scholarly journals Successful Ecological Regeneration of Opencast Coal Mine Spoils through Forestation: From Cradle to Grove

Minerals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Haigh ◽  
Patricia Woodruffe ◽  
Margaret D’Aucourt ◽  
Elanor Alun ◽  
Gillian Wilding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Degraded Land ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Mine Spoils ◽  
Ground Flora ◽  
Habitat Mosaic ◽  
Open Canopy ◽  
Closed Canopy ◽  
Seed Fall

The reclamation of surface (opencast) coal mines is not always successful; there remains a legacy of degraded land that burdens local communities. This article evaluates a community-oriented, low-cost means of geoecological regeneration, the “Cradle for Nature” strategy, which uses mosaic tree planting to foster positive natural ecological processes. Results show that, while the autocompaction of minestones quickly raises soil densities to levels hostile to plant growth, forestation helps moderate soil densities. Weathering concentrates metals in minestones, but 14 years of forestation reduced the loadings of five metals by 35–52%. Twenty years of forestation doubled soil organic carbon to >7%; increased bacilli from 7% to 46%; actinomycetes from 10% to 26%; and soil microbe counts 12–15 times, especially in tree plantings treated with fertiliser. Soils under trees also supported a significantly greater earthworm biomass than under grass but, while open-canopy plantings had increased ground flora biodiversity, closed-canopy plantings had lower diversity and biomass. Following closure to grazing, ground biomass increased sevenfold. Young trees act as bird perches and significantly increase seed fall. Small mammal biomass and biodiversity increases after tree planting and higher predators appear. Varteg’s constructed forest provides an effective “cradle” for an emergent geoecological system and its habitat mosaic maximises biodiversity.

scholarly journals Effects of season on ecological processes in extensive earthen tilapia ponds in Southeastern Brazil

2015 ◽  
Vol 75 (4 suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 97-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. G. P. Favaro ◽  
L. H. Sipaúba-Tavares ◽  
A. Milstein
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Pond Ecosystem ◽  
Disposal Option ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Dry Seasons

Abstract In Southeastern Brazil tilapia culture is conducted in extensive and semi-intensive flow-through earthen ponds, being water availability and flow management different in the rainy and dry seasons. In this region lettuce wastes are a potential cheap input for tilapia culture. This study examined the ecological processes developing during the rainy and dry seasons in three extensive flow-through earthen tilapia ponds fertilized with lettuce wastes. Water quality, plankton and sediment parameters were sampled monthly during a year. Factor analysis was used to identify the ecological processes occurring within the ponds and to construct a conceptual graphic model of the pond ecosystem functioning during the rainy and dry seasons. Processes related to nitrogen cycling presented differences between both seasons while processes related to phosphorus cycling did not. Ecological differences among ponds were due to effects of wind protection by surrounding vegetation, organic loading entering, tilapia density and its grazing pressure on zooplankton. Differences in tilapia growth among ponds were related to stocking density and ecological process affecting tilapia food availability and intraspecific competition. Lettuce wastes addition into the ponds did not produce negative effects, thus this practice may be considered a disposal option and a low-cost input source for tilapia, at least at the amounts applied in this study.

scholarly journals Status and conservation of primates in Odzala National Park, Republic of the Congo

Oryx ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Bermejo
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Terra Firma ◽  
Western Lowland Gorilla ◽  
High Productivity ◽  
Open Canopy ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Closed Canopy ◽  
Species Specific

AbstractA survey of diurnal primate populations was carried out in Odzala National Park, Republic of the Congo, over 3 months in 1994 and 2 months in 1995. The park contains a high diversity and species-specific abundance of primates, and has the highest number of diurnal primates (10 species) in the forest block of Central Africa. Eight species of monkey: greater whitenosed monkey Cercopithecus nictitans, moustached monkey Cercopithecus cephus, crowned guenon Cercopithecus pogonias, De Brazza's monkey Cercopithecus neglectus, talapoin Miopithecus talapoin, white-cheeked mangabey Cercocebus albigena, agile mangabey Cercocebus galeritus and guereza Colobus guereza, as well as gorilla Gorilla g. gorilla and chimpanzee Pan t. troglodytes were sighted in the survey. Monkey species richness was highest in dense inundated forest and thicket, with all eight species occurring in these habitats, whereas only four species were found in terra firma forest (consisting of the park's two main habitats, open-canopy Marantaceae forest and closed-canopy primary forest). Three of the four species (C. nictitans, C. cephus and C. albigena) present in terra firma forest were most abundant in closed-canopy primary forest (1.4,1.0 and 0.6 groups per km, respectively) while the fourth (C. pogonias) was most abundant in open-canopy Marantaceae forest. Gorilla nests were most abundant in open-canopy Marantaceae forest (12.1 nests per km), while chimpanzee nests were mostly found in closed-canopy primary forest and Marantaceae forest (14 and 12 nests per km, respectively). Odzala has the highest recorded densities of western lowland gorilla (mean = 5.4 individuals per sq km) and chimpanzee (mean = 2.2 individuals per sq km) in Central Africa. The high densities of gorillas and chimpanzees may be a result of the high productivity of the forest and low poaching pressure. Conservation measures to ensure the maintenance of conditions in the area, such as educational programmes, are suggested.

scholarly journals The influence of topographic variation on forest structure in two woody plant communities: A remote sensing approach

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sisira Ediriweera ◽  
Tim Danaher ◽  
Sumith Pathirana
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Lidar Data ◽  
Topographic Wetness Index ◽  
Crown Area ◽  
Fractional Cover ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Open Canopy ◽  
Closed Canopy ◽  
Topographic Variation

Aim of study:  The study aimed to characterise variation in structural attributes of vegetation in relation to variations in topographic position using LIDAR data over landscapes.Area of study: The study was conducted in open canopy eucalypt-dominated forest (Richmond Range National Park-RRNP) and closed canopy subtropical rainforest (Border Ranges National Park-BRNP) in north-eastern New South Wales, Australia.Material and Methods: one metre resolution digital canopy height model (CHM) was extracted from the LIDAR data and used to estimate maximum overstorey height and crown area. LIDAR fractional cover representing the photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic component of canopy was calculated using LIDAR points aggregated into 50 m spatial bins. Potential solar insolation, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), slope and the elevation were processed using LIDAR derived digital elevation models.Main results: No relationship was found between maximum overstorey height and insolation gradient in the BRNP. Maximum overstorey height decreased with increasing insolation in the RRNP (R2 0.45). Maximum overstorey height increased with increasing TWI in the RRNP. Average crown area decreased with increasing insolation in both study areas. LIDAR fractional cover decreased with increasing insolation (R2 0.54), and increased with increasing TWI (R2 0.57) in the RRNP.Research highlights: The characterization of structural parameters of vegetation in relation to the variation of the topography was possible in eucalyptus dominated open canopy forest.  No reportable difference in variation of structural elements of vegetation was detected with topographic variation of subtropical rainforest.  

scholarly journals Vertical Measurement Accuracy of Mapping-Grade Global Positioning Systems Receivers in Three Forest Settings

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Wing ◽  
Aaron Eklund
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Measurement Accuracy ◽  
Gps Receiver ◽  
Gps Receivers ◽  
Positioning Systems ◽  
Young Forest ◽  
Open Canopy ◽  
Time Differential ◽  
Closed Canopy ◽  
Differential Corrections

Abstract Elevation or height differences are necessary measurements for many forest operation activities. We rigorously examined the vertical measurement performance of five mapping-grade GPS receivers in three forest settings representing open-sky,young-forest, and closed-canopy conditions. The mapping-grade GPS receivers collected data simultaneously at each of the three forest settings and had different hardware and data-collection configurations, including internal and external antennas, and real-time differential corrections. We evaluated the influence of forest setting and postprocessed differential corrections on all GPS receiver measurements, including those that were collected with real-time differential corrections. We also compared the effect of 1-, 30-, and 60-point averaging intervals on vertical measurement accuracy. We found average vertical accuracies for unprocessed GPS receiver measurements of 0.9, 1.7, and 2.8 m in the open-sky, young-forest, and closed-canopy settings, respectively. The influence of data postprocessing was inconsistent under closed canopy and resulted in average vertical GPS accuracies of 0.2, 0.4, 3.3 m in open-canopy, young-forest, and closed-canopy settings, respectively. Different point averaging intervals did not result in statistically significant differences in vertical accuracies for either unprocessed or postprocessed GPS data.

scholarly journals Responses to canopy openings in architectural development of saplings in eight deciduous broad-leaved tree species

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 1336-1347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koichi Takahashi ◽  
Tatsuyuki Seino ◽  
Takashi Kohyama
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Similar Degree ◽  
Lateral Growth ◽  
Growth Type ◽  
Main Trunk ◽  
Vertical Growth ◽  
Closed Canopy ◽  
Support Cost

Crown-architectural responses to small canopy openings, in relation to relative height growth rate (RHGR), were examined in saplings (0.5–2.3 m tall) of eight deciduous broad-leaved tree species in northern Japan. Five species were lateral-growth type with high leaf-support cost (branch mass per leaf area) to display many small leaves over a wide area, while three species were vertical-growth type with low leaf-support cost due to a small number of large leaves along a main trunk. In closed-canopy conditions, the lateral-growth species showed a greater increase in leaf area with increasing sapling size than the vertical-growth species. Net production rate (NP) per leaf area was not clearly different between the two groups. As a result, NP per sapling also increased to a greater extent with increasing sapling size for the lateral-growth species. The NP per leaf area was increased in canopy openings for the two groups, but this increase was not clearly distinguished between the two groups. The vertical-growth species supported greater leaf area per sapling in canopy openings because of the low cost of leaf support, which resulted in a greater increase in NP per sapling compared with the lateral-growth species. The lateral-growth species allocated more to trunk in canopy openings, keeping leaf area constant and decreasing the cost of leaf support. The RHGR of the vertical-growth species tended to be greater than that of the lateral-growth species in closed-canopy conditions. RHGR of all species was increased in canopy openings to a similar degree in both groups. Multiple regression analysis showed that RHGR of the lateral-growth species depended on both NP per sapling and allocation to trunk, while that of the vertical-growth species depended strongly on NP per sapling alone. Thus, saplings of each group responded to canopy openings in contrasting ways to increase RHGR.

A comparison of the success of artificial cover types for capturing amphibians and reptiles

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 433-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Hampton
Keyword(s):  
Common Method ◽  
East Texas ◽  
Open Canopy ◽  
Closed Canopy

AbstractThe use of artificial cover objects, or cover boards, is a common method for collecting and surveying amphibians and reptiles. Cover objects, plywood and corrugated tin, were placed in open and closed canopy sites in an east Texas floodplain. The assemblages captured were compared between tin and wood. The odds of capture were compared between the two types as well as the odds of capture in open and closed canopy sites. The combined amphibian and reptile assemblages differed between tin and plywood. The odds of capturing an amphibian or reptile under corrugated tin were slightly higher (1.2:1) when compared to plywood. Further, the odds of capture were less likely in closed canopy sites (0.89) than open canopy sites.

Canopy structure in Late Cretaceous and Paleocene forests as reconstructed from carbon isotope analyses of fossil leaves

Geology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 977-981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather V. Graham ◽  
Fabiany Herrera ◽  
Carlos Jaramillo ◽  
Scott L. Wing ◽  
Katherine H. Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Isotope ◽  
Late Cretaceous ◽  
Isotope Composition ◽  
Canopy Structure ◽  
Lacustrine Sediments ◽  
Vertical Gradient ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Open Canopy ◽  
Canopy Effect ◽  
Closed Canopy

Abstract While modern forests have their origin in the diversification and expansion of angiosperms in the Late Cretaceous and early Cenozoic, it is unclear whether the rise of closed-canopy tropical rainforests preceded or followed the end-Cretaceous extinction. The “canopy effect” is a strong vertical gradient in the carbon isotope (δ13C) composition of leaves in modern closed-canopy forests that could serve as a proxy signature for canopy structure in ancient forests. To test this, we report measurements of the carbon isotope composition of nearly 200 fossil angiosperm leaves from two localities in the Paleocene Cerrejón Formation and one locality in the Maastrichtian Guaduas Formation of Colombia. Leaves from one Cerrejón fossil assemblage deposited in a small fluvial channel exhibited a 6.3‰ range in δ13C, consistent with a closed-canopy forest. Carbon isotope values from lacustrine sediments in the Cerrejón Formation had a range of 3.3‰, consistent with vegetation along a lake edge. An even-narrower range of δ13C values (2.7‰) was observed for a leaf assemblage recovered from the Cretaceous Guaduas Formation, and suggests vegetation with an open canopy structure. Carbon isotope fractionation by Late Cretaceous and early Paleogene leaves was in all cases similar to that by modern relatives, consistent with estimates of low atmospheric CO2 during this time period. This study confirms other lines of evidence suggesting that closed-canopy forests in tropical South America existed by the late Paleocene, and fails to find isotopic evidence for a closed-canopy forest in the Cretaceous.

Technology Lecture. Land restoration: now and in the future

1984 ◽  
Vol 223 (1230) ◽  
pp. 1-23 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Land Surface ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Land Restoration ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Degraded Land ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Proper Understanding ◽  
Productive Land ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

Derelict and degraded land destroys amenity, causes pollution and is a waste of productive land surface. Despite the worldwide activity to restore it there is an enormous backlog, which in England has increased since 1974. In the past much of this restoration was empirically based and not always successful. But natural ecosystems develop unaided on raw starting materials by natural ecological processes. A proper understanding of these has led to more reliable and inexpensive restoration techniques. At the same time we have come to realize that, because, at the start, the slate has been wiped clean, many different end points are possible. Derelict land is a challenge and opportunity for creative manipulation of our landscape. Yet what is achieved in practice is often pedestrian, unscientific and uneconomic. Often the simple treatments that would minimize the impact of industrial activity, and would set the restoration off early and in the right direction, are not carried out. Yet there are plenty of good examples of what can be done. It appears that once more we may be victims of the British failure in technology and imagination transfer. For this the fault seems to lie broadly, not only with planners, industrialists and government, for not always making sure something is done, but also with scientists, for not applying their ecological knowledge sufficiently to problems of hard practice.

scholarly journals SPECTRAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A CLOSED CANOPY AND OPEN CANOPY FOREST IN NORTHERN SIERRA MADRE NATURAL PARK

2019 ◽  
Vol XLII-4/W19 ◽  
pp. 463-469
Author(s):  
C. Vidad ◽  
C. J. Sarmiento ◽  
C. M. Arellano ◽  
R. A. Faelga ◽  
R. Lopez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multispectral Imaging ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Spectral Characterization ◽  
Spatial Extent ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Open Canopy ◽  
Sierra Madre ◽  
Closed Canopy ◽  
Forest Lands

Abstract. Forest lands play crucial roles in nutrient recycling and climate regulation. The change of closed canopy forests to open canopy forests may indicate disturbance within the closed canopy forest. Within the local context of the Philippines, few studies have been conducted to monitor changes in closed canopy forest lands. Efforts to do so are limited by the spatial extent, remoteness and ruggedness of closed canopy forests. Satellite imagery can cover the spatial extent of forest lands as well as provide constant revisit periods for monitoring. However, while multispectral imaging can detect changes in land cover, it has limitations when detecting the subtler change from closed canopy to open canopy forest cover. This study aims to provide baseline spectral characterization of a closed canopy forest in the Philippines. For this study, a hyperspectral sensor (EO1-Hyperion) with 198 band channels ranging from 426.82 nm to 2395.50 nm and a pixel size of 30 m was used to characterize the spectral variations of closed canopy forest, open canopy forest, shrubs and cropland in Northern Sierra Madre, Philippines. Multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis (MESMA) was employed to sort the image into classes as well as to characterize intra-spectral variations among the identified classes. Spectral library endmembers were assembled, optimized and used to classify the image. The spectral libraries were optimized by using Endmember Average Root Mean Square Error (EAR) , Minimum Average Spectral Angle (MASA) and Iterative Endmember Selection (IES). Results overall agreement is 0.56 for EAR and IES and kappa coefficient is at 0.4.

scholarly journals Microclimatic Conditions Mediate The Effect of Deadwood and Forest Characteristics On a Threatened Beetle Species, Tragosoma Depsarium

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ly Lindman ◽  
Erik Öckinger ◽  
Thomas Ranius
Keyword(s):  
Regional Climate ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Several Variables ◽  
Open Canopy ◽  
Closed Canopy ◽  
Microclimatic Conditions ◽  
Living Organisms

Abstract While climate change has increased interest in the influence of microclimate on many organisms, species inhabiting deadwood have rarely been studied. Here we explore the relationships between characteristics of forest stands, deadwood and microclimate, and analyse how the microclimate inside deadwood affects the occurrence of wood-living organisms, exemplified by the red-listed beetle Tragosoma depsarium. Some of the measured deadwood and forest variables explain much of the variation in temperature, but little of humidity aspects of the microclimate within deadwood. Several variables known to influence habitat quality for deadwood-dependent species were found to correlate with microclimate viz.: warmer conditions in standing deadwood and open canopy than in downed logs and under a closed canopy; higher humidity and more stable daily temperatures in shaded habitats and in downed and large-diameter wood, than in sun-exposed locations and standing, small-diameter wood.T. depsarium occupancy and abundance were negatively correlated with daily temperature fluctuations, and positively related to spring and summer temperature and humidity. This can explain why the species occurred more frequently in deadwood items with characteristics associated with these microclimatic conditions, i.e. downed large-diameter logs occurring in open conditions. Since microclimatic conditions are important for T. depsarium and related to several habitat characteristics, we expect the effects of these characteristics to interact with each other, and for species’ habitat requirements to vary due to local and regional climate conditions, and to changes due to climate warming.

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