community and microbial communities associated to C and N cycling. The soil amended with biochar and biochar combined with nanoparticles presented a greater enzymatic activities in the soil compared to the direct application of nanoparticles. A differentiation in the some enzymatic activities (e.g. dehydrogenase and urease) with the nanoparticles type was verified.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Acknowledgment: </strong>This work was supported by the research project NANOCAREM MCI-20-PID2019-106939GB-I00 (AEI/FEDER, UE) and Portuguese funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the scope of the project UID/AGR/04129/2020 (LEAF). The authors thanks the grants: Arenas-Lago D. (postdoc contract ED481D 2019/007) and Baragaño D. (Formación del Profesorado Universitario program) financed by of Xunta de Galicia and Universidade de Vigo and Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte de España, respectively.</p><p> </p>

scholarly journals Extrazonal steppes of forest belt on eastern macroslope of the Urals

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 00043
Author(s):  
Natalya Zolotareva ◽  
Andrey Korolyuk
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Forest Belt ◽  
South Urals ◽  
The Urals ◽  
Regional Features ◽  
Rare Endemic ◽  
Coenotic Diversity

Extrazonal steppes of forest belt on eastern macroslope of the Middle and South Urals have small coenotic diversity. The most part of studied communities are petrophytic steppes on outcrops, which determine regional features of plant cover and provide habitats to rare, endemic and relict plant species. Petrophytic steppes correspond to order Helictotricho- Stipetalia, meadow steppes and xeric meadows, shrub thickets correspond to order Brachypodietalia pinnati (class Festuco-Brometea).

Influence of Sulfonylurea and Other Herbicides on Selected Woody and Herbaceous Species

Weed Science ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert E. Meyer ◽  
Rodney W. Bovey
Keyword(s):  
Plant Cover ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Herbaceous Plant ◽  
Herbaceous Species ◽  
Grass Cover ◽  
Weed Cover ◽  
Broadleaf Species ◽  
Honey Mesquite

Chlorsulfuron and metsulfuron were effective on Texas whitebrush, killing 70 to 75% of the plants at 0.28 kg ai ha, marginally effective on Macartney rose, killing 15 to 43% of the plants at 1.12 kg ha, but ineffective on honey mesquite and huisache, killing no more than 10% of the plants at 1.12 kg ha. Sulfometuron was ineffective on all woody species at 1.12 kg ai ha. Clopyralid and picloram were effective, killing 70 to 92% of the huisache at 2.24 kg ae ha. Tebuthiuron killed 72% of the Texas whitebrush at 1.12 kg ai ha. Sulfometuron generally reduced herbaceous plant cover the year of application. Chlorsulfuron and metsulfuron often resulted in increased grass cover the year of application. Most herbicides reduced broadleaf weeds the year of application. Woolly croton often was the first prominent broadleaf species to return to areas treated with clopyralid and sulfometuron. Few differences occurred among herbicides in herbaceous weed cover the year following treatment.

Anatomical Characters Distinguishing Bryobia arborea M. & A. and B. praetiosa Koch (Acarina: Tetranychidae) from Various Areas of the World

1960 ◽  
Vol 92 (8) ◽  
pp. 595-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. V. G. Morgan
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Fruit Trees ◽  
Herbaceous Plants ◽  
Number Of Species ◽  
The World ◽  
Anatomical Characters ◽  
Ecological Differences

On the basis of anatomical and ecological differences, Morgan and Anderson (1957) and Anderson and Morgan (1958) divided the Bryobia praetiosa complex of British Columbia into two species; the brown mite, B. arborea M. & A., 1957, found exclusively on fruit trees, and the clover mite, B. praetiosa Koch, 1836, found chiefly on herbaceous plants and known more commonly as a household pea. Acarologists in Switzerland, The Netherlands, and Russia have separated the complex into a number of species principally on anatomical bases (Pritchard and Keifer, 1958). In a recent exhaustive treatise of the complex in Switzerland, Mathys (1957) proposed five species and four ‘forms’.

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