Mapping Invasive Plant Species with Hyperspectral Data Based on Iterative Accuracy Assessment Techniques

Recent developments in computer hardware made it possible to assess the viability of permutation-based approaches in image classification. Such approaches sample a reference dataset multiple times in order to train an arbitrary number of machine learning models while assessing their accuracy. So-called iterative accuracy assessment techniques or Monte-Carlo-based approaches can be a useful tool when it comes to assessment of algorithm/model performance but are lacking when it comes to actual image classification and map creation. Due to the multitude of models trained, one has to somehow reason which one of them, if any, should be used in the creation of a map. This poses an interesting challenge since there is a clear disconnect between algorithm assessment and the act of map creation. Our work shows one of the ways this disconnect can be bridged. We calculate how often a given pixel was classified as given class in all variations of a multitude of post-classification images delivered by models trained during the iterative assessment procedure. As a classification problem, a mapping of Calamagrostis epigejos, Rubus spp., Solidago spp. invasive plant species using three HySpex hyperspectral datasets collected in June, August and September was used. As a classification algorithm, the support vector machine approach was chosen, with training hyperparameters obtained using a grid search approach. The resulting maps obtained F1-scores ranging from 0.87 to 0.89 for Calamagrostis epigejos, 0.89 to 0.97 for Rubus spp. and 0.99 for Solidago spp.

Is the Age of Novel Ecosystem the Factor Driving Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization in Poa compressa and Calamagrostis epigejos?

Some sites transformed or created by humans (novel ecosystem) are different both in vegetation and ecosystems establishment and development. The unknown habitat conditions and new species composition is resulting in new abiotic and biotic systems. To improve the understanding of the process governing the relationships between the environmental factors, plant species assemblages and their arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation were studied in chronosequence on post-coal mine heaps. We hypothesized that AMF root colonization will be dependent on the age of heap and not on the dominant plant species (vegetation type). The high frequency of mycorrhizal colonization of roots (F%) of Poa compressa- and Calamagrostis epigejos-dominated vegetation type was stated. All mycorrhizal parameters were lower in C. epigejos roots when compared to P. compressa (ranging from 60% to 90%). The highest relative mycorrhizal intensity, M%, and mean abundance of arbuscula, A%, in the roots of both examined plants were recorded in vegetation patches dominated by Daucus carota. Positive and statistically significant correlations were found between F%, M%, and A%, and lack of correlation between the heaps’ age and mycorrhizal parameters, and statistically significant correlations between A% and potassium and magnesium content were revealed. The interspecific relations in the novel ecosystems become more complex along with the increase of diversity.

Taxonomic status and typification of the neglected name Calamagrostis vinealis (Poaceae, Agrostidinae)

The unresolved name Calamagrostis vinealis Steudel (Poaceae, Agrostidinae) is lectotypified and its taxonomic identity is discussed based on the discovery of Baumgarten’s collection at the P herbarium (P02142817), based on which this name was assigned. This collection appears to be a mixed gathering of Calamagrostis epigejos (left-hand specimen) and C. arundinacea (right-hand specimen). Here, the left-hand specimen is designated and labeled as lectotype of the name Calamagrostis vinealis, and in consequence, C. vinealis is a later heterotypic synonym of C. epigejos.

Solidago gigantea Ait. and Calamagrostis epigejos (L) Roth invasive plants as potential forage for goats

The experiment focused on feed evaluation was conducted with goats to determine the feeding value of two aggressive weeds, the giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) and the bushgrass (Calamagrostis epigejos). Studied plants at the pre bloom stage were evaluated for feeding value by 7-month-old castrated goats (n=5 per group, BW=25.0 kg). All animals received no supplemental feed. The two plants differed in content of dry matter (DM) (266 vs. 394 g/kg) as well as in crude protein (119 vs. 86g), crude fibre (222 vs. 317 g) and N-free extract (523 vs. 447 g) per kg DM. In this study, total daily DM intake from giant goldenrod and bushgrass was similar (666 vs. 689 g/goat). Apparent digestibility of these plants was similar for organic matter (58-59%), but differed for crude protein (71 vs 53%) and N-free extract (72-62%). The values of total digestible nutrients (55.9-53.4%), net energy for maintenance (NEm: 4.90-4.54 MJ) and net energy for lactation (NEl: 5.16-4.91 MJ) per kg DM were similar. The study concluded that Solidago gigantea and Calamagrostis epigejos aggressive plants could be interesting feed for goats due to their feeding values. In addition, both of these aggressive weeds are relatively easily available.

Functional Traits of Plant Species Suitable for Revegetation of Landfill Waste from Nickel Smelter

The landfill waste of leached ore residue represents a serious environmental risk and may also negatively affect the appearance, growth and development of vegetation. Here we focused on the evaluation of functional traits of selected plant species Populus alba, Calamagrostis epigejos, and Diplotaxis muralis growing in an unfavourable environment. We determined different adaptive strategies of selected species to extreme conditions. For Diplotaxis muralis the highest values of the leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and the lowest values of the specific leaf area (SLA) were determined, while for Calamagrostis epigejos these two traits correlated in opposite directions. Populus alba reached the lowest value of the water saturation deficit (WSD), suggesting that this species was most affected by soil water deficiency. The leaf water content (LWC) correlated negatively with the LDMC and positively with the SLA (narrow leaf blade). Although each plant species belongs to a different strategic group (therophyte, hemicryptophyte and phanerophyte in the juvenile stage), they are all very plastic and therefore suitable for remediation. Despite the unfavourable conditions, selected plant species were able to adapt to poor conditions and form more or less vital populations, which indicate the revegetation as a key measure for remediation of landfill waste from nickel smelter.

Vegetation recovery in open cast mines of Tver Region

In the study natural plant communities appearing at the first stages of vegetation recovery in open cuts are described. Sixty-three species of higher vascular plants were found, six of which are adventive (Bunias orientalis L., Cichorium intybus L., Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., Melilotus albus Medik., Sedum spurium M.Bieb., Solidago canadensis L.). Species from the Asteraceae (15), Gramíneae (8), Fabáceae (7) families prevail. The predominant life form according to I. Serebryakov are long-rhizome. According to G. Zozulin’s classification, plants belonging to the meadow and birch formations are most common. The associations of Calamagrostis epigejos and Bromus inermis predominate. Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., Heracleum sibiricum L., Campanula glomerata L. are single.

Successional structure and useful condition of mowing-and-grazing landscapes

The paper presents data on the indicators of livestock production, the number of farm animals and poultry in the Tyumen region. The characteristics and significance of near-village forage lands are given. The studied forage lands are assigned to the forest-steppe lowland latitudinal-zonal area of the Kurgan province and contain valuable species of herbs: Calamagrostis epigejos, Bromopsis inermis, Festuca pratensis, Vicia villosa Roth, Trifolium rubens L., Medicago falcata. The territory of pastures is used for mowing and grazing animals of the individual sector, which prevents sodding and degeneration and has a significant impact on the consistent regular change of the biological community (phytocoenosis, microbial community, etc.). The hay yield is 14.7 c/ha, which corresponds to natural meadows without cultivation. To improve the quality of hay and yield, the authors suggest carrying out agrotechnical measures: compliance with the terms of mowing the grass - a week before flowering or at the beginning of flowering of meadow grasses; introduction of potash fertilizers, which will increase the content of grasses in the herbage and will reduce the specific weight of forbs; application of nitrogen fertilizer in a mixture with potash and complete mineral fertilization, which will reduce the level of forbs by almost half; undersowing of leguminous grasses.

Long-Term Changes in Spatial Patterns and Life-Stage Structure in a Population of Senecio umbrosus Waldst. et Kit. Along With the Transformation of Grassland Vegetation

This paper was a part of studies conducted within an island population of the ragwort <em>Senecio umbrosus </em>(White Mt, southeastern Poland), a vulnerable element of xerothermic grasslands. Special attention was paid to the effects of expansive grass encroachment vs. grassland burning episodes on spatiotemporal patterns and life-stage structure of individuals in the population. The population traits were investigated nine times from 1990 to 2010, within three permanent patches differing in soil properties, initial floristic composition, grassland cover (particularly the cover of <em>Brachypodium pinnatum</em>), ragwort cover and density, shrub/tree cover influencing light intensity (full light–shadow), and grassland burning (zero–six episodes). There was a drastic decline in ragwort abundance within all the study patches accompanied by a decrease in the population clustering coefficient and a gradual equalization of the spatial distribution of ramets. The abundance was negatively correlated (PCA analysis) with an increase in <em>B. pinnatum </em>cover and positively correlated with the number of burning episodes, which temporarily delimited persistent litter cover and facilitated recruitment of new individuals. The decrease in ramet abundance ranged from 3.8 times (medium-high, moderately shadowed grassland; six cases of burning) to 8.3 times (high, dense, and shadowed grassland; four cases of burning). The patch of low, loose, sunlit, and never-burned grassland with the greatest initial density of ragwort (a 6.8-fold decrease in abundance) has evolved with time into a high and dense grassland with a greater coverage of <em>B. pinnatum </em>and <em>Calamagrostis epigejos</em>, additionally shaded by shrubs and young trees.

Вплив гербіцидів на забур'яненість культур сосни звичайної (Pinus sylvestris L.) в умовах Київського Полісся

Наведено результати досліджень щодо випробовування гербіцидів під час здійснення хімічних доглядів за лісовими культурами. Для дослідів використано гербіциди Річард, Пікадор, Гліфовіт і Булон у комбінації з прилипачем Олемікс і без нього. На дослідній ділянці трав'яна рослинність була представлена типовими для Київського Полісся видами: куничник наземний (Calamagrostis epigejos (L.) Roth.), злинка канадська (Erigeron canadensis L.), щавель горобиний (Rumex acetosella L.), тонконіг звичайний (Poa trivialis L.), напівчагарник ожина (Eubatus). Найбільш забур'яненими були міжряддя. Тут переважав куничник наземний, а однорічні бур'яни, переважно злинка канадська, траплялися поодиноко. На схилі і дні борозен також переважав куничник та у незначній кількості росли однорічні види. На дні борозен і на їх схилах кількість бур'янів була практично однаковою. Досліди закладено на лісових культурах 2018 року. Культури створено у лісовому фонді ДП "Київська лісова науково-дослідна станція" на суцільному зрубі, по борознах, в умовах свіжого субору. Доповнення культур здійснювали навесні 2019 року. Для обробляння рослин використовували ручні оприскувачі. Під час хімічного догляду за лісовими культурами сосни звичайної (Pinus sylvestris L.) гербіцидна дія препаратів полягала у пригніченні росту небажаної трав'яної рослинності та в частковому її знищенні. Застосування гербіцидних препаратів Річард, Гліфовіт і Булон призвело до знищення від 52 до 68 % багаторічних бур'янів. Найменше багаторічників було знищено гербіцидом Пікадор, тільки 37 %. Причому такий результат було досягнуто як застосуванням препарату Пікадор у комбінації з прилипачем Олемікс, так і без нього. Водночас, Пікадор повністю знищив однорічні бур'яни. Стосовно дії гербіцидів у комбінації з прилипачем встановлено, що його застосування істотно не впливало на ефективність гербіцидів. Усі гербіциди спричинили відпад сосни. Найбільше пошкоджень (21 %) виявлено під час застосування гербіциду Річард. Встановлено, що хімічний догляд негативно вплинув на однорічні рослини сосни звичайної, якими було доповнено лісові культури.