scholarly journals Diagnostics of soils located in the gradient of urban-technogenic impact

2021 ◽  
pp. 55-82
Author(s):  
S. G. Novikov ◽  
M. V. Medvedeva ◽  
A. N. Pekkoev ◽  
V. V. Timofeeva
Keyword(s):  
Forest Ecosystem ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Soil Classification ◽  
Soil Condition ◽  
Ecological Monitoring ◽  
Ecological Condition ◽  
Ground Vegetation ◽  
Reference Plot

The rapidly progressing urbanization results in decline of environmentally valuable forest territory. Intact ecosystems bordering urban communities suffer from heavy technogenic pressure and degrade irreversibly over time. This situation necessitates studies that analyze the ecological condition of major components of forest ecosystems exposed to various levels of such pressure. The survey was carried out in the city of Petrozavodsk in sites with degraded, slightly disturbed, and undisturbed forest ecosystems. For each site, the soil condition was assessed, the tree stand and the living ground cover were described. As a result, it was found that soils in the slightly disturbed forest ecosystem generally corresponded to the natural background (Ferric Illuvial Podzol). Changes in their morphological and chemical properties compared to soils in the undisturbed reference plot were identified. The thickness and ash content of the upper organic horizon in the slightly disturbed site changed. The forest ecosystem was in the transitional stage (from I–II to III) of recreational digression and required infrastructural improvements. The forest ecosystem in the built-up site was totally destroyed. Irreversible transformation of its natural environment resulted in the loss of woody and ground vegetation. The native zonal soils were ruined, and their diagnostic horizons cannot be identified. There was observed a large amount of rocks and anthropogenic inclusions throughout the profile. According to the Russian soil classification, these formations belong to the subgroup of organo-mineral strata of technogenic surface formations. The collected data can be used as the basis for ecological monitoring of urban soils. Based on the findings, recommendations were given on how to conserve and improve the sanitary and esthetic functions of forest areas adjoining urban built-up land.

The Influence of Fires on Forest Ecosystems

2020 ◽  
pp. 345-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Anatolievna Pasko ◽  
Vasily Fedorovich Kovyavin ◽  
Nadezhda Anatolyevna Lebedeva
Keyword(s):  
Forest Ecosystem ◽  
Forest Fires ◽  
Forest Restoration ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Natural Ecosystems

The chapter focuses on the role of fire as an environmental factor affecting the components of the forest ecosystem. The classification of forest fires according to the fire location in the forest ecosystem is given. Negative impact of fire on communities and people, components of forest ecosystems: a phytocoenosis (the forest under-growth, understory, ground cover), tocinos (animal world), klimatop (atmosphere and climate) and adatom (topography and soil) are discussed. The role of fire as a factor of organisms and natural ecosystems' evolution in general is studied. The problems of forest restoration on fires (fumes) are considered. Research established that the degree of damage to the ecosystem components and social consequences depend on the forest fire type, natural conditions, and forest conditions of the region.

Wald und Klimawandel in der inneralpinen Trockenregion Visp

2012 ◽  
Vol 163 (12) ◽  
pp. 481-492
Author(s):  
Andreas Rigling ◽  
Ché Elkin ◽  
Matthias Dobbertin ◽  
Britta Eilmann ◽  
Arnaud Giuggiola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Forest Management ◽  
Forest Ecosystem ◽  
Bark Beetles ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Forest Monitoring ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Forest Ecosystem Services

Forest and climate change in the inner-Alpine dry region of Visp Over the past decades, observed increases in temperature have been particularly pronounced in mountain regions. If this trend should continue in the 21st Century, frequency and intensity of droughts will increase, and will pose major challenges for forest management. Under current conditions drought-related tree mortality is already an important factor of forest ecosystems in dry inner-Alpine valleys. Here we assess the sensitivity of forest ecosystems to climate change and evaluate alternative forest management strategies in the Visp region. We integrate data from forest monitoring plots, field experiments and dynamic forests models to evaluate how the forest ecosystem services timber production, protection against natural hazards, carbon storage and biodiver-sity will be impacted. Our results suggest that at dry low elevation sites the drought tolerance of native tree species will be exceeded so that in the longer term a transition to more drought-adapted species should be considered. At medium elevations, drought and insect disturbances as by bark beetles are projected to be important for forest development, while at high elevations forests are projected to expand and grow better. All of the ecosystem services that we considered are projected to be impacted by changing forest conditions, with the specific impacts often being elevation-dependent. In the medium term, forest management that aims to increase the resilience of forests to drought can help maintain forest ecosystem services temporarily. However, our results suggest that relatively rigid management interventions are required to achieve significant effects. By using a combination of environmental monitoring, field experiments and modeling, we are able to gain insight into how forest ecosystem, and the services they provide, will respond to future changes.

scholarly journals Modeling of Forest Ecosystem Degradation Due to Anthropogenic Stress: The Case of Rohingya Influx into the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf Peninsula of Bangladesh

Environments ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 121
Author(s):  
Mohammad Emran Hasan ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
Riffat Mahmood ◽  
Huadong Guo ◽  
Guoqing Li
Keyword(s):  
Forest Ecosystem ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Sudden Increase ◽  
Refugee Crisis ◽  
Anthropogenic Stress ◽  
Ecosystem Integrity ◽  
Humanitarian Response ◽  
The Impact

Overdependence and cumulative anthropogenic stresses have caused world forests to decrease at an unprecedented rate, especially in Southeast Asia. The Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf Peninsula of Bangladesh is not an exception and follows the global deforestation trend. Despite being one of the country’s richest forest ecosystems with multiple wildlife sanctuaries, reserve forests, and influential wildlife habitats, the peninsula is now providing shelter for nearly one million Rohingya refugees. With the global deforestation trend coupled with excessive anthropogenic stresses from the Rohingya population, the forests in the peninsula are continuously deteriorating in terms of quality and integrity. In response to deforestation, the government invested in conservation efforts through afforestation and restoration programs, although the peninsula faced a refugee crisis in August 2017. The impact of this sudden increase in population on the forest ecosystem is large and has raised questions and contradictions between the government’s conservation efforts and the humanitarian response. Relocation of the refugees seems to be a lengthy process and the forest ecosystem integrity needs to be preserved; therefore, the degree of stresses, level of impacts, and pattern of deforestation are crucial information for forest conservation and protection strategies. However, there are a lack of quantitative analyses on how the forest ecosystem is deteriorating and what future results would be in both space and time. In this study, the impact of the sudden humanitarian crisis (i.e., Rohingya refugees) as anthropogenic stress in Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf peninsula has been spatiotemporally modeled and assessed using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and other collateral data. Using the density and accessibility of the Rohingya population along with the land cover and other physiographic data, a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) technique was applied through the Markov cellular automata technique to model the forest vegetation status. The impact of deforestation differs in cost due to variability of the forest vegetation covers. The study, therefore, developed and adopted three indices for assessment of the forest ecosystem based on the variability and weight of the forest cover loss. The spatial severity of impact (SSI) index revealed that out of 5415 ha of total degraded forest lands, 650 ha area would have the highest cost from 2017 to 2027. In the case of the ecosystem integrity (EI) index, a rapid decline in ecosystem integrity in the peninsula was observed as the integrity value fell to 1190 ha (2019) from 1340 ha (2017). The integrity is expected to further decline to 740 ha by 2027, if the stress persists in a similar fashion. Finally, the findings of ecosystem integrity depletion (EID) elucidated areas of 540 and 544 hectares that had a severe EID score of (−5) between 2017 and 2019 and 2017 and 2027, respectively. The displacement and refugee crisis is a recurrent world event that, in many cases, compromises the integrity and quality of natural space. Therefore, the findings of this study are expected to have significant global and regional implications to help managers and policymakers of forest ecosystems make decisions that have minimal or no impact to facilitate humanitarian response.

scholarly journals Cashew Growth and Canopy Dynamics as Influenced by Manuring in a Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecology of Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 80-88
Author(s):  
Beatrice Abanum Nduka ◽  
Olorunfemi Sunday Ojo Akanbi ◽  
Idrisu Mohammed ◽  
Seun Adewale Adeosun ◽  
Osasogie Ugioro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Canopy Development ◽  
Canopy Volume ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Soil Status ◽  
Physical And Chemical

A two-year experiment was conducted to study the response of manuring on growth and canopy development on three-year-old Cashew trees. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design, with three replications. Soil characteristics including the chemical and physical properties were analyzed before and after the experiments. Fecti-plus organic pelletized fertilizer was applied at different rates of 0,750.6 and 1,501.2 kg/ha-1 respectively around the circumference of the tree. Before the application, the fertilizer sample was also analyzed. Data collected were plant height, stem girth, canopy dynamics which includes: Canopy diameter, canopy radius, canopy spread (North-South and East-West directions), canopy volume, canopy ground cover and percentage ground cover. The results from the pre soil sample show a relatively low status but were significantly enhanced after the application of the pelletized organic fertilizer (Ferti-plus). The soil nutrient composition of Oc, Om, N, K, Na, Ca and Mg+ was significantly highest in the plots having 1,501.2 kg/ha-1 treatments. Generally, there was a significant increase in the soil nutrient with the addition of pelletized fertilizer in respective of the rate of application. Also the results on the canopy dynamic in terms of canopy volume, spread and diameter revealed better development with the use of 1501.2 kg/ha-1 pelletized fertilizer and significantly different to 750.6 kg/ha-1 and those in the no-manure (control)plots. Meanwhile, the use of pelletized organic fertilizer gave superior growth and canopy development. It also influenced the growth of the Cashew plants, as well as the physical and chemical properties of the soil status.

scholarly journals Classification and assessment of agricultural potential of the lower Niger floodplain soils of Atani, Southeastern Nigeria

Agro-Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 51-61
Author(s):  
F.C. Okenmuo ◽  
C.O. Anochie ◽  
M.E. Ukabiala ◽  
C.L.A. Asadu ◽  
P.K. Kefas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Classification ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Soil Taxonomy ◽  
Southeastern Nigeria ◽  
Reference Base ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Agricultural Potential ◽  
Capability Evaluation

The soils of Atani floodplain in Anambra State of Nigeria contribute significantly to the food production of the State, hence the need to understand their behavior in order to enhance their management and productivity. Profile pits were sited along three physiographic units viz: levee crest, levee  slope and flood basin. Soil samples were collected from the profile horizons and subjected to standard laboratory procedures. Characterization of the soils was based on their morphological, physical and chemical properties. Soil classification was carried out using the USDA Soil Taxonomy and correlated with FAO/IUSS World Reference Base. Its agricultural potential was assessed using the fertility capability classification. The soils were deep. Topsoil colour was dominantly blackish black (10YR 3/2). Mottles were pervasive; an indication of impeded drainage conditions. The soils were predominantly fine textured. Soil pH values ranged from 4.8 to 6.2. Exchangeable Calcium was low to moderate (2.6-8.2 cmol kg−1); Magnesium was moderate to high (1.6-6.8 cmol kg−1); Sodium was high to very high (1.0-2.5 cmol kg−1), while potassium was high (1.2-4.2 cmol kg−1). Cation  exchange capacity values ranged from 11.6 to 42.6 cmol kg−1. Total nitrogen was very low to low (0.14-1.12 g kg−1), while organic carbon was low to moderate (0.4-15.2 g kg−1). Available phosphorus was very low to high ranging from 0.93 to 31.71 mg kg−1 while base saturation ranged from 64 to 93%. The soils were classified as Typic Fluvaquents (Typic Fluvisols), Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts (Endostagnic Cambisols) and Fluventic Endoaquepts (Endostagnic Cambisols) according to the USDA and FAO/IUSS. The fertility capability evaluation of the soils revealed that the pedons were Lgn in classification due to limitations in drainage. Key words: alluvium, cambic horizon, Inceptisols, lithologic discontinuity

scholarly journals AEROSPACE MONITORING OF THE FOREST ECOSYSTEM DYNAMICS WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF VRACHANSKI BALKAN NATURE PARK

2018 ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
Adlin Dancheva
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Forest Ecosystem ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Remote Sensing And Gis ◽  
Ecosystem Dynamics ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Water Index ◽  
Nature Park

In this paper the application of Remote Sensing and GIS as a means of performing aero – space monitoring of forest ecosystems dynamics is being considered. The purpose of this work is to create a model for monitoring the dynamic of forest ecosystems, based on Remote Sensing and GIS. The results of eco-monitoring can be used to update plans and policies for forest ecosystem management. The territory of Vrachanski Balkan Nature park was chosen as the subject of research as there is a certain anthropogenic pressure there. The results presented are obtained by spatial-time analysis of certain aerospace data indices. To carry out the study optical satellite images were used, on the basics of which three indices were calculated: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Normalized Difference Greenness Index (NDGI). A comparative analysis has been created and results of the degree of correlation between the different indices are presented, as well as indicators from the different test areas and related changes in the individual points in time. The results of the survey aim to assess the dynamics and condition of the forest vegetation on the territory of Vrachanski Balkan Nature park and can be utilised in activities related to monitoring, mapping and forest management.

scholarly journals Assessment of Climate Change Awareness in the Kakamega-Nandi Forest Complex in the Western Region

2021 ◽  
pp. 33-48
Author(s):  
Wabusya Moses Wetiba ◽  
Mugatsia Tsingalia ◽  
Njira Njira Pili ◽  
Vincent Kakembo
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Forest Ecosystem ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Kakamega Forest ◽  
Ecosystem Complex

Aims: This study assessed the level of climate change awareness among the forest-adjacent communities in the Kakamega-Nandi forest ecosystem complex. Four locations were chosen for the study, Buyangu and Isecheno in the Kakamega forest, Kaptumo in Nandi South and Kipsamoite in Nandi North forest ecosystems. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from primary sources. Structured questionnaires were administered to the residents aged 25years and older within the study area. Place and Duration of Study: The Kakamega, north and south Nandi forest ecosystems in western Kenya between June -December 2019. Methodology: A total of 280 questionnaires were randomly administered to the forest-adjacent respondents with, Kakamega forest 163 respondents, South Nandi forest 60, while North Nandi had 57respondents. A total of 217 questionnaires were filled and returned and the information wherein used in data analysis. Focused Group Discussion and key informants were used to supplement data collects by the questionnaires. Results: Majority of the residents (54%) were less concerned about climate change. In addition, 85% of the respondents had very little knowledge on coping and adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change. Some 40 % and 45% of the respondents got information about climate through televisions and radios, respectively. Further analysis of the results revealed that climate change was responsible for fourteen key impacts. These included an increase in rainfall, prolonged drought, decrease in the quality and quantity of fresh water, decrease in food security, an increase in temperature, a decrease in agricultural resources, an increase in sickness and disease, a decrease in quality of life, flooding, decrease in forest cover, loss of homes, reduction in biodiversity, and rise in storm surge. A Chi test revealed a significant relationship between forest cover decline and changes in rainfall patterns (X2 = 111.86, df =12, p<0.001), increasing temperature (X2 = 80.492, df =12, p<0.001);, drought( (X2 = 204.84, df =16, p<0.001) and storm surges (X2 = 74.34, df =8, p<0.001)]. The respondents' level of education was significantly different from their level of climate change awareness (X2=44.88, df=4, p<0.001). Conclusion: Forest-adjacent communities in the Kakamega-Nandi forest ecosystem complex are vulnerable to climate change as a result of insufficient knowledge about climate change and its impacts. The Kakamega-Nandi forest ecosystem is already experiencing climate change effects such as erratic rainfall and increasing food insecurity.

scholarly journals Effects of reindeer grazing and recovery after cessation of grazing on the ground-dwelling spider assemblage in Finnish Lapland

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7330
Author(s):  
Teemu Saikkonen ◽  
Varpu Vahtera ◽  
Seppo Koponen ◽  
Otso Suominen
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Ground Vegetation ◽  
Total Abundance ◽  
Finnish Lapland ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
The Impact

The effect of reindeer Rangifer tarandus L. grazing on the ground-dwelling spider assemblage in Northern Finland was studied. Changes in species richness, abundance and evenness of spider assemblages were analyzed in relation to changes in vegetation and environmental factors in long term grazed and ungrazed sites as well as sites that had recently switched from grazed to ungrazed and vice versa. Grazing was found to have a significant impact on height and biomass of lichens and other ground vegetation. However, it seemed not to have an impact on the total abundance of spiders. This is likely caused by opposing family and species level responses of spiders to the grazing regime. Lycosid numbers were highest in grazed and linyphiid numbers in ungrazed areas. Lycosidae species richness was highest in ungrazed areas whereas Linyphiidae richness showed no response to grazing. Four Linyphiidae, one Thomisidae and one Lycosidae species showed strong preference for specific treatments. Sites that had recovered from grazing for nine years and the sites that were grazed for the last nine years but were previously ungrazed resembled the long term grazed sites. The results emphasize the importance of reindeer as a modifier of boreal forest ecosystems but the impact of reindeer grazing on spiders seems to be family and species specific. The sites with reversed grazing treatment demonstrate that recovery from strong grazing pressure at these high latitudes is a slow process whereas reindeer can rapidly change the conditions in previously ungrazed sites similar to long term heavily grazed conditions.

scholarly journals RELATION OF SOILS AND GROUND COVER VEGETATION IN EVEN-AGED PINE STANDS OF CENTRAL ALBERTA

1963 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. K. Heringa ◽  
R. G. H. Cormack
Keyword(s):  
Ground Cover ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Ground Vegetation ◽  
West Central ◽  
Pine Stands ◽  
Ground Cover Vegetation

The present paper describes the ground vegetation of even-aged pine stands in West Central Alberta on six different sites and attempts to relate the ground vegetation to soil conditions.

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