This paper reports on two years of measurement of soil respiration and canopy-root biomass in a Leymus chinensis community in the Xilin River basin of Inner Mongolia. Correlations between components of plant biomass a...This paper reports on two years of measurement of soil respiration and canopy-root biomass in a Leymus chinensis community in the Xilin River basin of Inner Mongolia. Correlations between components of plant biomass and soil respiration rates were examined. From respiration data based on CO2 uptake by NaOH and corresponding root biomass values for each run of 10 plots, a linear regression of CO2 evolution rates on root dry weights has been achieved for every ten days. By applying the approach of extrapolating the regressive line to zero root biomass, the proportion of the total soil respiration flux that is attributable to live root respiration was estimated to be about 27% on average, ranging from 14% to 39% in the growing season in 1998. There were no evident relations between the total canopy biomass or root biomass and CO2 evolution rates, but a significant exponential relation did exist between tire live-canopy biomass and CO2 evolution rates.展开更多
Desertification is a process in which vegetation cover degrades followed by increased wind and water erosion. Plants adapted to moving sand conditions are able to reverse this process. They can stabilize die substrate...Desertification is a process in which vegetation cover degrades followed by increased wind and water erosion. Plants adapted to moving sand conditions are able to reverse this process. They can stabilize die substrate. Not much data is available on the soil stabilization capacity of plants. This study was conducted to investigate the wind-induced sand displacement around plants in relation to their biomass. Sand displacement is examined in relation to the biomass allocation pattern of three different plant species. A new method was developed to experimentally investigate plant sand-binding capacity. The relationship between sand displacement and plant biomass was not linear. Apart from the amount of biomass, species-specific plant characters like the biomass allocation pattern and plant structure may be very important in determining the sand-binding capacity.展开更多
Canola crop is rich in plant biomass. It is considered a major cash crop in North America and a potential source for biofuel. We evaluated six strains of white rot basidiomycetes under solid state fermentation (SSF) f...Canola crop is rich in plant biomass. It is considered a major cash crop in North America and a potential source for biofuel. We evaluated six strains of white rot basidiomycetes under solid state fermentation (SSF) for their potentials to secrete oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes to biodegrade canola plant biomass (CPB), and release sugars. Fuscoporia gilva and Pleurotus tuberregium produced high amount of laccase (440.86 U/L and 480.63 U/L at day 7), as well as carboxylmethylcellulase (CMCase) (4.78 U/mL at day 21 and 3.13 U/mL at day 14) and xylanase (4.48 U/mL and 7.8 U/mL at day 21), respectively. Bjerkandera adusta showed high amount of MnP (50.4 U/L) and peroxidase (64.5 U/L), relative to the other strains. Loss of organic matter peaked after 21 days of incubation in all the tested strains;however, the best result (34.0%) was shown in P. tuberregium. The highest lignin loss was observed in Coriolopsis caperata strains. Among the sugar polymers, hemicellulose was highly degraded by P. tuberregium and P. pulmonarius (4.1% - 4.6%), while cellulose (3.3% - 4.3%) was mainly degraded by F. gilva and B. adusta. Glucose was the dominant sugar released by all the fungi tested, with the highest concentration of 1.25 mg/mL produced by B. adusta at day 14 of incubation. Results indicate that selected white rot fungi can achieve significant delignification of CPB within 14 days of solid state fermentation. Their importance in low cost pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass prior to conversion into biofuels and bio-products of economic importance is discussed.展开更多
Biochar has been applied extensively as a soil amendment over the past decades. This review summarizes the general findings of the impacts of biochar application on different aspects from soil physical, chemical, and ...Biochar has been applied extensively as a soil amendment over the past decades. This review summarizes the general findings of the impacts of biochar application on different aspects from soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties, to soil nutrient availabilities, plant growth, biomass production and yield, greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, and soil carbon sequestration. Due to different biochar pyrolysis conditions, feedstock types, biochar application rates and methods, and potential interactions with other factors such as plant species and soil nutrient conditions, results from those studies are not inclusive. However, most studies reported positive effects of biochar application on soil physical and chemical properties, soil microbial activities, plant biomass and yield, and potential reductions of soil GHG emissions. A framework of biochar impacts is summarized, and possible mechanisms are discussed. Further research of biochar application in agriculture is called to verify the proposed mechanisms involved in biochar-soil-microbial-plant interactions for soil carbon sequestration and crop biomass and yield improvements.展开更多
The adsorption of α-chymotrypsin onto plant biomass charcoal (PBC), which was prepared from plant biomass wastes such as bagasse and dumped adzuki beans by pyrolysis, has been examined. The PBC was characterized by S...The adsorption of α-chymotrypsin onto plant biomass charcoal (PBC), which was prepared from plant biomass wastes such as bagasse and dumped adzuki beans by pyrolysis, has been examined. The PBC was characterized by SEM, specific surface area, and pore size distribution. The adsorption isotherms were successfully correlated by the Freundlich equation. The amount of α-chymotrypsin adsorbed on PBC was dramatically dependent upon the solution pH and temperature. Maximum adsorptions of α-chymotrypsin on adzuki bean charcoal and bagasse charcoal were observed at weak acidic and near neutral pH, respectively. The amount of α-chymotrypsin adsorbed on PBC decreased with an increase in the concentration of salts. Plots of the amount of α-chymotrypsin adsorbed on PBC versus temperature exhibited an optimum temperature.展开更多
Plant biomass, primary production and mineral cycling were studied in a mixed deciduous forest (Quercus robur L., Tilia cordata L. and Corylus avellana L.) in southern Sweden. Plant biomass amount above and below grou...Plant biomass, primary production and mineral cycling were studied in a mixed deciduous forest (Quercus robur L., Tilia cordata L. and Corylus avellana L.) in southern Sweden. Plant biomass amount above and below ground was 201 and 37 t·ha-1, respectively. Primary production above and below ground was an estimated 13.3 and 2.3 t·ha-1, respectively. Carbon was the dominant element in the forest ecosystem, comprising 133 t·ha-1. Other major elements were: N > Ca > K > Si > Mg > S > Mn > P > Fe and Na (range 1123 to 18 kg·ha-1), followed by some trace elements. Yearly litterfall restored 6.0 t·ha-1 organic matter or 2.3 t·ha-1 carbon. Approximately 45% decomposed and returned to the soil during the year. Monitoring of other elements revealed that the ecosystem received inputs through dry and wet deposition, in particular 34.4 kg·ha-1 S and 9.4 kg·ha-1 of N yearly as throughfall. Determination of yearly biomass increase showed that the oak forest ecosystem was still in an aggradation or accumulation phase.展开更多
A field experiment was carried out at the CSIC Muñovela farm belonging to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in order to evaluate the effect of sowing orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata var. Trerano) ...A field experiment was carried out at the CSIC Muñovela farm belonging to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in order to evaluate the effect of sowing orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata var. Trerano) and lucerne (Medicago sativa var. Aragon) in monoculture and in combination. The experiment was based on a randomized block designed with a factorial arrangement (5 × 2). Experimental units were 40 plots distributed in four blocks. The phosphorus fertilization (P) factor included two types of conditions: basal fertilization without phosphorus (-P) and basal fertilization with phosphorus (+P), and the vegetation cover factor (T) included five conditions depending on the grass (G) and the legume (L). Above-ground biomass showed statistically significant differences among seasons and years (P Lolium perenne L. and Poa pratensis L. throughout the three years indicated that both species significantly increased their presence over time regardless of the treatments applied. The analysis performed for the other plant species (those other than grasses and legumes) allowed us to determine that the T1 and T5 treatments, which correspond to single species not treated with the application of phosphorus, influenced the presence of 70% of other species planted. Our specific aim was to explore how changing plant biotic diversity affects productivity under a given set of conditions. We manipulated plant species richness as an experimental factor to determine if productivity would be affected by changes in the ratios of plants sown.展开更多
Taking Dabao (from Dali City to Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, China) and Sixiao (from Simao City to Xiaomengyang Town, Yunnan Province, China) highways in Longitudinal Range-Gorge Region as examples. Biomass, cov...Taking Dabao (from Dali City to Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, China) and Sixiao (from Simao City to Xiaomengyang Town, Yunnan Province, China) highways in Longitudinal Range-Gorge Region as examples. Biomass, coverage and photosynthesis rate of different plant types on sampling points (at the distances from road of 5, 20, 40, 80, 120 and 200 m) and their control points were estimated on ground. The relations among biomass, coverage, photosynthesis rate were analyzed with an aim to explore the mechanism of the effect caused by highway construction on plant biomass. The results show, i) the impacts of highway construction on plant biomass are both positive and negative. Arbor is mainly negatively impacted, while shrub and herbage are mainly positively impacted. The effect of highway construction decrease with the increase of distance from the road; ii) highway construction exert obvious influence on plant biomass through altering the physiologic processes (reflected by the plant number) and photosynthesis, iii) highway construc- tion will result in the decrease of arbor number, photosynthesis rate and biomass, and increase of plant number, photosynthesis rate and biomass of shrub and herbage.展开更多
Background:Sustainable land management interventions were introduced in Geda watershed in 2012 to reduce soil erosion,improve water infiltration,and increase plant-carbon inputs into the soil.This study explored the i...Background:Sustainable land management interventions were introduced in Geda watershed in 2012 to reduce soil erosion,improve water infiltration,and increase plant-carbon inputs into the soil.This study explored the impact of the interventions on biomass production,carbon stock,and carbon sequestration.Stratified sampling was employed in the main and the dry seasons in the treated and untreated sub-watersheds that are found adjacent to each other.Above-and below-ground plant biomass,soil bulk density and organic carbon in 0-15-and 15-30-cm depths,and soil moisture content in 0-20-and 20-40-cm depths were collected from the crop,grazing,and tree lucerne plots.All analyses were performed based on standard procedures.Results:Plant biomass production,carbon stock,and carbon sequestration varied highly significantly(P≤0.001)among sub-watersheds,landscape positions,and land uses.Higher mean values were observed for treated subwatershed,lower landscape position,and tree lucerne plot.The higher mean values in the lower landscape position of the treated sub-watershed were due to tree lucerne plantation.Similarly,topsoil(0-15 cm)carbon stock was statistically higher(P≤0.001)in the treated sub-watershed and at tree lucerne plot(P≤0.05).In addition,carbon stock by sub-surface soil(15-30 cm)was significantly higher(P≤0.001)in the treated sub-watershed under crop and grazing lands but the higher value was in cropland and in the upper position.This could be due to the decomposition of organic materials from biomasses of crops and biological supporting measures(tree lucerne and Phalaris)facilitated by tillage.Six years of sustainable land management interventions led to the sequestration of 12.25,7.77,and 13.5 Mg C ha^(−1) under cropland,tree lucerne,and grazing plots,respectively.Conclusion:Sustainable land management interventions revealed auspicious ecological impacts in Geda watershed in terms of improving plant biomass production,carbon stock,and correspondingly capturing higher carbon dioxide equivalent taking untreated sub-watershed as a baseline.Prohibition of free grazing was the key element of the intervention to reduce biomass export and increase carbon sequestration in the treated sub-watershed.Thus,sustaining tree lucerne plants as a conservation measure and the prohibition of free grazing practices are principally essential.展开更多
Alpine Kobresia meadows are major vegetation types on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. There is growing concern over their relationships among biodiversity, productivity and environments. Despite the im-portance of specie...Alpine Kobresia meadows are major vegetation types on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. There is growing concern over their relationships among biodiversity, productivity and environments. Despite the im-portance of species composition, species richness, the type of different growth forms, and plant bio-mass structure for Kobresia meadow ecosystems, few studies have been focused on the relationship between biomass and environmental gradient in the Kobresia meadow plant communities, particularly in relation to soil moisture and edaphic gradients. We measured the plant species composition, her-baceous litter, aboveground and belowground biomass in three Kobresia meadow plant communities in Haibei Alpine Meadow Ecosystem Research Station from 2001 to 2004. Community differences in plant species composition were reflected in biomass distribution. The total biomass showed a de-crease from 13196.96±719.69 g/m2 in the sedge-dominated K. tibetica swamp to 2869.58±147.52 g/m2 in the forb and sedge dominated K. pygmaea meadow, and to 2153.08±141.95 g/m2 in the forbs and grasses dominated K. humilis along with the increase of altitude. The vertical distribution of below-ground biomass is distinct in the three meadow communities, and the belowground biomass at the depth of 0-10 cm in K. tibetica swamp meadow was significantly higher than that in K. humilis and K. pygmaea meadows (P<0.01). The herbaceous litter in K. tibetica swamp was significantly higher than those in K. pygnaeca and K. humilis meadows. The effects of plant litter are enhanced when ground water and soil moisture levels are raised. The relative importance of litter and vegetation may vary with soil water availability. In the K. tibetica swamp, total biomass was negatively correlated to species richness (P<0.05); aboveground biomass was positively correlated to soil organic matter, soil moisture, and plant cover (P<0.05); belowground biomass was positively correlated with soil moisture (P<0.05). However, in the K. pygnaeca and K. humilis meadow communities, aboveground biomass was posi-tively correlated to soil organic matter and soil total nitrogen (P<0.05). This suggests that the distribu-tion of biomass coincided with soil moisture and edaphic gradient in alpine meadows.展开更多
Field experiments were conducted from 2012 to 2015 in an arid region of Northwest China to investigate the effects of planting density on plant growth, yield, and water use efficiency(WUE) of maize for seed producti...Field experiments were conducted from 2012 to 2015 in an arid region of Northwest China to investigate the effects of planting density on plant growth, yield, and water use efficiency(WUE) of maize for seed production. Five planting densities of 6.75, 8.25, 9.75, 11.25 and 12.75 plants/m^2 were conducted in 2012, and a planting density of 14.25 plants/m^2 was added from 2013 to 2015. Through comparison with the Aqua Crop yield model, a modified model was developed to estimate the biomass accumulation and yield under different planting densities using adjustment coefficient for normalized biomass water productivity and harvest index. It was found that the modified yield model had a better performance and could generate results with higher determination coefficient and lower error. The results indicated that higher planting density increased the leaf area index and biomass accumulation, but decreased the biomass accumulation per plant. The total yield increased rapidly as planting density increased to 11.25 plants/m^2, but only a slight increase was observed when the density was greater than 11.25 plants/m^2. The WUE also reached the maximum when planting density was 11.25 plants/m^2, which was the recommended planting density of maize for seed production in Northwest China.展开更多
Biomass allocation patterns among plant species are related to their adaptive ecological strategies. Ephemeral, ephemeroid and annual plant life forms represent three typical growth strategies of plants that grow in a...Biomass allocation patterns among plant species are related to their adaptive ecological strategies. Ephemeral, ephemeroid and annual plant life forms represent three typical growth strategies of plants that grow in autumn and early spring in the cold deserts of China. These plants play an important role in reducing wind velocity in the desert areas. However, despite numerous studies, the strategies of biomass allocation among plant species with these three life forms remain contentious. In this study, we conducted a preliminary quadrat study during 2014–2016 in the southern part of the Gurbantunggut Desert, China, to investigate the allocation patterns of above-ground biomass(AGB) and below-ground biomass(BGB) at the individual level in 17 ephemeral, 3 ephemeroid and 4 annual plant species. Since ephemeral plants can germinate in autumn, we also compared biomass allocation patterns between plants that germinated in autumn 2015 and spring 2016 for 4 common ephemeral species. The healthy mature individual plants of each species were sampled and the AGB, BGB, total biomass(TB), leaf mass ratio(LMR) and root/shoot ratio(R/S) were calculated for 201 sample quadrats in the study area. We also studied the relationships between AGB and BGB of plants with the three different life forms(ephemeral, ephemeroid and annual). The mean AGB values of ephemeral, ephemeroid and annual plants were 0.806, 3.759 and 1.546 g/plant, respectively, and the mean BGB values were 0.106, 4.996 and 0.166 g/plant, respectively. The mean R/S value was significantly higher in ephemeroid plants(1.675) than in ephemeral(0.154) and annual(0.147) plants. The mean LMR was the highest in annual plants, followed by ephemeroid plants and ephemeral plants, reflecting the fact that annual plants allocate more biomass to leaves, associated with their longer life span. Biomass of ephemeral plants that germinated in autumn was significantly higher than those of corresponding plants that germinated in spring in terms of AGB, BGB and TB. However, the R/S value was similar in plants that germinated in autumn and spring. The slope of regression relationship between AGB and BGB differed significantly among the three plant life forms. These results support different biomass allocation hypotheses. Specifically, at the individual level, the AGB and BGB partitioning supports the allometric hypothesis for ephemeroid and annual plants and the isometric hypothesis for ephemeral plants.展开更多
We investigated a strategy to improve predicting capacity of plot-scale above-ground biomass (AGB) by fusion of LiDAR and Land- sat5 TM derived biophysical variables for subtropical rainforest and eucalypts dominate...We investigated a strategy to improve predicting capacity of plot-scale above-ground biomass (AGB) by fusion of LiDAR and Land- sat5 TM derived biophysical variables for subtropical rainforest and eucalypts dominated forest in topographically complex landscapes in North-eastern Australia. Investigation was carried out in two study areas separately and in combination. From each plot of both study areas, LiDAR derived structural parameters of vegetation and reflectance of all Landsat bands, vegetation indices were employed. The regression analysis was carded out separately for LiDAR and Landsat derived variables indi- vidually and in combination. Strong relationships were found with LiDAR alone for eucalypts dominated forest and combined sites compared to the accuracy of AGB estimates by Landsat data. Fusing LiDAR with Landsat5 TM derived variables increased overall performance for the eucalypt forest and combined sites data by describing extra variation (3% for eucalypt forest and 2% combined sites) of field estimated plot-scale above-ground biomass. In contrast, separate LiDAR and imagery data, andfusion of LiDAR and Landsat data performed poorly across structurally complex closed canopy subtropical minforest. These findings reinforced that obtaining accurate estimates of above ground biomass using remotely sensed data is a function of the complexity of horizontal and vertical structural diversity of vegetation.展开更多
An experiment was conducted to investigate the response of periphyton biomass to addition of phosphorus (P) in an aquatic ecosystem dominated by submersed plants. Aquatic ecosystems dominated by Hydrilla verticillata ...An experiment was conducted to investigate the response of periphyton biomass to addition of phosphorus (P) in an aquatic ecosystem dominated by submersed plants. Aquatic ecosystems dominated by Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle and Vallisneria natans (Lour.) Hara were constructed in mesocosm aquaria. Mesocosms were dosed weekly with different P loads (0 μg/L/Week and 100 μg/L/Week) for 17 weeks. Total P (TP), total soluble P (TSP), and soluble reactive P (SRP) concentrations in the waters of mesocosms added with P were significantly higher as opposed to the unenriched control mesocosms. The biomass of the attached periphyton and the cover of floating periphyton remained abundant in P-unenriched control mesocosms throughout the test period with a TP, TSP, and SRP concentration ranging of 0.021 - 0.049 mg/L, 0.004 - 0.024 mg/L, and 0.003 - 0.018 mg/L, respectively. P addition caused the decline of attached periphyton biomass to a low level and loss of floating periphyton. Results indicate that P enrichment in an aquatic ecosystem dominated by submersed plants could reduce attached periphyton biomass and eliminate floating periphyton. The research would be useful to maintain periphyton by reducing excessive P in aquatic ecosystem dominated by submersed plants.展开更多
Stem density and size stratification of woody species are informative of vegetation conditions and its physiognomy in savannah whereas their variation influence woody population functioning. Current study endeavoured ...Stem density and size stratification of woody species are informative of vegetation conditions and its physiognomy in savannah whereas their variation influence woody population functioning. Current study endeavoured to evaluate the stand density and size variability of woody species related to aboveground biomass in a Sudanian savannah. Total height, stem diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥ 5 cm were measured in 30 plots of 50 m </span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">×<span> 20 m laid in respect to vegetation type as bowal, shrubland and woodland. Species diversity, stem density, height and basal area were calculated and compared across sites and variation in stem dbh classes evaluated. Total aboveground biomass was estimated and thereafter linear relationships were established between stand density and aboveground biomass</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">,</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> and basal area. Results revealed three different sites with an overall 58 species identified through vegetation type including liana species (4 stems in bowal) with 18 genera and 42 families. Fabaceae Combretaceae, Anacardiaceae and Rubiaceae were dominant families. Small sized trees represented 72% of total stem density considered in structure with significant higher basal area, while large sized trees as 28% were scarcely distributed. More than 70% variation in biomass w</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">as </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">due to stem density and basal area with a dominance of small trees. In conclusion increase size in tree community indicated increase in accumulated aboveground biomass as positive regeneration features. But, change in vegetation structure strongly influence negatively species ability to grow from lower to upper size class and later on, disrupt ecosystem functioning. Plant stem density and stratification could be considered as indicators of aboveground biomass fluctuating in regeneration monitoring.展开更多
The cluster planting pattern (3 plants per hole) for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) may increase economic yield over those of the traditional planting pattern (1 plant per hole) in arid regions of China. This in...The cluster planting pattern (3 plants per hole) for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) may increase economic yield over those of the traditional planting pattern (1 plant per hole) in arid regions of China. This increase in yield depends on either increased biomass production or greater partitioning to fruit. This study was conducted to determine whether differences in biomass accumulation or partitioning to reproductive growth contributed to higher yield in the cluster planting pattern compared with the traditional one. Growth parameters, biomass accumulation, crop growth rate and partitioning between cluster planting pattern and traditional planting pattern was compared in northwest of China. The biomass production and partitioning in cluster planting plot was higher than in traditional planting one. Biomass accumulation was faster early in the clustered treatment, and it was also higher at harvest time. Total dry matter production per unit area was significantly higher than in the traditional planting. On a per plant basis, dry matter accumulation was faster and total biomass production was significantly higher in the cluster planting pattern. Numbers of sympodia and boll sizes were also larger, indicating that facilitation among plants was promoting crop yield. The increase in yield in the cluster planting treatment occurred through increased partitioning of dry matter to fruits than in the traditional planting pattern, resulting in more bolls and increased lint yield in arid regions.展开更多
A large fire of 233 ha in Huascarán National Park in Peru provided an opportunity to compare plant and bird responses in burned and nearby unburned zones of the puna. Heights and live diameters of flagship Puya r...A large fire of 233 ha in Huascarán National Park in Peru provided an opportunity to compare plant and bird responses in burned and nearby unburned zones of the puna. Heights and live diameters of flagship Puya raimondii rosettes(assigned to four broad developmental phases), plant communities(66 species in 24 families and nine growth forms) and bird communities(77 species in six trophic guilds) were monitored after the fire. Although no mortality was observed, Puya raimondii plants were affected by the fire, losing approximately 60% of their photosynthetic area across all developmental phases, but recovered quickly during the first two years after fire. The comparison of Puya rosette recovery after fire was complicated by the changes in live rosette diameter for unburned plants, which showed plasticity of photosynthetic area linked to seasonal and annual fluctuations in precipitation in this relatively dry environment(decreased by 26% for mature adult plants over the study period). Fire caused an immediate change in the density, biomass and composition of vegetation. Although the species present remained similar, their abundances changed significantly immediately after the fire, with notable reductions in dominant tussock grasses. This provided opportunities for other plants, resulting in higher postfire diversity of plant species, genera, families and growth forms. In turn, the changes in vegetation after fire affected the composition of birds according to their trophic guild. Granivores largely disappeared,generalists were mostly unaffected, and other guilds showed a more complex response. As the vegetation recovered, most displaced birds returned within approximately one year.展开更多
This paper reports a vascular plant study which showed that :1. Five species of vascular plants Potemogeton crispus L., Batrachium bungei L ., Myriophyllum spicatum L., Potemogeton maackianus A. Bennet and Ceratophyll...This paper reports a vascular plant study which showed that :1. Five species of vascular plants Potemogeton crispus L., Batrachium bungei L ., Myriophyllum spicatum L., Potemogeton maackianus A. Bennet and Ceratophyllum demersum L . lived under ice during winter in northern China . The freshweight biomass varied from 8 3087 g/m2 in the order P . crispus >P. maackianus>M. spicatum > C. demersum > B. burngei . 2. The oxygen produced by these plants through photosynthesis vaned from 0.11 t0 1.91 mg/(h·g)(plant) in the ordered P. crispus > B. bungei >M. spicatum >C. demersum . 3. The light compensation point of P. crispus at 2.5℃ was 99 lx, that of B. bungei was 168 lx;that of M. Spicatum was 207 lx; and that of C . demersum was 176 lx. The light saturation point of P . crispus was 13749 lx, that of B. bungei was 27697 lx. 4. Special biological characteristics enable certain vascular plants to survive and have high photosynthetic productivity in waterbodies covered with ice tens of centimeters thick .展开更多
文摘This paper reports on two years of measurement of soil respiration and canopy-root biomass in a Leymus chinensis community in the Xilin River basin of Inner Mongolia. Correlations between components of plant biomass and soil respiration rates were examined. From respiration data based on CO2 uptake by NaOH and corresponding root biomass values for each run of 10 plots, a linear regression of CO2 evolution rates on root dry weights has been achieved for every ten days. By applying the approach of extrapolating the regressive line to zero root biomass, the proportion of the total soil respiration flux that is attributable to live root respiration was estimated to be about 27% on average, ranging from 14% to 39% in the growing season in 1998. There were no evident relations between the total canopy biomass or root biomass and CO2 evolution rates, but a significant exponential relation did exist between tire live-canopy biomass and CO2 evolution rates.
文摘Desertification is a process in which vegetation cover degrades followed by increased wind and water erosion. Plants adapted to moving sand conditions are able to reverse this process. They can stabilize die substrate. Not much data is available on the soil stabilization capacity of plants. This study was conducted to investigate the wind-induced sand displacement around plants in relation to their biomass. Sand displacement is examined in relation to the biomass allocation pattern of three different plant species. A new method was developed to experimentally investigate plant sand-binding capacity. The relationship between sand displacement and plant biomass was not linear. Apart from the amount of biomass, species-specific plant characters like the biomass allocation pattern and plant structure may be very important in determining the sand-binding capacity.
文摘Canola crop is rich in plant biomass. It is considered a major cash crop in North America and a potential source for biofuel. We evaluated six strains of white rot basidiomycetes under solid state fermentation (SSF) for their potentials to secrete oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes to biodegrade canola plant biomass (CPB), and release sugars. Fuscoporia gilva and Pleurotus tuberregium produced high amount of laccase (440.86 U/L and 480.63 U/L at day 7), as well as carboxylmethylcellulase (CMCase) (4.78 U/mL at day 21 and 3.13 U/mL at day 14) and xylanase (4.48 U/mL and 7.8 U/mL at day 21), respectively. Bjerkandera adusta showed high amount of MnP (50.4 U/L) and peroxidase (64.5 U/L), relative to the other strains. Loss of organic matter peaked after 21 days of incubation in all the tested strains;however, the best result (34.0%) was shown in P. tuberregium. The highest lignin loss was observed in Coriolopsis caperata strains. Among the sugar polymers, hemicellulose was highly degraded by P. tuberregium and P. pulmonarius (4.1% - 4.6%), while cellulose (3.3% - 4.3%) was mainly degraded by F. gilva and B. adusta. Glucose was the dominant sugar released by all the fungi tested, with the highest concentration of 1.25 mg/mL produced by B. adusta at day 14 of incubation. Results indicate that selected white rot fungi can achieve significant delignification of CPB within 14 days of solid state fermentation. Their importance in low cost pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass prior to conversion into biofuels and bio-products of economic importance is discussed.
文摘Biochar has been applied extensively as a soil amendment over the past decades. This review summarizes the general findings of the impacts of biochar application on different aspects from soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties, to soil nutrient availabilities, plant growth, biomass production and yield, greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, and soil carbon sequestration. Due to different biochar pyrolysis conditions, feedstock types, biochar application rates and methods, and potential interactions with other factors such as plant species and soil nutrient conditions, results from those studies are not inclusive. However, most studies reported positive effects of biochar application on soil physical and chemical properties, soil microbial activities, plant biomass and yield, and potential reductions of soil GHG emissions. A framework of biochar impacts is summarized, and possible mechanisms are discussed. Further research of biochar application in agriculture is called to verify the proposed mechanisms involved in biochar-soil-microbial-plant interactions for soil carbon sequestration and crop biomass and yield improvements.
文摘The adsorption of α-chymotrypsin onto plant biomass charcoal (PBC), which was prepared from plant biomass wastes such as bagasse and dumped adzuki beans by pyrolysis, has been examined. The PBC was characterized by SEM, specific surface area, and pore size distribution. The adsorption isotherms were successfully correlated by the Freundlich equation. The amount of α-chymotrypsin adsorbed on PBC was dramatically dependent upon the solution pH and temperature. Maximum adsorptions of α-chymotrypsin on adzuki bean charcoal and bagasse charcoal were observed at weak acidic and near neutral pH, respectively. The amount of α-chymotrypsin adsorbed on PBC decreased with an increase in the concentration of salts. Plots of the amount of α-chymotrypsin adsorbed on PBC versus temperature exhibited an optimum temperature.
文摘Plant biomass, primary production and mineral cycling were studied in a mixed deciduous forest (Quercus robur L., Tilia cordata L. and Corylus avellana L.) in southern Sweden. Plant biomass amount above and below ground was 201 and 37 t·ha-1, respectively. Primary production above and below ground was an estimated 13.3 and 2.3 t·ha-1, respectively. Carbon was the dominant element in the forest ecosystem, comprising 133 t·ha-1. Other major elements were: N > Ca > K > Si > Mg > S > Mn > P > Fe and Na (range 1123 to 18 kg·ha-1), followed by some trace elements. Yearly litterfall restored 6.0 t·ha-1 organic matter or 2.3 t·ha-1 carbon. Approximately 45% decomposed and returned to the soil during the year. Monitoring of other elements revealed that the ecosystem received inputs through dry and wet deposition, in particular 34.4 kg·ha-1 S and 9.4 kg·ha-1 of N yearly as throughfall. Determination of yearly biomass increase showed that the oak forest ecosystem was still in an aggradation or accumulation phase.
文摘A field experiment was carried out at the CSIC Muñovela farm belonging to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in order to evaluate the effect of sowing orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata var. Trerano) and lucerne (Medicago sativa var. Aragon) in monoculture and in combination. The experiment was based on a randomized block designed with a factorial arrangement (5 × 2). Experimental units were 40 plots distributed in four blocks. The phosphorus fertilization (P) factor included two types of conditions: basal fertilization without phosphorus (-P) and basal fertilization with phosphorus (+P), and the vegetation cover factor (T) included five conditions depending on the grass (G) and the legume (L). Above-ground biomass showed statistically significant differences among seasons and years (P Lolium perenne L. and Poa pratensis L. throughout the three years indicated that both species significantly increased their presence over time regardless of the treatments applied. The analysis performed for the other plant species (those other than grasses and legumes) allowed us to determine that the T1 and T5 treatments, which correspond to single species not treated with the application of phosphorus, influenced the presence of 70% of other species planted. Our specific aim was to explore how changing plant biotic diversity affects productivity under a given set of conditions. We manipulated plant species richness as an experimental factor to determine if productivity would be affected by changes in the ratios of plants sown.
文摘Taking Dabao (from Dali City to Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, China) and Sixiao (from Simao City to Xiaomengyang Town, Yunnan Province, China) highways in Longitudinal Range-Gorge Region as examples. Biomass, coverage and photosynthesis rate of different plant types on sampling points (at the distances from road of 5, 20, 40, 80, 120 and 200 m) and their control points were estimated on ground. The relations among biomass, coverage, photosynthesis rate were analyzed with an aim to explore the mechanism of the effect caused by highway construction on plant biomass. The results show, i) the impacts of highway construction on plant biomass are both positive and negative. Arbor is mainly negatively impacted, while shrub and herbage are mainly positively impacted. The effect of highway construction decrease with the increase of distance from the road; ii) highway construction exert obvious influence on plant biomass through altering the physiologic processes (reflected by the plant number) and photosynthesis, iii) highway construc- tion will result in the decrease of arbor number, photosynthesis rate and biomass, and increase of plant number, photosynthesis rate and biomass of shrub and herbage.
基金This research was done by the financial support from the post graduate offices of Addis Ababa University and Debre Berhan University,and Africa RISINGa program financed by the United States Agency for International Development(USAID)as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative.
文摘Background:Sustainable land management interventions were introduced in Geda watershed in 2012 to reduce soil erosion,improve water infiltration,and increase plant-carbon inputs into the soil.This study explored the impact of the interventions on biomass production,carbon stock,and carbon sequestration.Stratified sampling was employed in the main and the dry seasons in the treated and untreated sub-watersheds that are found adjacent to each other.Above-and below-ground plant biomass,soil bulk density and organic carbon in 0-15-and 15-30-cm depths,and soil moisture content in 0-20-and 20-40-cm depths were collected from the crop,grazing,and tree lucerne plots.All analyses were performed based on standard procedures.Results:Plant biomass production,carbon stock,and carbon sequestration varied highly significantly(P≤0.001)among sub-watersheds,landscape positions,and land uses.Higher mean values were observed for treated subwatershed,lower landscape position,and tree lucerne plot.The higher mean values in the lower landscape position of the treated sub-watershed were due to tree lucerne plantation.Similarly,topsoil(0-15 cm)carbon stock was statistically higher(P≤0.001)in the treated sub-watershed and at tree lucerne plot(P≤0.05).In addition,carbon stock by sub-surface soil(15-30 cm)was significantly higher(P≤0.001)in the treated sub-watershed under crop and grazing lands but the higher value was in cropland and in the upper position.This could be due to the decomposition of organic materials from biomasses of crops and biological supporting measures(tree lucerne and Phalaris)facilitated by tillage.Six years of sustainable land management interventions led to the sequestration of 12.25,7.77,and 13.5 Mg C ha^(−1) under cropland,tree lucerne,and grazing plots,respectively.Conclusion:Sustainable land management interventions revealed auspicious ecological impacts in Geda watershed in terms of improving plant biomass production,carbon stock,and correspondingly capturing higher carbon dioxide equivalent taking untreated sub-watershed as a baseline.Prohibition of free grazing was the key element of the intervention to reduce biomass export and increase carbon sequestration in the treated sub-watershed.Thus,sustaining tree lucerne plants as a conservation measure and the prohibition of free grazing practices are principally essential.
基金Supported by the Hundred Talents Programs of the Chinese Academy of Sciencesthe National Natural Science Important Foundation of China (Grant No. 30730069)
文摘Alpine Kobresia meadows are major vegetation types on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. There is growing concern over their relationships among biodiversity, productivity and environments. Despite the im-portance of species composition, species richness, the type of different growth forms, and plant bio-mass structure for Kobresia meadow ecosystems, few studies have been focused on the relationship between biomass and environmental gradient in the Kobresia meadow plant communities, particularly in relation to soil moisture and edaphic gradients. We measured the plant species composition, her-baceous litter, aboveground and belowground biomass in three Kobresia meadow plant communities in Haibei Alpine Meadow Ecosystem Research Station from 2001 to 2004. Community differences in plant species composition were reflected in biomass distribution. The total biomass showed a de-crease from 13196.96±719.69 g/m2 in the sedge-dominated K. tibetica swamp to 2869.58±147.52 g/m2 in the forb and sedge dominated K. pygmaea meadow, and to 2153.08±141.95 g/m2 in the forbs and grasses dominated K. humilis along with the increase of altitude. The vertical distribution of below-ground biomass is distinct in the three meadow communities, and the belowground biomass at the depth of 0-10 cm in K. tibetica swamp meadow was significantly higher than that in K. humilis and K. pygmaea meadows (P<0.01). The herbaceous litter in K. tibetica swamp was significantly higher than those in K. pygnaeca and K. humilis meadows. The effects of plant litter are enhanced when ground water and soil moisture levels are raised. The relative importance of litter and vegetation may vary with soil water availability. In the K. tibetica swamp, total biomass was negatively correlated to species richness (P<0.05); aboveground biomass was positively correlated to soil organic matter, soil moisture, and plant cover (P<0.05); belowground biomass was positively correlated with soil moisture (P<0.05). However, in the K. pygnaeca and K. humilis meadow communities, aboveground biomass was posi-tively correlated to soil organic matter and soil total nitrogen (P<0.05). This suggests that the distribu-tion of biomass coincided with soil moisture and edaphic gradient in alpine meadows.
基金the research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51379208, 91425302, 51621061)the Government Public Research Funds for Projects of the Ministry of Agriculture (201503125)the Discipline Innovative Engineering Plan (111 Program, B14002)
文摘Field experiments were conducted from 2012 to 2015 in an arid region of Northwest China to investigate the effects of planting density on plant growth, yield, and water use efficiency(WUE) of maize for seed production. Five planting densities of 6.75, 8.25, 9.75, 11.25 and 12.75 plants/m^2 were conducted in 2012, and a planting density of 14.25 plants/m^2 was added from 2013 to 2015. Through comparison with the Aqua Crop yield model, a modified model was developed to estimate the biomass accumulation and yield under different planting densities using adjustment coefficient for normalized biomass water productivity and harvest index. It was found that the modified yield model had a better performance and could generate results with higher determination coefficient and lower error. The results indicated that higher planting density increased the leaf area index and biomass accumulation, but decreased the biomass accumulation per plant. The total yield increased rapidly as planting density increased to 11.25 plants/m^2, but only a slight increase was observed when the density was greater than 11.25 plants/m^2. The WUE also reached the maximum when planting density was 11.25 plants/m^2, which was the recommended planting density of maize for seed production in Northwest China.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA20020101)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31400394)
文摘Biomass allocation patterns among plant species are related to their adaptive ecological strategies. Ephemeral, ephemeroid and annual plant life forms represent three typical growth strategies of plants that grow in autumn and early spring in the cold deserts of China. These plants play an important role in reducing wind velocity in the desert areas. However, despite numerous studies, the strategies of biomass allocation among plant species with these three life forms remain contentious. In this study, we conducted a preliminary quadrat study during 2014–2016 in the southern part of the Gurbantunggut Desert, China, to investigate the allocation patterns of above-ground biomass(AGB) and below-ground biomass(BGB) at the individual level in 17 ephemeral, 3 ephemeroid and 4 annual plant species. Since ephemeral plants can germinate in autumn, we also compared biomass allocation patterns between plants that germinated in autumn 2015 and spring 2016 for 4 common ephemeral species. The healthy mature individual plants of each species were sampled and the AGB, BGB, total biomass(TB), leaf mass ratio(LMR) and root/shoot ratio(R/S) were calculated for 201 sample quadrats in the study area. We also studied the relationships between AGB and BGB of plants with the three different life forms(ephemeral, ephemeroid and annual). The mean AGB values of ephemeral, ephemeroid and annual plants were 0.806, 3.759 and 1.546 g/plant, respectively, and the mean BGB values were 0.106, 4.996 and 0.166 g/plant, respectively. The mean R/S value was significantly higher in ephemeroid plants(1.675) than in ephemeral(0.154) and annual(0.147) plants. The mean LMR was the highest in annual plants, followed by ephemeroid plants and ephemeral plants, reflecting the fact that annual plants allocate more biomass to leaves, associated with their longer life span. Biomass of ephemeral plants that germinated in autumn was significantly higher than those of corresponding plants that germinated in spring in terms of AGB, BGB and TB. However, the R/S value was similar in plants that germinated in autumn and spring. The slope of regression relationship between AGB and BGB differed significantly among the three plant life forms. These results support different biomass allocation hypotheses. Specifically, at the individual level, the AGB and BGB partitioning supports the allometric hypothesis for ephemeroid and annual plants and the isometric hypothesis for ephemeral plants.
基金made possible by a scholarship from the Australian Government(International Postgraduate Research Scholarship-awarded in 2009)a Southern Cross University Postgraduate Research Scholarship(SCUPRS in 2009)
文摘We investigated a strategy to improve predicting capacity of plot-scale above-ground biomass (AGB) by fusion of LiDAR and Land- sat5 TM derived biophysical variables for subtropical rainforest and eucalypts dominated forest in topographically complex landscapes in North-eastern Australia. Investigation was carried out in two study areas separately and in combination. From each plot of both study areas, LiDAR derived structural parameters of vegetation and reflectance of all Landsat bands, vegetation indices were employed. The regression analysis was carded out separately for LiDAR and Landsat derived variables indi- vidually and in combination. Strong relationships were found with LiDAR alone for eucalypts dominated forest and combined sites compared to the accuracy of AGB estimates by Landsat data. Fusing LiDAR with Landsat5 TM derived variables increased overall performance for the eucalypt forest and combined sites data by describing extra variation (3% for eucalypt forest and 2% combined sites) of field estimated plot-scale above-ground biomass. In contrast, separate LiDAR and imagery data, andfusion of LiDAR and Landsat data performed poorly across structurally complex closed canopy subtropical minforest. These findings reinforced that obtaining accurate estimates of above ground biomass using remotely sensed data is a function of the complexity of horizontal and vertical structural diversity of vegetation.
文摘An experiment was conducted to investigate the response of periphyton biomass to addition of phosphorus (P) in an aquatic ecosystem dominated by submersed plants. Aquatic ecosystems dominated by Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle and Vallisneria natans (Lour.) Hara were constructed in mesocosm aquaria. Mesocosms were dosed weekly with different P loads (0 μg/L/Week and 100 μg/L/Week) for 17 weeks. Total P (TP), total soluble P (TSP), and soluble reactive P (SRP) concentrations in the waters of mesocosms added with P were significantly higher as opposed to the unenriched control mesocosms. The biomass of the attached periphyton and the cover of floating periphyton remained abundant in P-unenriched control mesocosms throughout the test period with a TP, TSP, and SRP concentration ranging of 0.021 - 0.049 mg/L, 0.004 - 0.024 mg/L, and 0.003 - 0.018 mg/L, respectively. P addition caused the decline of attached periphyton biomass to a low level and loss of floating periphyton. Results indicate that P enrichment in an aquatic ecosystem dominated by submersed plants could reduce attached periphyton biomass and eliminate floating periphyton. The research would be useful to maintain periphyton by reducing excessive P in aquatic ecosystem dominated by submersed plants.
文摘Stem density and size stratification of woody species are informative of vegetation conditions and its physiognomy in savannah whereas their variation influence woody population functioning. Current study endeavoured to evaluate the stand density and size variability of woody species related to aboveground biomass in a Sudanian savannah. Total height, stem diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥ 5 cm were measured in 30 plots of 50 m </span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">×<span> 20 m laid in respect to vegetation type as bowal, shrubland and woodland. Species diversity, stem density, height and basal area were calculated and compared across sites and variation in stem dbh classes evaluated. Total aboveground biomass was estimated and thereafter linear relationships were established between stand density and aboveground biomass</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">,</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> and basal area. Results revealed three different sites with an overall 58 species identified through vegetation type including liana species (4 stems in bowal) with 18 genera and 42 families. Fabaceae Combretaceae, Anacardiaceae and Rubiaceae were dominant families. Small sized trees represented 72% of total stem density considered in structure with significant higher basal area, while large sized trees as 28% were scarcely distributed. More than 70% variation in biomass w</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">as </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">due to stem density and basal area with a dominance of small trees. In conclusion increase size in tree community indicated increase in accumulated aboveground biomass as positive regeneration features. But, change in vegetation structure strongly influence negatively species ability to grow from lower to upper size class and later on, disrupt ecosystem functioning. Plant stem density and stratification could be considered as indicators of aboveground biomass fluctuating in regeneration monitoring.
基金supported by the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(31300323)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Funded Project(2014M552515)
文摘The cluster planting pattern (3 plants per hole) for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) may increase economic yield over those of the traditional planting pattern (1 plant per hole) in arid regions of China. This increase in yield depends on either increased biomass production or greater partitioning to fruit. This study was conducted to determine whether differences in biomass accumulation or partitioning to reproductive growth contributed to higher yield in the cluster planting pattern compared with the traditional one. Growth parameters, biomass accumulation, crop growth rate and partitioning between cluster planting pattern and traditional planting pattern was compared in northwest of China. The biomass production and partitioning in cluster planting plot was higher than in traditional planting one. Biomass accumulation was faster early in the clustered treatment, and it was also higher at harvest time. Total dry matter production per unit area was significantly higher than in the traditional planting. On a per plant basis, dry matter accumulation was faster and total biomass production was significantly higher in the cluster planting pattern. Numbers of sympodia and boll sizes were also larger, indicating that facilitation among plants was promoting crop yield. The increase in yield in the cluster planting treatment occurred through increased partitioning of dry matter to fruits than in the traditional planting pattern, resulting in more bolls and increased lint yield in arid regions.
基金supported by the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos: Resolución Rectoral (RR) N° 00883-R-06, project code 061001191RR N° 00914-R-07, project code 071001281and RR N°03556-R-19, project code D19120061。
文摘A large fire of 233 ha in Huascarán National Park in Peru provided an opportunity to compare plant and bird responses in burned and nearby unburned zones of the puna. Heights and live diameters of flagship Puya raimondii rosettes(assigned to four broad developmental phases), plant communities(66 species in 24 families and nine growth forms) and bird communities(77 species in six trophic guilds) were monitored after the fire. Although no mortality was observed, Puya raimondii plants were affected by the fire, losing approximately 60% of their photosynthetic area across all developmental phases, but recovered quickly during the first two years after fire. The comparison of Puya rosette recovery after fire was complicated by the changes in live rosette diameter for unburned plants, which showed plasticity of photosynthetic area linked to seasonal and annual fluctuations in precipitation in this relatively dry environment(decreased by 26% for mature adult plants over the study period). Fire caused an immediate change in the density, biomass and composition of vegetation. Although the species present remained similar, their abundances changed significantly immediately after the fire, with notable reductions in dominant tussock grasses. This provided opportunities for other plants, resulting in higher postfire diversity of plant species, genera, families and growth forms. In turn, the changes in vegetation after fire affected the composition of birds according to their trophic guild. Granivores largely disappeared,generalists were mostly unaffected, and other guilds showed a more complex response. As the vegetation recovered, most displaced birds returned within approximately one year.
文摘This paper reports a vascular plant study which showed that :1. Five species of vascular plants Potemogeton crispus L., Batrachium bungei L ., Myriophyllum spicatum L., Potemogeton maackianus A. Bennet and Ceratophyllum demersum L . lived under ice during winter in northern China . The freshweight biomass varied from 8 3087 g/m2 in the order P . crispus >P. maackianus>M. spicatum > C. demersum > B. burngei . 2. The oxygen produced by these plants through photosynthesis vaned from 0.11 t0 1.91 mg/(h·g)(plant) in the ordered P. crispus > B. bungei >M. spicatum >C. demersum . 3. The light compensation point of P. crispus at 2.5℃ was 99 lx, that of B. bungei was 168 lx;that of M. Spicatum was 207 lx; and that of C . demersum was 176 lx. The light saturation point of P . crispus was 13749 lx, that of B. bungei was 27697 lx. 4. Special biological characteristics enable certain vascular plants to survive and have high photosynthetic productivity in waterbodies covered with ice tens of centimeters thick .