SHORT-TERM IMPACT OF AMMONIUM NITRATE AND WOOD ASH APPLICATION ON GROUND VEGETATION DIVERSITY AND SPECIES COMPOSITION IN DRAINED FORESTS

In a case study, the main objective was to compare three sites with different grazing pressures in Hvitarsida, W-Iceland in relation to current vegetation, seed bank composition and the correlation between those. Our results show that there were significant difference in species composition in above and belowground, giving very little similarity in species composition between seed bank and current vegetation composition. The only exceptions were Agrostis capillaris and Bistorta vivipara that had close similarity between current aboveground vegetation and soil seed bank. Agrostis capillaris had a great abundance in all the sites and Bistorta vivipara proliferates mostly with bulbils that most likely were numerous in the soil. The results of our study agree with current theories on seed bank composition and similar studies,that the similarity between current above ground vegetation and soil seed bank depends on current dominant species (annual or perennial)and the productivity (high or low) of the site.Mongolian Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.13(2) 2014: 105-113

Short-Term Dynamics of Vegetation Diversity and Aboveground Biomass of Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. Forests after Heavy Windstorm Disturbance

Forests ◽

10.3390/f12010097 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 97

Author(s):

František Máliš ◽

Bohdan Konôpka ◽

Vladimír Šebeň ◽

Jozef Pajtík ◽

Katarína Merganičová

Keyword(s):

Picea Abies ◽

Species Composition ◽

Aboveground Biomass ◽

Herb Layer ◽

Tree Biomass ◽

Short Term ◽

Vegetation Diversity ◽

Vegetation Heterogeneity ◽

Annual Herb ◽

Aboveground Tree Biomass

Although forest disturbances have become more frequent and severe due to ongoing climate change, our understanding of post-disturbance development of vegetation and tree–herb layer interactions remains limited. An extreme windstorm, which occurred on 19 November 2004, destroyed Picea abies (L.) H. Karst dominated forests in the High Tatra Mts. Here, we studied short-term changes in diversity, species composition, and aboveground biomass of trees and herb layer vegetation, including mutual relationships that elucidate tree–herb interactions during post-disturbance succession. Assessment of species composition and tree biomass measurements were performed at 50 sample plots (4 × 4 m) along two transects 12, 14, and 16 years after the forest destruction. Heights and stem base diameters of about 730 trees were measured and subsequently used for the calculation of aboveground tree biomass using species-specific allometric relationships. Aboveground biomass of herb layer was quantified at 300 subplots (20 × 20 cm) by destructive sampling. Species richness and spatial vegetation heterogeneity did not significantly change, and species composition exhibited small changes in accordance with expected successional trajectories. While aboveground tree biomass increased by about 190%, biomass of annual herb shoots decreased by about 68% and biomass of perennial herb shoots was stable during the studied period. The contribution of trees to total aboveground biomass increased from 83% to 97%. After 16 years of forest stands recovery, tree biomass represented approximately 13% of forest biomass before the disturbance. Herb layer biomass, particularly the biomass of annual herb shoots, was more closely related to tree cover than to tree biomass and its decline could be assigned to gradual tree growth. Our study provides clear evidence that short-term successional processes in post-disturbance vegetation are much better detectable by biomass than by diversity or compositional measures and emphasized the importance of light conditions in tree–herb competitive interactions.

Vegetation Diversity of Screes and Taluses of The Pamir and South-Western Tian Shan in Middle Asia

Folia Geobotanica ◽

10.1007/s12224-021-09392-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Arkadiusz Nowak ◽

Sebastian Świerszcz ◽

Sylwia Nowak ◽

Marcin Nobis

Keyword(s):

Species Composition ◽

Arid Zone ◽

Field Studies ◽

Vegetation Diversity ◽

Plant Associations ◽

Middle Asia ◽

Recent Developments ◽

Phytosociological Relevés ◽

High Degree ◽

Tian Shan

AbstractThis paper presents the results of phytosociological research on scree vegetation of the Pamir and south-western Tian Shan. We collected 222 phytosociological relevés during field studies conducted in 2015–2019, applying the Braun-Blanquet approach. We identified 21 plant communities on mobile and stabilized screes of colluvial cones, aprons and fans, inhabiting mainly the montane and alpine belts in several ranges (e.g. Peter the First, Alichur, Shugnan, Shachdarian, Darvaz, Rushan, Vanch, Fergana, Kyrgyz and Terskey ranges). As a result we provide the first comprehensive hierarchical syntaxonomic synopsis of scree communities at montane and alpine elevations in the eastern Middle Asia. The collected vegetation relevés represent the majority of the variation among the phytocoenoses of gravel, pebble, cobble and rock block slides and screes in the montane and alpine belts. As a result of field studies and Twinspan analyses, nine associations were identified on screes of the Pamir and western Tian Shan. All these communities were assigned to the Sileno brahuicae-Lactucetalia orientalis Nowak et al. 2021. Additionally, within the nitrophilous compact gravel screes one subassociation of Corydalidetum kashgaricae trigonelletosum gontscharovii was distinguished. In the most arid zone two additional plant associations and one subassociation were identified in gravelly semi-deserts zone. The main factors determining the species composition of the studied associations are scree mobility, rock particle size, elevation above sea level and slope inclination. Our research revealed considerable diversity of scree habitats of montane and alpine belts what might be astonishing regarding harsh environment of this mountainous territory. However, a great number of lineages that evolved here and particularly rich species pool of this habitat in Middle Asia facilitate remarkable diversity among vegetation of taluses and screes. The distinctiveness of species composition is additionally enhanced by high degree of endemism of chasmophytic habitats in the eastern part of Middle Asia. Despite recent developments, the prominent chasmophytic vegetation of Middle Asia still needs thorough studies focused on its relationship to semi-desert, tall-forb and petrophytic communities of high mountains of the Pamir, Hindu-Kush, Kunlun and Central Tian Shan.

Socio-Economic Differences Control Species Composition of Urban Gardens in a Metropolitan Area of Argentina

10.21203/rs.3.rs-521921/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

VERONICA SPESCHA ◽

EZEQUIEL ARÁOZ

Keyword(s):

Species Composition ◽

Social Economic ◽

Geographic Distance ◽

Socioeconomic Level ◽

Socioeconomic Indicators ◽

Socioeconomic Conditions ◽

Vegetation Diversity ◽

Main Method ◽

Ecological Attributes ◽

Main Factors

Abstract Human population is becoming increasingly more urbanized, and in that context private gardens contribute to biodiversity and to access to ecosystem services in cities. The urbanized landscape reflects social, economic and cultural differences of the population, which affect the patterns of urban biodiversity. Socioeconomic level is one of the main factors that spatially structure cities, for which it likely influences several attributes of gardens. In this study we characterized urban vegetation diversity in 50 private gardens of an urban agglomerate of Argentina, Gran San Miguel de Tucumán. We aimed to determine which variables control ecological attributes of gardens. We used socioeconomic indicators obtained from the 2010 Nacional Population and Households Census, and data obtained through a survey to garden owners. Our study suggests that species composition of gardens responds to socioeconomic conditions, which might be linked to the exchange of species as the main method to obtain plants and to strengthen social bonds by belonging to a similar socioeconomic level rather than neighborhood or geographic distance. Based on our analyses, gardens in areas with higher socioeconomic level were larger. Species richness and socioeconomic level of gardens were not significantly associated, and species diversity was related to garden age, with older gardens being more diverse.

Ground vegetation diversity and geobotanical analysis in dune pine forests in southwest Estonia

Forestry Studies / Metsanduslikud Uurimused ◽

10.2478/fsmu-2018-0012 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 69 (1) ◽

pp. 63-74 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mari Tilk ◽

Katri Ots ◽

Tea Tullus ◽

Malle Mandre

Keyword(s):

Electrical Conductivity ◽

Species Richness ◽

Species Composition ◽

Water Content ◽

Soil Ph ◽

Vascular Plant ◽

Lichen Species ◽

Ground Vegetation ◽

Light Conditions ◽

Vegetation Species

Abstract To investigate the ecosystems on dunes, five typical dunes were selected in the coastal area of the Baltic Sea in southwest Estonia. To study ground vegetation species richness, species composition and horizontal structure, 251 quadrats of 1 m2 in size were established and descriptions of vascular plants, bryophytes and lichen species were provided. Topographical factors, soil horizons, soil pH and electrical conductivity, soil nutrients, soil moisture conditions and light conditions were determined. In total, 42 vascular plant, 43 bryophyte and 48 lichen species were recorded on five dunes. Vascular plant species richness and composition on forested dunes was dependent on the absolute dune height, zone and aspect of the slope, soil nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus content, soil pH and moisture, the cover of the bryophyte-lichen layer and light conditions. Regarding bryophyte and lichen layer species composition, important factors were the aspect of the dune, vascular plant species cover, light conditions, the thickness of the moderately decomposed organic soil horizon, soil pH, electrical conductivity and volumetric water content. Lichen species richness was highest on the slopes of the dunes, while bryophyte species richness was higher at the bottoms and decreased towards the tops of the dunes. Ground vegetation species richness and species’ horizontal and vertical structure on forested dunes were highly dependent on topography-induced differences, aspect, height and zone of the dunes. The most important factors controlling the complex of ground vegetation were light conditions, soil water content, thickness of the moderately decomposed litter layer and soil potassium and calcium content.

Phytoplankton photoadaptation during the spring period in Lake Zürich

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.1995.0166 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 32 (4) ◽

pp. 59-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ferdinand Schanz ◽

Judith Burri

Keyword(s):

Species Composition ◽

Light Availability ◽

Plankton Community ◽

Short Term ◽

Spring Period ◽

Constant Structure ◽

Phytoplankton Communities ◽

Lake Zürich

Long- and short-term photoadaptations as a response to increased light availability in spring phytoplankton communities in Lake Zürich have been investigated. At various stages fundamental changes in species composition and species adaptation in a plankton community of approximately constant structure were apparent.

THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF FERTILIZER APPLICATION AND THREE ROTATIONS ON WEED COMMUNITIES IN WHEAT (AFTER 21–22 YEARS AT INDIAN HEAD, SASKATCHEWAN)

Canadian Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.4141/cjps82-107 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 62 (3) ◽

pp. 741-750 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

LARRY HUME

Keyword(s):

Species Composition ◽

Fertilizer Application ◽

Continuous Cropping ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Canada Thistle ◽

Short Term ◽

Weed Communities ◽

Green Foxtail ◽

Lamb’S Quarters

The effect of fertilizer application and three rotations (continuous cropping, fallow-wheat, and fallow-wheat-wheat rotations) on the species composition of the weed community was examined using rotations that had been running for 21–22 yr at Indian Head, Saskatchewan. Before spring seeding, stinkweed and lamb’s-quarters were more abundant on wheat after fallow than they were on either wheat following wheat after fallow or on continuous cropping. After seeding, continuous cropping produced the largest weed densities of green foxtail, thyme-leaved spurge, and vetch. In most instances, Canada thistle was most abundant on continuously cropped and nonfertilized plots. After spring seeding, green foxtail was the only species with a larger density on fertilized plots. Interactions between fertilizer application and rotation, and among species, influenced species composition in the weed community. Fertilizer application tended to reduce community differences between continuous cropping and short-term wheat-fallow rotations. Allelopathic effects of Canada thistle may have reduced green foxtail and redroot pigweed densities. With the use of 2-or 3-yr wheat-fallow rotations and herbicide application, weed problems can be minimized in southeastern Saskatchewan.

Douglas-fir – spruce for the 22nd century? Review of the recent Czech literature

Forestry Engineering Journal ◽

10.12737/17402 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 51-58

Author(s):

Подразски ◽

Vilem Podrazski ◽

Матвеев ◽

Sergey Matveev

Keyword(s):

Norway Spruce ◽

Tree Species ◽

Douglas Fir ◽

Point Of View ◽

Ground Vegetation ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Vegetation Diversity ◽

Suitable Alternative ◽

Middle Europe ◽

The Stability

Presented paper summarizes the knowledge concerning the cultivation of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii /Mirb./ Franco), its production as well as its non-production forest functions in the conditions of the Czech Republic/Middle Europe. It analyzes the research outcomes from the point of view of volume and value production in comparison with domestic tree species, from the point of view of the soil effects and effects on the ground vegetation diversity, and from point of view of stability and cultivation in the last period. Main aim is represented by the comparison with the Norway spruce, which can be with advantages replaced by this species, with favourable impact on amount and value of the timber production, on the soil and biodiversity status of the ground vegetation. The Norway spruce is heavily affected and endangered by the coming or supposed climatic changes. Also the stability of forest stands can be supported considerably replacing Norway spruce by Douglas-fir. This species can represent suitable alternative to the Norway spruce in lower and middle altitudes and it can contribute highly to the competitiveness not only of the Czech, but European forestry too, increasing stability and production, decreasing the negative effects of the tree species changes in the past.

Jack Pine Nitrogen Fertilization and Nutrition Studies: Three Year Results

Canadian Journal of Forest Research ◽

10.1139/x74-056 ◽

1974 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 381-398 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

G. F. Weetman ◽

D. Algar

Keyword(s):

Ammonium Nitrate ◽

Nitrogen Fertilization ◽

N Uptake ◽

Calcium Nitrate ◽

Jack Pine ◽

Ground Vegetation ◽

Growth Responses ◽

Humus Layer ◽

Foliar Nutrient ◽

Optimum Nutrition

The response of a 40-year-old even-aged jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.) stand to nitrogen fertilization was studied in four experiments.Smothering of the ericaceous ground vegetation layer with straw led to increased tree growth rates and improved N uptake. The application of calcium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, and urea at 112 and 448 kg N/ha was followed by analysis of the composition of extractable humus N, together with foliar and increment analyses. After a 3-year response period, there was evidence for the superiority of the ammonium nitrate form of N fertilizer over urea. The applications of urea appear to have been associated with possible N volatilization losses, and also inadequate urease activity in the thin dry humus layer which led to delayed N uptake by the trees. Calcium nitrate, although not an efficient fertilizer, was associated with appreciable growth responses, even though increased foliar and extractable humus N concentrations were not maintained.An optimum nutrition experiment utilizing repeated fertilization indicated that sustained foliar nutrient regimes can be maintained.The study indicated that growth increases were associated with increased unit needle weights as well as increased foliar N concentrations. A graphical technique which analyzes treatment responses, unit needle weight, and nutrient concentration, was used to screen response data, without waiting the customary 5-year period for stem increment response.

Phytoplankton species turnover controlled by physical forcing at different time scales

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences ◽

10.1139/f07-149 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 65 (1) ◽

pp. 47-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Alexandrine Pannard ◽

Myriam Bormans ◽

Yvan Lagadeuc

Keyword(s):

Species Composition ◽

Time Scale ◽

Phytoplankton Community ◽

Diversity Index ◽

Species Turnover ◽

Rate Of Change ◽

Original Structure ◽

Short Term ◽

Physical Forcing ◽

Physical And Chemical

Changes in the physical and chemical environment induced by forcing events such as wind and rain can control the short-term dynamics of the phytoplankton community of inland waters. In two temperate reservoirs, species composition, diversity index, and species dynamics were characterized over periods of 3 weeks during different seasons, in parallel with changes in the physical and chemical structure of the water column. Dominant species and diversity index were shown to be controlled by environmental factors fluctuating on a seasonal and weekly time scale, whereas some rarer species responded to wind events and were indicators of a very short-term environmental change. As a consequence of the response of indicator species, the rate of change in species composition increased following meteorological events. Shifts in species composition were observed during each sampling period, except during the strongest stratification period. The shifts were associated with a modification of resource availability or intensity of stratification. We found that the resistance of the phytoplankton community to short-term physical forcing by wind increased with intensity of stratification. After the forcing event, the community did not return to its original structure because of modifications of the physical and chemical conditions induced by meteorological forcing on a weekly time scale.