Wet meadows of the alliance Molinion and their environmental gradients in Slovenia

Biologia ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Zelnik ◽  
Andraž Čarni
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Soil Reaction ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Wet Meadow ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to examine the relationships between wet meadow plant communities of Molinon alliance and their environmental conditions in Slovenia. The ecology of these communities was analysed in detail. The study provides the data on the vegetation and environmental parameters, the significance of parameters for the plant species composition, most important environmental gradients and differences between plant communities. In all plots the vegetation was recorded and soil parameters were analysed (pH, plant-available P and K, Nt, organic C, C/N ratio, exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, H+, electrical conductivity, base saturation). Other conditions were also considered (e.g., mean annual temperature and precipitation, humidity index, mean Ellenberg moisture and nutrient value) to test possible correlations as well. Vegetation was classified by means of multivariate cluster analysis, while vegetation-site relationships were examined with direct gradient analysis (CCA). Six associations from the Molinon alliance (Selino-Molinietum, Plantagini altissimae-Molinietum, Carici davallianae-Molinietum, Gentiano-Molinietum litoralis, Junco conglomerati-Betonicetum and Sanguisorbo-Festucetum commutatae) were identified and analysed. Soil reaction was identified as most significant environmental parameter explaining the variation of the studied vegetation. There are several statistically significant differences in site conditions between the communities (pH, moisture, nutrient status, Ca2+). The studied associations represent clearly defined ecological units.

Diversity of subalpine and alpine vegetation of the eastern part of the Nízke Tatry Mts in Slovakia: major types and environmental gradients

Biologia ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Sekulová ◽  
Michal Hájek
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Dwarf Shrub ◽  
Soil Reaction ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Entire Data ◽  
Second Gradient ◽  
One Year

AbstractChanges in composition and structure of alpine and subalpine plant communities in relation to ecological factors were analysed in the Nízke Tatry Mts, Slovakia. Species cover values of vascular and non-vascular plants in each vegetation plot were recorded on the nine-degree scale. A data set of 156 relevés of alpine and subalpine vegetation was sampled recently during one year in the eastern part of the Nízke Tatry National Park. The data set was analysed by cluster analysis and Detrended Correspondence Analysis. analyses were carried out on the entire data set, including the subset of short grassland and dwarf-shrub vegetation. Major gradients and clusters were ecologically interpreted using Ellenberg indicator values. In the entire data set, the major gradient in species composition was associated with nutrient availability and the second most important gradient with light. In the case of short grassland and dwarf-shrub vegetation, the gradients were different. The first one was associated with soil reaction and the second gradient was associated with moisture. Clusters proposed by numerical classification reproduced many traditional phytosociological associations, namely Seslerietum distichae, Sphagno capillifolii-Empetretum nigri, Junco trifidi-Callunetum vulgaris, Juncetum trifidi, Dryopterido dilatatae-Pinetum mugo, Luzuletum obscurae, Agrostio pyrenaiceae-Nardetum strictae, while some other associations were less clearly differentiated (communities of the alliances Calamagrostion villosae, Adenostylion alliariae, Trisetion fusci, Cratoneuro filicini-Calthion laetae or Salicion herbaceae). The next clusters included Vaccinium and Festuca supina dominated communities and artificial roadside grasslands sown 50 years ago. Bryophytes and lichens were highly represented among diagnostic species of particular associations. Distribution pattern of particular plant communities was strongly influenced by site position either on northern or southern slope of the mountains.

scholarly journals Lokale Anpassung bei Waldbaumarten: genetische Prozesse und Bedeutung im Klimawandel

2016 ◽  
Vol 167 (6) ◽  
pp. 333-340
Author(s):  
Christian Rellstab ◽  
Andrea R. Pluess ◽  
Felix Gugerli
Keyword(s):  
Local Adaptation ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Forest Trees ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Genetic Changes ◽  
Association Analyses ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Technological Advances

Local adaptation in forest trees: genetic processes and relevance under climate change Forest trees will have to adapt to future climatic changes, a process that will comprise genetic changes as a key component. Owing to technological advances it is now possible to identify the signature of natural selection and local adaptation in the genome. Environmental association analyses aim at associating adaptive genetic patterns with environmental parameters describing the local habitat. On the basis of such studies – including own investigations using oak and beech in Switzerland –, we show that forest trees are genetically differentiated along various environmental gradients, especially temperature and precipitation. Numerous genes could be found that presumably play a role in the adaptation to such environmental factors. Based on these findings, one could identify trees or stands that are adapted to future local conditions, and respective seed material could be considered in silviculture. Because such approaches are still in their infancy and because genome-environment interactions are complex, management strategies should focus on the preservation of (adaptive) genetic diversity, natural regeneration, and connectivity among stands. This would set the basis for the local adaptation of forest stands to altered environmental conditions by natural processes.

scholarly journals Responses and Indicators of Composition, Diversity, and Productivity of Plant Communities at Different Levels of Disturbance in a Wetland Ecosystem

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 252
Author(s):  
Tingting Duan ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Zhengjun Wang
Keyword(s):  
Plant Community ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Grazing Tolerance ◽  
Organic Matter Concentration ◽  
Drought Tolerant ◽  
Different Levels

Grassland tourism is a very popular leisure activity in many parts of the world. However, the presence of people in these areas causes disturbance to the local environment and grassland resources. This study analyzes the composition, diversity, and productivity under different levels of disturbance of the plant communities in the Kangxi Grassland Tourist Area and the Yeyahu Wetland Nature Reserve of Beijing, China. It aims to identify indicators of plant communities and their responses to different levels of disturbance. Our analysis shows that the plant community density and coverage have a certain compensatory increase under disturbed conditions. With the increase in disturbances, more drought-tolerant species have appeared (increased by 5.7%), some of which have become the grazing-tolerance indicator species in the trampled grazed area (TGA). For plant community productivity, biomass and height are good indicators for distinguishing different disturbances (p < 0.05). In addition, several diversity indices reveal the change of plant communities from different perspectives (three of the four indices were significant at the p < 0.05 level). For soil parameters, soil water content and organic matter concentration help to indicate different disturbance levels (the former has a 64% change). Moreover, the standard deviation of the plant community and soil parameters is also a good indicator of their spatial variability and disturbance levels, especially for the TGA. Our analysis confirms that the indicators of productivity, diversity, and soil parameters can indicate the disturbance level in each subarea from different perspectives. However, under disturbed conditions, a comprehensive analysis of these indicators is needed before we can accurately understand the state of health of the plant community.

scholarly journals Indirect drivers of plant diversity-productivity relationship in semiarid sandy grasslands

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1277-1289 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. A. Zuo ◽  
J. M. H. Knops ◽  
X. Y. Zhao ◽  
H. L. Zhao ◽  
T. H. Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Plant Diversity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Northern China ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Vegetation Composition ◽  
Wet Meadow ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Sandy Grasslands

Abstract. Although patterns between plant diversity and ecosystem productivity have been much studied, a consistent relationship has not yet emerged. Differing patterns between plant diversity and productivity have been observed in response to spatial variability of environmental factors and vegetation composition. In this study, we measured vegetation cover, plant diversity, productivity, soil properties and site characteristics along an environmental gradient (mobile dune, semi-fixed dune, fixed dune, dry meadow, wet meadow and flood plain grasslands) of natural sandy grasslands in semiarid areas of northern China. We used multivariate analysis to examine the relationships between environmental factors, vegetation composition, plant diversity and productivity. We found a positive correlation between plant diversity and productivity. Vegetation composition aggregated by the ordination technique of non-metric multidimensional scaling had also a significantly positive correlation with plant diversity and productivity. Environmental gradients in relation to soil and topography affected the distribution patterns of vegetation composition, species diversity and productivity. However, environmental gradients were a better determinant of vegetation composition and productivity than of plant diversity. Structural equation modeling suggested that environmental factors determine vegetation composition, which in turn independently drives both plant diversity and productivity. Thus, the positive correlation between plant diversity and productivity is indirectly driven by vegetation composition, which is determined by environmental gradients in soil and topography.

scholarly journals Soil Chemistry and Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Yield as Influenced by 16 Years of Composted Poultry Litter Addition

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 325
Author(s):  
Hebert D. A. Abobi ◽  
Armand W. Koné ◽  
Bernard Y. Koffi ◽  
Saint Salomon F. Diahuissié ◽  
Stanislas K. Loukou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Block Design ◽  
C:N Ratio ◽  
Poultry Litter ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Total N ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Litter Addition

Poultry litter is increasingly used as organic amendment in market gardening in Côte d’Ivoire. To know about the sustainability of this practice, its impacts on soil quality should be known. This study aimed at assessing the effect on soil fertility of composted poultry litter addition for 16 years following two distinct ways, and identifying soil parameters driving cucumber yield. Trials were laid out in a Fisher randomized block design with 3 treatments replicated 5 times each: Control (C), Surface-applied compost (SAC) and Buried compost (BC). Soil (0-20 cm) chemical characteristics and cucumber growth and yield parameters were measured. Values of all parameters were higher with compost addition compared to the control, except for the C:N ratio. SAC and BC showed similar values of organic C, total N, CEC, pH and available phosphorus. However, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and base saturation were higher in SAC than in BC. Relative to values in the control, the greatest changes in soil parameters were observed with exchangeable cations, followed by soil organic matter. Soil organic C and total N concentrations have doubled in SAC while Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ increased at greater rate (702.4, 400.9 and 186.67% respectively). Also, cucumber growth parameters were the highest with compost addition compared to the control. Significant effect of the compost application way on cucumber was also observed: collar diameter, leaf area and fresh fruit yield in SAC (0.72±0.02 cm, 258.9±12.3 cm2, 11.1±1.3 t ha-1, respectively) were higher than in BC (0.56±0.01 cm, 230.2±2.5 cm2, 5.4±0.5 t ha-1 respectively). Fruit yields in SAC and BC were four times and twice higher than in the control (2.6±0.3 t ha-1), respectively. Cucumber growth parameters were determined by soil concentration in Mg2+ while yield was determined by Ca2+. Composted poultry litter should be promoted for a sustainable soil fertility management in vegetable farming systems.

scholarly journals The Diversity and Community Assembly Process of Wetland Plants from Lakeshores on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 685
Author(s):  
Shasha Cui ◽  
Jian Ouyang ◽  
Yu Lu ◽  
Wenzhi Liu ◽  
Wenyang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tibetan Plateau ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Wetland Plants ◽  
Mean Annual Precipitation ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Weak Selection ◽  
Wetland Plant Communities ◽  
Α Diversity ◽  
Edaphic Properties ◽  
Ecological Drift

Unravelling the patterns, potential processes and mechanisms underlying biodiversity has always been a crucial issue in community ecology. It is also a necessary first step for any conservation and restoration to better adapt fragile ecosystems to a changing climate. However, little is known regarding the structure and maintenance of plant communities in typical high-altitude wetlands. Here, we made a comprehensive analysis of the diversity and composition of wetland plant communities based on the distribution of plants near the shorelines of 19 lakes across the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The latitude, mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP), along with the edaphic properties, were the dominant predictors affecting the taxonomic and phylogenetic α-diversity. Besides diversification, ecological drift, mixing with weak dispersal and weak selection shaped the community composition of wetland plants in our study. The latitude and MAP predictors, although modest, showed an impact on the community structure.

scholarly journals Microbial soil characteristics of grassland and arable soils linked to thermogravimetry data: correlations, use and limits

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Doležalová-Weissmannová ◽  
Stanislav Malý ◽  
Martin Brtnický ◽  
Jiří Holátko ◽  
Michael Scott Demyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Organic Carbon Content ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Arable Soils ◽  
Grassland Soils ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Mass Losses ◽  
C And N

Abstract. Thermogravimetry (TG) is a simple method that enables rapid analysis of soil properties such as the content of total organic C, nitrogen, clay and C fractions with different stability. However, the possible link between TG data and microbiological soil properties has not been systematically tested yet and limits TG application for soil and soil organic matter assessment. This work aimed to search and to validate relationships of thermal mass losses (TML) to total C and N contents, microbial biomass C and N, basal and substrate-induced respiration, extractable organic carbon content, anaerobic ammonification, urease activity, short-term nitrification activity, specific growth rate, and time to reach the maximum respiration rate for two sample sets of arable and grassland soils. Analyses of the training soil set revealed significant correlations of TML with basic soil properties such as carbon and nitrogen content with distinguishing linear regression parameters and temperatures of correlating mass losses for arable and grassland soils. In a second stage the equations of significant correlations were used for validation with an independent second sample set. This confirmed applicability of developed equations for prediction of microbiological properties mainly for arable soils. For grassland soils was the applicability lower, which was explained as the influence of rhizosphere processes. Nevertheless, the application of TG can facilitate the understanding of changes in soil caused by microorganism’s activity and the different regression equations between TG and soil parameters reflect changes in proportions between soil components caused by land use management.

scholarly journals Soil organic carbon storage in moutain grasslands of the Lake Plateau at Mt. Durmitor in Montenegro

2012 ◽  
pp. 113-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ratko Kadovic ◽  
Snezana Belanovic ◽  
Dragica Obratov-Petkovic ◽  
Ivana Bjedov ◽  
Veljko Perovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Carbon Density ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Organic C ◽  
C Storage ◽  
Soil Variables ◽  
Soil Organic Carbon Density

Soil organic C storage in mountain areas is highly heterogeneous, mainly as a result of local-scale variability in the soil environment and microclimate. The aims of the present study were to estimate soil organic carbon density (SOCD) and stocks in leptosol on morainic deposits of high-altitude grasslands of the Lake Plateau of Mt. Durmitor National Park in Montenegro, and determine the soil variables that can be used as factors to determine the SOCD at 28 soil profiles. Our results indicated that SOC storage in the top 40 cm of the alpine grasslands were estimated at 560 414.86 t C, or 152.66 t?ha-1, with an average density of 15.27 kg?m-2. The soil organic carbon density increased significantly with soil moisture, clay and silt content, but only moderately with mean annual temperature. In conjunction, these variables could explain approximately 51% of the total variation in SOC density.

scholarly journals Arthropod community at different altitudes in Gunung Halimun-Salak National Park, Western Java, Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
NOOR FARIKHAH HANEDA ◽  
IWAN HILWAN ◽  
EWI IRFANI
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Soil Arthropods ◽  
Arthropod Community ◽  
Total N ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Soil Arthropod ◽  
Different Altitudes

Abstract. Haneda NF, Hilwan I, Irfani E. 2019. Arthropod community at different altitudes in Gunung Halimun-Salak National Park, Western Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 1735-1742. Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) stores high biodiversity both from its flora and fauna. Parts of the diversity that have not been widely explored are soil arthropods at different altitudes. The aim of this study was to analyze soil arthropod community and the correlation between the attributes of soil arthropods and the environmental factors. The soil arthropods were collected using pitfall traps, placed in several altitudes, i.e., 500 m, 700 m, 900 m, 1100 m, 1300 m, 1500 m, and 1700 m . The attributes of community and environmental parameters were analyzed using Pearson correlation and principal component analysis. The result showed that family Formicidae dominated the soil arthropod community. The diversity of arthropods increased with increasing altitudes. The habitat at the altitudes of 1500 m, 1300 m and 1100 m had a dense canopy, thick litter and high total N and organic C. There was positive correlation between the attributes of soil arthropod community and environment variables.

scholarly journals A phytosociological survey of aquatic vegetation in the main freshwater lakes of Greece

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 53-75
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Zervas ◽  
Ioannis Tsiripidis ◽  
Erwin Bergmeier ◽  
Vasiliki Tsiaoussi
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Aquatic Plant ◽  
Aquatic Vegetation ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Freshwater Lake ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Freshwater Lakes ◽  
Lake Ecosystems ◽  
The Relationship

Aims: This study aims to contribute to the knowledge of European freshwater lake ecosystems with updated and new information on aquatic plant communities, by conducting national-scale phytosociological research of freshwater lake vegetation in Greece. Moreover, it investigates the relationship between aquatic plant communities and lake environmental parameters, including eutrophication levels and hydro-morphological conditions. Study area: Lakes in Greece, SE Europe. Methods: 5,690 phytosociological relevés of aquatic vegetation were sampled in 18 freshwater lake ecosystems during 2013–2016. The relevés were subjected to hierarchical cluster and indicator species analyses in order to identify associations and communities of aquatic vegetation, as well as to describe their syntaxonomy. Multiple regression analysis was applied to investigate the relationship between vegetation syntaxa and environmental parameters of lakes, i.e. physico-chemical parameters and water level fluctuation. Results: Ninety-nine plant taxa belonging to 30 different families were recorded. Forty-six vegetation types were identified and described by their ecological characteristics, diagnostic taxa and syntaxonomical status. Thirteen vegetation types, the largest number belonging to the vegetation class Charetea, are considered to be new records for Greece. The distribution of the vegetation types recorded in the 18 freshwater lakes was found to depend on environmental parameters and levels of eutrophication. Conclusions: An updated aquatic vegetation inventory was produced for Greek lakes, and primary results showed that the presence/absence of aquatic plant communities and the community composition in freshwater lakes can be utilized to assess the pressure of eutrophication on lake ecosystems. Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med (2006–). Abbreviations: MNT = Mean number of taxa; WFD = Water Framework Directive.

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