scholarly journals Disentangling the Relationship between Tree Biomass Yield and Tree Diversity in Mediterranean Mixed Forests

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Bravo ◽  
Ana Martin Ariza ◽  
Narangarav Dugarsuren ◽  
Cristóbal Ordóñez
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Biomass Yield ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Pinus Nigra ◽  
Tree Diversity ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Tree Biomass ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
As Species

Tree biomass and diversity relationship in mixed forest impacts on forest ecosystem services provisions. Tree biomass yield is driven by several aspects such as species identity, site condition, stand density, tree age as well as tree diversity expressed as species mingling and structural diversity. By comparing diverse degrees of tree mixture in natural forests we can insight on the ecosystem services provision level and dynamic. Two monitoring sites in the Castilian Northern Plateau (Spain) have been analyzed to disentangle the relationships between biodiversity levels and tree biomass yield. Two permanent one ha squared plots were established at Llano de San Marugan and Valdepoza. In each plot all individual trees were measured (diameter and height), georeferenced and its species identity defined. Tree species in the two sites were Pinus sylvestris, Pinus nigra, Pinus pinea, Quercus pyrenaica, Quercus ilex, Quercus faginea and Juniperus thurifera. From these datasets ten diversity indices that fall in three categories (species richness indices, species compositional/mingling indices and vertical structural indices) were used as predictor variables to fit several candidate models. By merging the trees by site (without considering the species identity) selected models include individual tree basal area as explanatory variable combining by addition or interaction with diversity indices. When species are analyzed independently structural diversity impacts on biomass yield in combination (additive or multiplicative) with tree size is negative Pinus nigra and positive for the other species.

scholarly journals Disentangling the Relationship between Tree Biomass Yield and Tree Diversity in Mediterranean Mixed Forests

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 848
Author(s):  
Felipe Bravo ◽  
Ana Martín Ariza ◽  
Narangarav Dugarsuren ◽  
Cristóbal Ordóñez
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Biomass Yield ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Pinus Nigra ◽  
Tree Diversity ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Tree Biomass ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
As Species

Tree biomass and the diversity relationship in mixed forest have an impact on forest ecosystem services provisions. Tree biomass yield is driven by several aspects such as species identity, site condition, stand density, tree age and tree diversity expressed as species mingling and structural diversity. By comparing diverse degrees of tree mixtures in natural forests, we can gain insight into the ecosystem services provision level and dynamic. Two monitoring sites in the Castilian Northern Plateau (Spain) have been analyzed to disentangle the relationships between biodiversity levels and tree biomass yield. Two permanent one hectare (ha) squared plots were established at Llano de San Marugán and Valdepoza. In each plot, all individual trees were measured (diameter and height), georeferenced and its species identity defined. Tree species in the two sites were Pinus sylvestris, Pinus nigra, Pinus pinea, Quercus pyrenaica, Quercus ilex, Quercus faginea and Juniperus thurifera. From these datasets, ten diversity indices that fall in three categories (species richness indices, species compositional/mingling indices and vertical structural indices) were used as predictor variables to fit several candidate models. By merging the trees by site (without considering the species identity) selected models include individual tree basal area as an explanatory variable combining by addition or interaction with diversity indices. When species are analyzed independently, structural diversity impacts on biomass yield in combination (additive or multiplicative) with tree size is negative for Pinus nigra and positive for the other species.

scholarly journals Potential of Alnus acuminata based agroforestry for carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services in Rwanda

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athanase R. Cyamweshi ◽  
Shem Kuyah ◽  
Athanase Mukuralinda ◽  
Catherine W. Muthuri
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Carbon Sequestration ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Average Height ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Biomass Carbon ◽  
Alnus Acuminata ◽  
Sequestration Potential ◽  
Old Trees

AbstractAlnus acuminata Kunth. (alnus) is widely used in agroforestry systems across the globe and is believed to provide multiple ecosystem services; however, evidence is lacking in agroforestry literature to support the perceived benefits, particularly in Rwanda. To understand carbon sequestration potential and other benefits of alnus, a household survey, tree inventory and destructive sampling were conducted in north-western Rwanda. Over 75% of the respondents had alnus trees in their farms. The trees provide stakes for climbing beans, firewood and timber. They also improve soil fertility and control soil erosion. Farmers had between 130 and 161 alnus trees per hectare with an average height of 7.7 ± 0.59 m and diameter at breast height of 16.3 ± 1.39 cm. The largest biomass proportion was found in stems (70.5%) while branches and leaves stock about 16.5 and 13% of the total biomass, respectively. At farm level, aboveground biomass of alnus trees was estimated to be 27.2 ± 0.7 Mg ha−1 representing 13.6 Mg of carbon (C) per hectare. Biomass carbon increased with tree size, from 7.1 ± 0.2 Mg C ha−1 in 3 years old trees to 34.4 ± 2.2 Mg C ha−1 in 10 years old trees. The converse was observed with elevation; biomass carbon decreased with increasing elevation from 21.4 ± 1.29 Mg C ha−1 at low (2011–2110 m) to 9.6 ± 0.75 Mg C ha−1 in the high elevation (> 2510 m). In conclusion, alnus agroforestry significantly contributes to carbon sequestration, although the magnitude of these benefits varies with tree age and elevation. Planting alnus trees on farms can meet local needs for stakes for climbing beans, wood and soil fertility improvement, as well as the global need for regulation of climate change.

scholarly journals Comparing Thinning System Effects on Ecosystem Services Provision in Artificial Black Pine (Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold) Forests

Forests ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Marchi ◽  
Alessandro Paletto ◽  
Paolo Cantiani ◽  
Elisa Bianchetto ◽  
Isabella De Meo
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Pinus Nigra ◽  
Black Pine

scholarly journals Unimodal Relationships of Understory Alpha and Beta Diversity along Chronosequence in Coppiced and Unmanaged Beech Forests

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sándor Bartha ◽  
Roberto Canullo ◽  
Stefano Chelli ◽  
Giandiego Campetella
Keyword(s):  
Beta Diversity ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Forest Succession ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Alpha And Beta Diversity ◽  
Coppice Management

Patterns of diversity across spatial scales in forest successions are being overlooked, despite their importance for developing sustainable management practices. Here, we tested the recently proposed U-shaped biodiversity model of forest succession. A chronosequence of 11 stands spanning from 5 to 400 years since the last disturbance was used. Understory species presence was recorded along 200 m long transects of 20 × 20 cm quadrates. Alpha diversity (species richness, Shannon and Simpson diversity indices) and three types of beta diversity indices were assessed at multiple scales. Beta diversity was expressed by a) spatial compositional variability (number and diversity of species combinations), b) pairwise spatial turnover (between plots Sorensen, Jaccard, and Bray–Curtis dissimilarity), and c) spatial variability coefficients (CV% of alpha diversity measures). Our results supported the U-shaped model for both alpha and beta diversity. The strongest differences appeared between active and abandoned coppices. The maximum beta diversity emerged at characteristic scales of 2 m in young coppices and 10 m in later successional stages. We conclude that traditional coppice management maintains high structural diversity and heterogeneity in the understory. The similarly high beta diversities in active coppices and old-growth forests suggest the presence of microhabitats for specialist species of high conservation value.

Disentangling tree species identity and richness effects on the herb layer: first results from a German tree diversity experiment

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 742-755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evy Ampoorter ◽  
Lander Baeten ◽  
Margot Vanhellemont ◽  
Helge Bruelheide ◽  
Michael Scherer-Lorenzen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Tree Diversity ◽  
Herb Layer ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
First Results

scholarly journals Plant community analysis and effect of environmental factors on the diversity of woody species in the moist Afromontane forest of Wondo Genet, South Central Ethiopia

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamo Kebede ◽  
Eshetu Yirdaw ◽  
Olavi Luukkanen ◽  
Mulugeta Lemenih
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Community Analysis ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Endemic Plant ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Central Ethiopia ◽  
South Central ◽  
Afromontane Forest ◽  
Restoration Strategies

Abstract Floristic diversity and the composition of vascular plants are described for the moist Afromontane forest (MAF) of Wondo Genet, south-central Ethiopia. A total of 75 (20 x 20 m) quadrats were sampled and data on species identity, abundance, elevation, slope and aspect were recorded. Different diversity indices and ordination techniques were used to analyze the data. A total of 240 plant species including seven endemic plant species were found representing 94 families and 210 genera, of which trees constitute 23.8%, shrubs 25%, herbs 35%, lianas 11.3% and ferns 5%. Cluster and indicator species analyses revealed five plant communities described as: Teclea nobilis-Calpurnia aurea, Erythrococca trichogyne-Millettia ferruginea, Croton macrostachyus-Vernonia hochstetteri, Protea gaguedi-Rhus retinorrhoea and Dodonaea angustifolia-Hypericum quartinianum. Elevation (R2=0.48, P<0.001), slope (R2=0.14, P<0.001) and aspect (R2=0.04, P<0.01) correlated significantly and negatively with species richness, whereas only elevation (R2=0.30, P<0.001) and slope (R2=0.13, P<0.001) related significantly and negatively with abundance. Sørensen’s similarity coefficient indicates that the forest of Wondo Genet is similar to moist montane forests of southwestern and southeastern Ethiopia. Given the high diversity, coupled with the existence of endemic species, ecosystem conservation and restoration strategies with further research are warranted.

scholarly journals The Influence of Tree Diversity on Natural Enemies—a Review of the “Enemies” Hypothesis in Forests

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 243-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Staab ◽  
Andreas Schuldt
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Natural Enemy ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Tree Diversity ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Enemies Hypothesis ◽  
Functional And Phylogenetic Diversity

Abstract Purpose of Review Natural enemies are an important component for forest functioning. By consuming herbivores, they can be effective top-down regulators of potential pest species. Tree mixtures are generally expected to have larger predator and parasitoid populations compared to monocultures. This assumption is based on the “enemies” hypothesis, a classical ecological concept predicting a positive relationship between plant diversity (and complexity) and natural enemies, which, in turn, should increase top-down control in more diverse environments. However, the “enemies” hypothesis has mostly been tested and supported in relatively simple agricultural ecosystems. Until recently, research in forests was sparse. We summarize the upcoming knowledge-base for forests and identify forest characteristics likely shaping relationships between tree diversity, natural enemies (abundance, species richness, diversity), and top-down control. We further identify possible implications for mixed species forestry and key knowledge gaps. Recent Findings Tree diversity (almost exclusively quantified as tree species richness) does not consistently increase enemy abundance, diversity, or result in herbivore control. Tests of the “enemies” hypothesis are largely based on aboveground natural enemies (mainly generalists) and have highly variable outcomes across taxa and study systems, sometimes even finding a decrease in predator diversity with increasing tree diversity. Recurrent effects of tree species identity and composition indicate that a closer focus on tree functional and phylogenetic diversity might help to foster a mechanistic understanding of the specific circumstances under which tree diversity can promote top-down control. Summary Our review suggests that the “enemies” hypothesis may not unambiguously apply to forests. With trees as structurally complex organisms, even low-diversity forests can maintain a high degree of habitat heterogeneity and may provide niches for many predator and parasitoid species, possibly blurring correlations between tree and natural enemy diversity. Several further factors, such as latitude, identity effects, intraguild predation, or functional and phylogenetic components of biodiversity, may confound the predictions of the “enemies” hypothesis. We identify topics needing more research to fully understand under which conditions tree diversity increases natural enemy diversity and top-down control—knowledge that will be crucial for forest management.

Large herbivores control the invasive potential of nonnative Austrian black pine in a mixed deciduous Mediterranean forest

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 1047-1053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandrine Chauchard ◽  
Gaëlle Pille ◽  
Christopher Carcaillet
Keyword(s):  
Age Structure ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Pinus Nigra ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Black Pine ◽  
Invasive Potential ◽  
Large Herbivores ◽  
Eastern Pyrenees

The invasive potential of the nonnative Austrian black pine (Pinus nigra subsp. nigra Arn.) was analyzed in a 100-year-old Mediterranean mixed deciduous forest in the Massane Nature Reserve, eastern Pyrenees (France). The reserve holds approximately 120–150 semiferal cattle (Bos taurus L.) that browse and trample the woody regeneration. Tree age structure was assessed by dendrochronology to reconstruct the pine population dynamics in grazed and nongrazed (fenced in 1954) portions of the forested reserve. The age structure of the pine population regenerating before 1960 was similar between the inside and outside of the enclosed reserve area. Since 1960, pine recruitment has occurred only in the nongrazed area. The diameter variability with age changed since the 19th century. For pines less than 20 years old, the diameter variability is low, whereas it is very high for individuals older than 100 years. Diverse forest structural changes (composition, canopy height, density, etc.) likely explain the variability in diameter at a given age. Cattle do not appear to affect tree growth as it is similar inside and outside the fenced area, but they control the regeneration of nonnative Austrian black pines, which can spread in the absence of cattle. If nonnative black pine poses a risk for forest conservation, large herbivores may play a useful role in maintaining this species at low abundance.

scholarly journals Integrative taxonomy confirms the species status of the Himalayan langurs, Semnopithecus schistaceus Hodgson 1840

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunal Arekar ◽  
S. Sathyakumar ◽  
K. Praveen Karanth
Keyword(s):  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Integrative Taxonomy ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Species Status ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Hanuman Langur ◽  
As Species

AbstractTaxonomy is replete with groups where the species identity and classification remain unresolved. One such group is the widely distributed Hanuman langur (Colobinae: Semnopithecus). For most part of the last century, Hanuman langur was considered to be a single species with multiple subspecies. Nevertheless, recent studies using an integrative taxonomy approach suggested that this taxon is a complex, with at least three species. However, these studies did not include the Himalayan population of the Hanuman langur whose taxonomic status remains unresolved. The Himalayan population of Hanuman langurs have been classified as a distinct species with multiple subspecies or have been subsumed into other species. These classification schemes are wholly based on morphological characters and which are sometimes insufficient to delimit different species. Here, we have integrated data from multiple sources viz. morphology, DNA, and ecology to resolve the taxonomy of the Himalayan langur and to understand its distribution limit. Our results with three lines of evidence corresponding to three different species concepts show that Himalayan langur is a distinct species from S. entellus of the plains. Additionally, these results did not show any support for splitting of the Himalayan langur into multiple subspecies. Our study supports the classification proposed by Hill (1939) and we recommend Semnopithecus schistaceus, Hodgson 1840 as species name for the Himalayan langur and subsume all the known subspecies into it.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document