Soil water stress was studied on the potted seedlings of five dominant tree species (Pinus koraienes Sieb.et Zucc., Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr., Juglans mandshurica Maxim, Tilia amurensis Rupr. and Quercus mongolica Fi...Soil water stress was studied on the potted seedlings of five dominant tree species (Pinus koraienes Sieb.et Zucc., Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr., Juglans mandshurica Maxim, Tilia amurensis Rupr. and Quercus mongolica Fisch.ex Turcz) from the broadleaved/Korean pine forest in Changbai Mountain. Leaf growth, water transpiration and photosynthesis were compared for each species under three soil moisture conditions: 85%-100% (high water, CK), 65%-85% (Medium water, MW) and 45%-65% (low water, LW) of 37.4% water-holding capacity in field. The results showed that the characteristic of typical drought-resistance of the leaves is significantly developed. The net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency of Fraxinus mandshurica were higher in MW than those in CK. But for the other four species, the net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency in CK were lower than those in MW and LW. The transpiration rate responding to soil moistures varied from species to species.展开更多
Alborz Mountains host Caspian Hyrcanian forest ecoregion along the northern slopes and forest steppe ecoregion in highlands. Hyrcanian forest covers the southeastern part of Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and is of gre...Alborz Mountains host Caspian Hyrcanian forest ecoregion along the northern slopes and forest steppe ecoregion in highlands. Hyrcanian forest covers the southeastern part of Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and is of great biogeographic importance. Altitudinal pattern and correlation between woody species biodiversity (DIV), forest structure ((stem density (DEN), mean basal area (MBA) and mean height class (MHC)) and disturbance (DIS) were explored along 2,4oo m altitudinal gradient in Hyrcanian relict forest, Central Alborz Mountains. Vegetation changes from lowland forest (LoF) to mid- altitude forest (MiF) and montane forest (MoF) in this area. The altitudinal gradient was divided into twelve 200 m elevational belts. Point centered quarter method (PCQM) with 96 sampling points and 83 vegetation samples by plot method (PM) were used to record field data. Shannon-Wiener index and Pearson coefficient were used for diversity and correlation analysis. The results showed that DEN decreased linearly, MBA and MHC showed relatively hump shaped and DIS showed a reverse hump shaped pattern of change along altitudinal gradient. Woody species diversity decreased non-steadily from LoF to MoF. Transitional vegetations of Carpinus-Fagus and Fagus-Quercus represented higher diversity of woody taxa compared to adjacent homogenous communities. Significant correlation was observed between altitude and all parameters: DEN with MBA, DIS and DIV; MBA with DIS; MHC with DIS along with DIV; and DIS with DIV at the study area scale. Surprisingly,correlation between studied parameters differed within each vegetation type. Altitude probably acts as a proxy for human and environmental driving forces in this area. Stability of warm and wet condition, season length, soil depth along with forest accessibility probably influences the altitudinal pattern of the studied parameters. Disturbance affects forest structure and consequently diversity; especially in lowlands. The obtained results recommend using both forest biodiversity and mensuration data in management process of forest ecosystems.展开更多
Virgin forests are unique ecosystems, which can be used as etalon for basic biocoenotic investigation. Soil microorganisms are very sensitive reagents on influence of biotical factors, and at the same time are the act...Virgin forests are unique ecosystems, which can be used as etalon for basic biocoenotic investigation. Soil microorganisms are very sensitive reagents on influence of biotical factors, and at the same time are the active producers of phytotoxic and phytostimulating exometabolites. Studies of soil microbiota were conducted in virgin beech forests of Shyrokoluzhansky massif of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve. It was found the ratio and the number of different ecological-trophic groups of soil microorganisms changes with altitude. So the number of ammonificators with increasing of altitude above sea level was reduced. The soil at altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level was characterized by minimum content of organotrophes -1.22 × 10^6 (CFU-colony forming units/lg.a.d.s.). At the altitude of 500 meters content of ammonificators increased at six times and was 7.07 ×10^6 CFU/lg.a.d.s., which indicates to accumulation of the soil organic matter. Similar changes occurred with the number of bacteria which are using mineral forms of nitrogen for their nutrition. Their maximum quantity (4.32 × 10^6 CFU/lg.a.d.s.) was in the soil of biotope disposed at altitude of 500 meters above sea level. Fluctuations in the number of soil micromycetes of virgin forest ecosystems have not been as significant as the bacterial microbiota (within 17 ×10^3-28 × 10^3 CFU/lg.a.d.s.). Among a wide spectrum of bacterial microbiota were isolated strains with high phytostimulating action.展开更多
Slope aspect has significant effect on the development and distribution of montane forest, especially in arid and semiarid regions. This paper, using SPOT5 images and 1:5o,ooo DEM, digitally extracts and analyzes the...Slope aspect has significant effect on the development and distribution of montane forest, especially in arid and semiarid regions. This paper, using SPOT5 images and 1:5o,ooo DEM, digitally extracts and analyzes the spatial information of montane coniferous forest (mainly Qinghai spruce), and thereby explores how the upper and lower limits and the altitudinal range of coniferous forest vary and how the area of coniferous forest is related with annual insolation with all aspects in the Helan Mountains. The results show that: 1) In the eastern flank, the lower limit of coniferous forest is between 1,6oo m and a,ooo m a.s.l., and the upper limit between 2,800 m and 3,ooo m a.s.1.; in the western flank, the lower limit of coniferous forest is between a,ooo m and 2,300 m a.s.l., and the upper limit between 9,80o m and 3,1oo m a.s.1.2) The altitudinal ranges of coniferous forest are 8o6-1,435 m, 438-1,14o m for eastern flank and western flank, respectively. 3) The area of coniferous forest takes on a normal distribution with aspect, and it has a close relationship with annual insolation. This distribution model developed in this paper quantitatively reveals the significant effect of slope aspect on the distribution of coniferous forest in arid and semi-arid land.展开更多
The particle-size distribution and mineralogical composition of the clay (〈 2 μm) and fine-sand (0.25-0.10 mm) fractions in soils of two inland valleys in Abakaliki and Bende, Southeast Nigeria, were investigate...The particle-size distribution and mineralogical composition of the clay (〈 2 μm) and fine-sand (0.25-0.10 mm) fractions in soils of two inland valleys in Abakaliki and Bende, Southeast Nigeria, were investigated to provide basic information on soil-forming processes and agricultural potentials. These soils were silty or clayey, deriving from Cretaceous or Tertiary shale materials. The particle-size distribution and its computation on a clay-free basis revealed relatively remarkable lithologic breaks in a couple of pedons. The effect of lithologic discontinuities on soil mineralogical composition was not, however, conspicuous. Petrographic investigation revealed that quartz predominantly comprised the fine-sand fraction in the soils at both study sites. Nevertheless, the clay mineralogical composition of the soils was a mixture of kaolinite, irregularly interstratified smectite-illite intergrades (S/I), hydroxyl-A1 interlayered 2:1 type clays (HICs), vermiculite, smectite, halloysite and illite along with fine-sized quartz in Abakaliki. The soils of Bende predominantly contained smectite, which was partially interlayered with hydroxyl-A1 and kaolinite. It is suggested that seasonal floodwater has slowed the disintegration of weatherable clay minerals inherited from the shale, while quartz originating from the sandstone is predominant in the fine-sand fraction. Additionally, a possible soil-forming process observed at the both study sites was ferrolysis, which was indicated by a clear decreasing pattern of HICs downward in the soil profiles, The entry of S/I and vertical distribution patterns for a couple of clay minerals in the pedon suggested that the soils in Abakaliki have developed under the significant influence of aeolian dust delivered by the Harmattan. The findings might describe a site-specific deposition pattern of Harmattan dusts as well as hydromorphic soil-forming processes in the wetlands of the inland valleys.展开更多
Cloud forests are unusual and fragile habitats, being one of the least studied and least understood ecosystems. The tropical Andean dominion is considered one of the most significant places in the world as regards bio...Cloud forests are unusual and fragile habitats, being one of the least studied and least understood ecosystems. The tropical Andean dominion is considered one of the most significant places in the world as regards biological diversity, with a very high level of endemism. The biodiversity was analysed in an isolated remnant area of a tropical montane cloud forest known as the "Bosque de Neblina de Cuyas", in the North of the Peruvian Andean range. Composition, structure and dead wood were measured or estimated. The values obtained were compared with other cloud forests. The study revealed a high level of forest biodiversity, although the level of biodiversity differs from one area to another: in the inner areas, where human pressure is almost inexistent, the biodiversity values increase. The high species richness and the low dominance among species bear testimony to this montane cloud forest as a real enclave of biodiversity.展开更多
A study was conducted at two pair sites of Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh to find out the effects of shifting cultivation on soil fungi and bacterial population. The first pair of sites with shifting culti-vatio...A study was conducted at two pair sites of Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh to find out the effects of shifting cultivation on soil fungi and bacterial population. The first pair of sites with shifting culti-vation and village common forest-managed by indigenous community was at Madhya Para in Rangamati district and the second pair of sites with the shifting cultivated land and village common forest at Ampu Para in Bandarban district of Chittagong Hill Tracts. At both the locations with two different land uses, soil textures in surface (0?10 cm) and sub-surface (10?20 cm) soils varied from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Soil pH and moisture content were lower in shifting cultivated land com-pared to village common forest. The results also showed that both fungal and bacterial population in surface and subsurface soils was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower, in most cases, in shifting cultivated land compared to village common forest at both Madhya Para and Ampu Para. At Ranga-mati and Bandarban in shifting cultivated lands, Colletrotrichum and Fusarium fungi were absent and all the bacterial genus viz. Coccus, Bacillus and Streptococcus common in two different locations with dif-ferent land uses. Common identified fungi at both the land uses and locations were Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Trichoderma and Penicillium. Further study can be done on the other soil biota to understand the extent of environmental deterioration due to shifting cultivation.展开更多
Sericostaehys seandens is a monocarpic and heliophilous liana, native in tropical African forests. In the montane forests of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) (East of DR Congo), it has been expanding very str...Sericostaehys seandens is a monocarpic and heliophilous liana, native in tropical African forests. In the montane forests of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) (East of DR Congo), it has been expanding very strongly for a decade, and is currently considered as having negative impacts on biodiversity conservation. In this paper, we test if S. scandens differs from three co-occurring, native, non spreading lianas (Gouania longispicata, Tacazzea apiculata and Adenia bequaertii) for functional traits which might influence plant expansion. For leaf traits (SLA, dry matter content, nitrogen concentration), S. scandens did not show extreme values compared to those of the three other lianas. In contrast, S. scandens had much higher biomass allocation to sexual reproduction. It also differs from the three other lianas for its reproductive strategy that combines both vegetative propagation and sexual reproduct/on, and propagule dispersal by wind. Moreover, S. scandens has larger leaves and a greater number of lateral branches per unit stem length. It is argued that the particular combination of functional traits exhibited by S.scandens may in part explain its propensity to behave as an opportunistic weed in the disturbed areas in the montane forests of Kahuzi-Biega.展开更多
Pinus taiwanensis is a species endemic to China.This study selected four typical plots of Pinus taiwanensis in the natural secondary forest around Macheng City,in order to reveal the characteristics of and the relatio...Pinus taiwanensis is a species endemic to China.This study selected four typical plots of Pinus taiwanensis in the natural secondary forest around Macheng City,in order to reveal the characteristics of and the relationships between different diameter classes(determined based on the diameter at breast height or DBH),forest densities and species diversity,as well as the similarities of species diversity of different plots within the community.The result showed that Pinus taiwanensis was the dominant species in the community.The ratio of Pinus taiwanensis trees of diameter class IV reached a peak of 19.46%of the total followed by diameter class VII at 18.92%.The study recorded 156 species of vascular plants from 130 genera of 71 families;Pinus taiwanensis was the dominant species in the community.When the forest density was 1200 trees ha-1 with the largest average diameter of DBH=36.779±4.444 cm,the diversity(Shannon index H'=1.6716)and the evenness(Pielou index E=0.6727)of the tree layer was the highest.When the forest density reached 1525 trees ha-1 with the lowest average diameter of DBH=18.957±5.141 cm,the richness(Dma=5.4308),the diversity(H'=2.9612)and the evenness(E=0.8985)of all shrub layers climbed to the maximum.When the forest density was 1325 trees ha-1,the richness(Dma=5.8132),the diversity(H'=3.0697)and the evenness(E=0.9025)of all herb layers peaked.In terms of vertical structure,the average diversity indexes were herb layer>shrub layer>tree layer.High canopy density weakened light intensity in the community,causing a reduction in the species diversities of herbs and shrubs.The average similarity coefficient between the sample plots was 0.3356,which was at the medium dissimilarity level.External disturbances and improper management were major contributors to the low species diversity of the community.The implementation of scientific management measures is urgently needed to optimize the forest structures of Pinus taiwanensis,create a benign community environment,and promote species diversities and establish a stable forest community structure.展开更多
As one of the most toxic heavy metals with persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity in environment, mercury and its envi- ronmental problems have caused a global concern. To fully understand the behavior and fate of...As one of the most toxic heavy metals with persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity in environment, mercury and its envi- ronmental problems have caused a global concern. To fully understand the behavior and fate of mercury (Hg)(II) in forest soils, a series of batch experiments were conducted to determine the adsorption and desorption characteristics of Hg(II) by three dark brown forest soils from Mount Taishan, Laoshan Mountain, and Fanggan Village in Shandong Province, China. The adsorption solution was prepared using 0.1 mol L-1 NaNO3 as background electrolyte, with Hg(II) at rising concentration gradients of 0.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 10.0 mg L-1. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was adopted to characterize the soil samples and soil-Hg complexes. It was found that Hg(II) adsorption isotherms could be well fitted with both Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The soil from Mount Taishan had the largest potential Hg(II) adsorption capacity, though with less adsorptive intensity. The percentages of Hg(II) desorbed from all soil samples were less than 0.6~, which suggested that all the soils studied had a high binding strength for Hg(II). The soil from Mount Taishan had a higher Hg(II) desorption capacity than the other soils, which indicated that the Hg(II) deposited on the topsoil of Mount Taishan from atmosphere may easily discharge to surface water through runoff. Results of the FTIR spectroscopy showed that the three soils contained the same functional groups. The relative absorbencies of soil-Hg complexes changed significantly compared with those of the soil samples and the adsorption of Hg(II) mainly acted on the O-H, C-O, and C=O groups of the soils.展开更多
Soil macroinvertebrates are highly diverse and their major ecological service include breakdown of organic matter and in turn improve soil fertility and pill-millipedes are well-known for their significant role in ing...Soil macroinvertebrates are highly diverse and their major ecological service include breakdown of organic matter and in turn improve soil fertility and pill-millipedes are well-known for their significant role in ingestion, disintegration and decomposition of organic matter in soil. This study characterized the feed, the decomposing leaf litter of coconut (Cocos nucifera), and faeces of two endemic giant pill-millipedes Arthrosphaera disticta and A. fumosa collected from forests of the Western Ghats of India based on chemical features and microbial profile. In both millipedes, electric conductivity and total phosphorus were significantly increased in faeces, while the crude protein, organic carbon, total nitrogen and total phenolics were significantly decreased, as compared to those in feed. Heterotrophic bacteria, actinomycetes, rhizobia and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria were significantly higher in faeces than in feed, while filamentous fungi and yeast substantially decreased in faces compared to feed in both the millipedes. Spectrum of fatty acid methyl esters was considerably different between feed and faeces of both the millipedes. The total saturated fatty acids were higher than the total unsaturated fatty acids in feed as well as faeces, while the ratio of unsaturated/saturated fatty acids decreased from feed to faeces. Dodecanoic and tetradecanoic acids in A. disticta and octadecanoic acid in A. fumosa significantly increased, while (9Z)-octadec-9-enoic and (9E,12E)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acids in A.. disticta and hexadecanoic, tetracosanoic and (9E,12E)- octadeca-9,12-dienoic acids in A. fumosa significantly decreased in faeces compared to feed, indicating millipede-dependent changes in fatty acids. Icosanoic acid was present in faeces of both the millipedes, and hexadec-9-enoic acid was confined to faeces of A disticta, while pentadecanoic, heneicosanoic, (9Z,12Z,15Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic and eicosenoic acids were confined to faeces of A. fumosa. Pill-millipedes enrich the soil quality by leaf litter conditioning in their gut through specific microbial communities. Fingerprinting of fatty acid methyl esters in faeces of these millipedes reflected the activity of specific microbial population in their guts.展开更多
基金national key basic develop-ment of China (G1999043407), grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30271068) and KZ-CX-SW-01-01B of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
文摘Soil water stress was studied on the potted seedlings of five dominant tree species (Pinus koraienes Sieb.et Zucc., Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr., Juglans mandshurica Maxim, Tilia amurensis Rupr. and Quercus mongolica Fisch.ex Turcz) from the broadleaved/Korean pine forest in Changbai Mountain. Leaf growth, water transpiration and photosynthesis were compared for each species under three soil moisture conditions: 85%-100% (high water, CK), 65%-85% (Medium water, MW) and 45%-65% (low water, LW) of 37.4% water-holding capacity in field. The results showed that the characteristic of typical drought-resistance of the leaves is significantly developed. The net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency of Fraxinus mandshurica were higher in MW than those in CK. But for the other four species, the net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency in CK were lower than those in MW and LW. The transpiration rate responding to soil moistures varied from species to species.
文摘Alborz Mountains host Caspian Hyrcanian forest ecoregion along the northern slopes and forest steppe ecoregion in highlands. Hyrcanian forest covers the southeastern part of Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and is of great biogeographic importance. Altitudinal pattern and correlation between woody species biodiversity (DIV), forest structure ((stem density (DEN), mean basal area (MBA) and mean height class (MHC)) and disturbance (DIS) were explored along 2,4oo m altitudinal gradient in Hyrcanian relict forest, Central Alborz Mountains. Vegetation changes from lowland forest (LoF) to mid- altitude forest (MiF) and montane forest (MoF) in this area. The altitudinal gradient was divided into twelve 200 m elevational belts. Point centered quarter method (PCQM) with 96 sampling points and 83 vegetation samples by plot method (PM) were used to record field data. Shannon-Wiener index and Pearson coefficient were used for diversity and correlation analysis. The results showed that DEN decreased linearly, MBA and MHC showed relatively hump shaped and DIS showed a reverse hump shaped pattern of change along altitudinal gradient. Woody species diversity decreased non-steadily from LoF to MoF. Transitional vegetations of Carpinus-Fagus and Fagus-Quercus represented higher diversity of woody taxa compared to adjacent homogenous communities. Significant correlation was observed between altitude and all parameters: DEN with MBA, DIS and DIV; MBA with DIS; MHC with DIS along with DIV; and DIS with DIV at the study area scale. Surprisingly,correlation between studied parameters differed within each vegetation type. Altitude probably acts as a proxy for human and environmental driving forces in this area. Stability of warm and wet condition, season length, soil depth along with forest accessibility probably influences the altitudinal pattern of the studied parameters. Disturbance affects forest structure and consequently diversity; especially in lowlands. The obtained results recommend using both forest biodiversity and mensuration data in management process of forest ecosystems.
文摘Virgin forests are unique ecosystems, which can be used as etalon for basic biocoenotic investigation. Soil microorganisms are very sensitive reagents on influence of biotical factors, and at the same time are the active producers of phytotoxic and phytostimulating exometabolites. Studies of soil microbiota were conducted in virgin beech forests of Shyrokoluzhansky massif of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve. It was found the ratio and the number of different ecological-trophic groups of soil microorganisms changes with altitude. So the number of ammonificators with increasing of altitude above sea level was reduced. The soil at altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level was characterized by minimum content of organotrophes -1.22 × 10^6 (CFU-colony forming units/lg.a.d.s.). At the altitude of 500 meters content of ammonificators increased at six times and was 7.07 ×10^6 CFU/lg.a.d.s., which indicates to accumulation of the soil organic matter. Similar changes occurred with the number of bacteria which are using mineral forms of nitrogen for their nutrition. Their maximum quantity (4.32 × 10^6 CFU/lg.a.d.s.) was in the soil of biotope disposed at altitude of 500 meters above sea level. Fluctuations in the number of soil micromycetes of virgin forest ecosystems have not been as significant as the bacterial microbiota (within 17 ×10^3-28 × 10^3 CFU/lg.a.d.s.). Among a wide spectrum of bacterial microbiota were isolated strains with high phytostimulating action.
基金supported by the Naional 973 project (2009CB421307) the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41030528 and 40971064)
文摘Slope aspect has significant effect on the development and distribution of montane forest, especially in arid and semiarid regions. This paper, using SPOT5 images and 1:5o,ooo DEM, digitally extracts and analyzes the spatial information of montane coniferous forest (mainly Qinghai spruce), and thereby explores how the upper and lower limits and the altitudinal range of coniferous forest vary and how the area of coniferous forest is related with annual insolation with all aspects in the Helan Mountains. The results show that: 1) In the eastern flank, the lower limit of coniferous forest is between 1,6oo m and a,ooo m a.s.l., and the upper limit between 2,800 m and 3,ooo m a.s.1.; in the western flank, the lower limit of coniferous forest is between a,ooo m and 2,300 m a.s.l., and the upper limit between 9,80o m and 3,1oo m a.s.1.2) The altitudinal ranges of coniferous forest are 8o6-1,435 m, 438-1,14o m for eastern flank and western flank, respectively. 3) The area of coniferous forest takes on a normal distribution with aspect, and it has a close relationship with annual insolation. This distribution model developed in this paper quantitatively reveals the significant effect of slope aspect on the distribution of coniferous forest in arid and semi-arid land.
基金Project supported by the Grant-in-Aid of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Ministry of Education, Culture,Sports, Science and Technology (Nos. 15101002 and 19002001)
文摘The particle-size distribution and mineralogical composition of the clay (〈 2 μm) and fine-sand (0.25-0.10 mm) fractions in soils of two inland valleys in Abakaliki and Bende, Southeast Nigeria, were investigated to provide basic information on soil-forming processes and agricultural potentials. These soils were silty or clayey, deriving from Cretaceous or Tertiary shale materials. The particle-size distribution and its computation on a clay-free basis revealed relatively remarkable lithologic breaks in a couple of pedons. The effect of lithologic discontinuities on soil mineralogical composition was not, however, conspicuous. Petrographic investigation revealed that quartz predominantly comprised the fine-sand fraction in the soils at both study sites. Nevertheless, the clay mineralogical composition of the soils was a mixture of kaolinite, irregularly interstratified smectite-illite intergrades (S/I), hydroxyl-A1 interlayered 2:1 type clays (HICs), vermiculite, smectite, halloysite and illite along with fine-sized quartz in Abakaliki. The soils of Bende predominantly contained smectite, which was partially interlayered with hydroxyl-A1 and kaolinite. It is suggested that seasonal floodwater has slowed the disintegration of weatherable clay minerals inherited from the shale, while quartz originating from the sandstone is predominant in the fine-sand fraction. Additionally, a possible soil-forming process observed at the both study sites was ferrolysis, which was indicated by a clear decreasing pattern of HICs downward in the soil profiles, The entry of S/I and vertical distribution patterns for a couple of clay minerals in the pedon suggested that the soils in Abakaliki have developed under the significant influence of aeolian dust delivered by the Harmattan. The findings might describe a site-specific deposition pattern of Harmattan dusts as well as hydromorphic soil-forming processes in the wetlands of the inland valleys.
基金supported by Nature and Culture International (NCI-Perú) and partially funded through a Grant from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
文摘Cloud forests are unusual and fragile habitats, being one of the least studied and least understood ecosystems. The tropical Andean dominion is considered one of the most significant places in the world as regards biological diversity, with a very high level of endemism. The biodiversity was analysed in an isolated remnant area of a tropical montane cloud forest known as the "Bosque de Neblina de Cuyas", in the North of the Peruvian Andean range. Composition, structure and dead wood were measured or estimated. The values obtained were compared with other cloud forests. The study revealed a high level of forest biodiversity, although the level of biodiversity differs from one area to another: in the inner areas, where human pressure is almost inexistent, the biodiversity values increase. The high species richness and the low dominance among species bear testimony to this montane cloud forest as a real enclave of biodiversity.
基金This study was supported by United States Depart-ment of Agriculture (USDA), Grant No.: BG-ARS-123
文摘A study was conducted at two pair sites of Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh to find out the effects of shifting cultivation on soil fungi and bacterial population. The first pair of sites with shifting culti-vation and village common forest-managed by indigenous community was at Madhya Para in Rangamati district and the second pair of sites with the shifting cultivated land and village common forest at Ampu Para in Bandarban district of Chittagong Hill Tracts. At both the locations with two different land uses, soil textures in surface (0?10 cm) and sub-surface (10?20 cm) soils varied from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Soil pH and moisture content were lower in shifting cultivated land com-pared to village common forest. The results also showed that both fungal and bacterial population in surface and subsurface soils was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower, in most cases, in shifting cultivated land compared to village common forest at both Madhya Para and Ampu Para. At Ranga-mati and Bandarban in shifting cultivated lands, Colletrotrichum and Fusarium fungi were absent and all the bacterial genus viz. Coccus, Bacillus and Streptococcus common in two different locations with dif-ferent land uses. Common identified fungi at both the land uses and locations were Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Trichoderma and Penicillium. Further study can be done on the other soil biota to understand the extent of environmental deterioration due to shifting cultivation.
基金the Belgian Development Cooperation for the financial help
文摘Sericostaehys seandens is a monocarpic and heliophilous liana, native in tropical African forests. In the montane forests of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) (East of DR Congo), it has been expanding very strongly for a decade, and is currently considered as having negative impacts on biodiversity conservation. In this paper, we test if S. scandens differs from three co-occurring, native, non spreading lianas (Gouania longispicata, Tacazzea apiculata and Adenia bequaertii) for functional traits which might influence plant expansion. For leaf traits (SLA, dry matter content, nitrogen concentration), S. scandens did not show extreme values compared to those of the three other lianas. In contrast, S. scandens had much higher biomass allocation to sexual reproduction. It also differs from the three other lianas for its reproductive strategy that combines both vegetative propagation and sexual reproduct/on, and propagule dispersal by wind. Moreover, S. scandens has larger leaves and a greater number of lateral branches per unit stem length. It is argued that the particular combination of functional traits exhibited by S.scandens may in part explain its propensity to behave as an opportunistic weed in the disturbed areas in the montane forests of Kahuzi-Biega.
基金Scientific Research Project of Education Department of Hubei Province (B2018481,B2018482)
文摘Pinus taiwanensis is a species endemic to China.This study selected four typical plots of Pinus taiwanensis in the natural secondary forest around Macheng City,in order to reveal the characteristics of and the relationships between different diameter classes(determined based on the diameter at breast height or DBH),forest densities and species diversity,as well as the similarities of species diversity of different plots within the community.The result showed that Pinus taiwanensis was the dominant species in the community.The ratio of Pinus taiwanensis trees of diameter class IV reached a peak of 19.46%of the total followed by diameter class VII at 18.92%.The study recorded 156 species of vascular plants from 130 genera of 71 families;Pinus taiwanensis was the dominant species in the community.When the forest density was 1200 trees ha-1 with the largest average diameter of DBH=36.779±4.444 cm,the diversity(Shannon index H'=1.6716)and the evenness(Pielou index E=0.6727)of the tree layer was the highest.When the forest density reached 1525 trees ha-1 with the lowest average diameter of DBH=18.957±5.141 cm,the richness(Dma=5.4308),the diversity(H'=2.9612)and the evenness(E=0.8985)of all shrub layers climbed to the maximum.When the forest density was 1325 trees ha-1,the richness(Dma=5.8132),the diversity(H'=3.0697)and the evenness(E=0.9025)of all herb layers peaked.In terms of vertical structure,the average diversity indexes were herb layer>shrub layer>tree layer.High canopy density weakened light intensity in the community,causing a reduction in the species diversities of herbs and shrubs.The average similarity coefficient between the sample plots was 0.3356,which was at the medium dissimilarity level.External disturbances and improper management were major contributors to the low species diversity of the community.The implementation of scientific management measures is urgently needed to optimize the forest structures of Pinus taiwanensis,create a benign community environment,and promote species diversities and establish a stable forest community structure.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.30970166 and 40801088)the Science and Technology Program for Environmental Protection of Shandong Province,China(No.2006007)the Research Award Fund for Outstanding Young Scientists of Shandong Province,China(No.2007BS08001)
文摘As one of the most toxic heavy metals with persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity in environment, mercury and its envi- ronmental problems have caused a global concern. To fully understand the behavior and fate of mercury (Hg)(II) in forest soils, a series of batch experiments were conducted to determine the adsorption and desorption characteristics of Hg(II) by three dark brown forest soils from Mount Taishan, Laoshan Mountain, and Fanggan Village in Shandong Province, China. The adsorption solution was prepared using 0.1 mol L-1 NaNO3 as background electrolyte, with Hg(II) at rising concentration gradients of 0.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 10.0 mg L-1. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was adopted to characterize the soil samples and soil-Hg complexes. It was found that Hg(II) adsorption isotherms could be well fitted with both Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The soil from Mount Taishan had the largest potential Hg(II) adsorption capacity, though with less adsorptive intensity. The percentages of Hg(II) desorbed from all soil samples were less than 0.6~, which suggested that all the soils studied had a high binding strength for Hg(II). The soil from Mount Taishan had a higher Hg(II) desorption capacity than the other soils, which indicated that the Hg(II) deposited on the topsoil of Mount Taishan from atmosphere may easily discharge to surface water through runoff. Results of the FTIR spectroscopy showed that the three soils contained the same functional groups. The relative absorbencies of soil-Hg complexes changed significantly compared with those of the soil samples and the adsorption of Hg(II) mainly acted on the O-H, C-O, and C=O groups of the soils.
基金the award of Inspire Fellowship,Department of Science and Technology,New Delhi,India (No.IF110540)the award of UGCBSR Faculty Fellowship by the University Grants Commission,New Delhi,India
文摘Soil macroinvertebrates are highly diverse and their major ecological service include breakdown of organic matter and in turn improve soil fertility and pill-millipedes are well-known for their significant role in ingestion, disintegration and decomposition of organic matter in soil. This study characterized the feed, the decomposing leaf litter of coconut (Cocos nucifera), and faeces of two endemic giant pill-millipedes Arthrosphaera disticta and A. fumosa collected from forests of the Western Ghats of India based on chemical features and microbial profile. In both millipedes, electric conductivity and total phosphorus were significantly increased in faeces, while the crude protein, organic carbon, total nitrogen and total phenolics were significantly decreased, as compared to those in feed. Heterotrophic bacteria, actinomycetes, rhizobia and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria were significantly higher in faeces than in feed, while filamentous fungi and yeast substantially decreased in faces compared to feed in both the millipedes. Spectrum of fatty acid methyl esters was considerably different between feed and faeces of both the millipedes. The total saturated fatty acids were higher than the total unsaturated fatty acids in feed as well as faeces, while the ratio of unsaturated/saturated fatty acids decreased from feed to faeces. Dodecanoic and tetradecanoic acids in A. disticta and octadecanoic acid in A. fumosa significantly increased, while (9Z)-octadec-9-enoic and (9E,12E)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acids in A.. disticta and hexadecanoic, tetracosanoic and (9E,12E)- octadeca-9,12-dienoic acids in A. fumosa significantly decreased in faeces compared to feed, indicating millipede-dependent changes in fatty acids. Icosanoic acid was present in faeces of both the millipedes, and hexadec-9-enoic acid was confined to faeces of A disticta, while pentadecanoic, heneicosanoic, (9Z,12Z,15Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic and eicosenoic acids were confined to faeces of A. fumosa. Pill-millipedes enrich the soil quality by leaf litter conditioning in their gut through specific microbial communities. Fingerprinting of fatty acid methyl esters in faeces of these millipedes reflected the activity of specific microbial population in their guts.