Lipid concentration and composition in xylem sap of woody angiosperms from a tropical savanna and a seasonal rainforest

Lipids may play an important role in preventing gas embolisms by coating nanobubbles in xylem sap.Few studies on xylem sap lipids have been reported for temperate plants,and it remain unclear whether sap lipids have adaptational significance in tropical plants.In this study,we quantify the lipid composition of xylem sap for angiosperm species from a tropical savanna(seven species)and a seasonal rainforest(five species)using mass spectrometry.We found that all twelve species studied contained lipids in their xylem sap,including galactolipids,phospholipids and triacylglycerol,with a total lipid concentration ranging from 0.09 to 0.26 nmol/L.There was no difference in lipid concentration or composition between plants from the two sites,and the lipid concentration was negatively related to species’open vessel volume.Furthermore,savanna species showed little variation in lipid composition between the dry and the rainy season.These results support the hypothesis that xylem sap lipids are derived from the cytoplasm of individual conduit cells,remain trapped inside individual conduits,and undergo few changes in composition over consecutive seasons.A xylem sap lipidomic data set,which includes 12 tropical tree species from this study and 11 temperate tree species from literature,revealed no phylogenetic signals in lipid composition for these species.This study fills a knowledge gap in the lipid content of xylem sap in tropical trees and provides additional support for their common distribution in xylem sap of woody angiosperms.It appears that xylem sap lipids have no adaptive significance.

Leaf habit differentiation explains trait tradeoffs across savanna woody plants

Identifying how leaf habit subdivisions link to the fast–slow and avoidance–tolerance trait tradeoffs can provide new insight into divergence in ecophysiological strategies among plant functional groups. Here, we tested a hypothesis that the differentiation across deciduous, semi-deciduous and evergreen woody species contributes to physiological trait tradeoffs in a dry-hot valley savanna. We investigated 11 photosynthetic, morphological and hydraulic traits of 24 species including 8 deciduous, 10 semi-deciduous and 6 evergreen species. Deciduous species were grouped in the fast and avoidance side associated with high values of maximum photosynthetic rates,stomatal conductance and leaf size, while evergreen species were grouped in the slow and tolerance side associated with high photosynthetic water use efficiency, leaf mass per area, sapwood density, Huber value, leaf water potential at turgor loss point and water potential causing 50% loss of stem hydraulic conductance. Semideciduous species generally had intermediate trait values and represented different physiological characteristics when compared to deciduous and evergreen species. The physiological trait tradeoffs showed a close linkage to the differentiation of these three leaf habits. Our findings clearly reveal trait tradeoffs related to fast–slow and avoidance–tolerance strategies among diverse savanna plants, suggesting a syndrome in multiple ecophysiology strategies across different leaf habits.

Behavioral ecology of sika deer in spring in semi-natural area

Behaviors of sika deer in spring were studied by scan sampling, ad libitum sampling, and all-occurrence recording methods during 1998. The results showed that behaviors of sika deer in spring can be classified by seven categories: grazing, ruminating, bedding, moving, standing, drinking, alert, agonistic and other behaviors. Various behavioral models were more regular. Grazing behavior was a kind of mainly behavioral model.

NDVI-Derived Vegetation Trends and Driving Factors in West African Sudanian Savanna

The Sudanian savanna is a key vegetation biome in West Africa providing food and vital ecosystem services. Recently, it has been reported alarming vegetation loss in this biome, calling for more investigation, relevant to tackle land degradation and ensure food security. However, vegetation dynamics in this area remains a matter of debate, and one of the main challenges is to document consistently the underlying driving factors. This study aimed at assessing vegetation trends and driving factors from 2000 to 2022. NDVI trend, detected using the Mann-Kendall’s monotonic trend test, was used as proxy to express vegetation dynamics. In addition to the non-parametric Spearman correlation analysis, variables importance scores, derived from Random Forest (RF) classifications, were used to determine key driving factors among climatic, topographic, edaphic, accessibility and demographic factors. During 2000-2022, no significant trends largely characterised the vegetation cover of the study area. However, patterns of strong (weak) browning and strong (weak) greening affected 7.1% (10.6%) and 12.8% (19.1%) of the study area respectively. According to the driving factors analysis, the observed vegetation trends were mainly driven by rainfall dynamics (trend and mean annual), population growth and anthropogenic activities. The results of this study can support the development of efficient strategies for safeguarding vegetation cover in the Sudanian savanna of Burkina Faso.

New patterns of the tree beta diversity and its determinants in the largest savanna and wetland biomes of South America

Clear and data-driven bioregionalizations can provide a framework to test hypotheses and base biodiversity conservation.Here we used occurrence and abundance data in combination with objective analytical methods to propose two bioregionalization schemes for tree species of the Cerrado and the Pantanal in South America.We also evaluated the contribution of three sets of determinants of the occurrence-and abundance-based subregions.We compiled data on tree species composition from 894 local assemblages based on species occurrences,and from 658 local assemblages based on species abundances.We used an unconstrained community-level modelling approach and clustering techniques to identify and map tree subregions for the occurrence and the abundance data sets,separately.Hierarchical clustering analyses were conducted to investigate floristic affinities between the subregions and to map broader floristic regions.We used multinomial logistic regression models,deviance partitioning,and rank-sum tests to assess the main subregion correlates.We identified 18 occurrence-and four abundance-based subregions in the Cerrado-Pantanal.The hierarchical classifications grouped the occurrence-based subregions into nine floristic zones and abundance-based subregions into two broad floristic zones.Variation in subregions were explained mainly by environmental factors and spatial structure in both occurrence and abundance data sets.The occurrence-and abundance-based subregions are complementary approaches to disentangle macroecological patterns and to plan conservation efforts in the Cerrado and the Pantanal.Our findings based on occurrence data revealed more complex and interdigitated boundaries between subregions of tree species than previously reported.The environment,historical stability,and human effects act in a synergetic way on the distribution of the subregions.Finally,the relevance of contemporary environmental factors to the subregion patterns we found alert us to the profound impact global warming may have on the spatial organization of the Cerrado-Pantanal tree flora.

Soil Seed Bank Characteristics of the Mbe and Nguela Shrub Savannas, and Implications for the Reforestation, Republic of Congo

The soil seed bank is an important source of restoration and resilience of disturbed ecosystems. This study evaluates the regeneration potential through the soil seed bank of the shrub savannas of Nguela and Mbe in order to predict the eventual dynamics. Three plots of 0.25 ha subdivided into four sub-plots of 0.015 ha have been installed in each savannah. In total, 48 samples of each savannah, i.e. 96 samples of both savannas, have been taken from the soil layers, 0 - 5 cm, 5 - 10 cm, 10 - 15 cm and 15 - 20 cm. Species diversity and abundance of the soil seed bank have been assessed after germination. The results reveal 167 seedlings belonging to 23 species in the Mbe savannah and 144 seedlings belonging to 14 species in the Nguela savannah. The total densities of the germinated seeds were respectively 463.63 seeds/m2 and 400 seeds/m2. Nevertheless, the 20 cm deep layers have illustrated themselves compared to the superficial layers with densities of 16.29 seeds/m2 and 21.66 seeds/m2, respectively, in the savannas of Mbe and Nguela. Herbaceous species largely dominated, with percentages of 91% and 100%, respectively, in the savannas of Mbe and Nguela. Alone, the Trema orientalis (L.) Blume species has been identified as woody species in the Mbe savannah. The greatest specific richness has been obtained in the first five centimeters of soil, with 21.73% and 28.57% of exclusive species, respectively, in the savannas of Mbe and Nguela. The results reveal that restoration through the soil seed bank would be limited to a single woody species found (T. orientalis). Consequently, the study suggests silvicultural interventions based on planting or enrichment techniques for sustainably managed savannas exposed to anthropogenic disturbances.

Impacts of climate change on the yields of leguminous crops in the Guinea Savanna agroecological zone of Ghana

The impacts of climate change on crop yields are receiving renewed interest,with focus on cereals and staple crops at the regional and national scales.Yet,the impacts of climate change on the yields of leguminous crops in the local context has not been explored.Thus,an in-depth understanding of climate change in the local context may support the design of locally relevant adaptation responses to current and future climate risks.This study examined the impacts of climate variables(annual rainfall,annual average temperature,rainfall indices(rainfall onset,rainfall cessation,and the length of rainy days),and the number of dry days)on the yields of leguminous crops(groundnuts,cowpeas,and soybeans)in the Guinea Savanna agroecological zone of Ghana during the period of 1989-2020.The data were analysed using Mann-Kendall’s trend,Sen’s slope test,correlation analysis,and Multiple Regression Analysis(MRA).The findings revealed that annual rainfall,annual average temperature,rainfall onset,rainfall cessation,and the length of rainy days,and the number of dry days all showed varied impacts on the yields of groundnuts,cowpeas,and soybeans.The trend analysis detected a marginal decrease in the amount of rainfall,rainfall onset,and the number of dry days from 1989 to 2020(P>0.050).Annual average temperature and the length of rainy days substantially varied(P<0.050)from 1989 to 2020,showing an increasing trend.The findings also showed a marked upward trend for the yields of groundnuts,cowpeas,and soybeans during 2005-2020.The climate variables analysed above increased the yields of groundnuts,cowpeas,and soybeans by 49.0%,55.0%,and 69.0%,respectively.The yields of groundnuts,cowpeas,and soybeans fluctuated with the variability of 30.0%,28.0%,and 27.0%from 2005 to 2020,respectively.The three leguminous crops under study demonstrated unpredictable yields due to the variations of annual rainfall,annual average temperature,rainfall onset,rainfall cessation,the length of rainy days,and the number of dry days,which stressed the need for agricultural diversification,changing planting dates,using improved seed variety,and irrigation to respond to climate change.The results of this study implied that climate change considerably impacts crop production in the Guinea Savanna agroecological zone of Ghana,emphasizing the urgency of locally based and farmer-induced adaptation measures for food security and resilient agricultural systems.

中国西南干热河谷萨王纳植被综述

中国西南的深切河谷因“焚风”效应形成干热河谷,具有干热性气候和河谷型萨王纳植被。萨王纳植被的植物群落以禾草占绝对优势,形成背景,其间散生灌木和乔木,在外观上类似“稀树草原”。在生活型构成上,它们以高位芽植物为主(占总种数的48.0%),但地面芽植物(占23.3%)占比较高;在叶级谱上,小叶植物占总种数的42.5%,微叶植物占20.6%;在乔木树种中,复叶占乔木总种数的39.3%,表现出明显适应干旱生境的特征。西南干热河谷萨王纳植被的植物区系总体上以热带成分占优势,但不同的干热河谷萨王纳植被的植物区系在演化过程中受地质历史和自然地理的影响发生了明显的分化。在植物区系的相似性上,金沙江干热河谷与元江干热河谷属相似性为73.8%,种相似性为53.8%,在本文比较的西南干热河谷中具有最大的属、种相似性。研究发现,中国西南干热河谷萨王纳植被和植物区系在起源和演化上与自第三纪以来,伴随着喜马拉雅的隆升,在云南发生的主要地质事件密切相关。在其植物区系中,一些种类显示与印度和非洲的萨王纳植被有关联,这在一定程度上支持印度板块从非洲分离,筏运了部分非洲植物到亚洲的理论。金沙江与元江干热河谷具有最高的属、种相似性,支持了金沙江曾流到元江,后来因河流袭夺改道的假说。怒江干热河谷植物区系中热带成分占绝对优势,这可能与印度板块向北推挤亚洲板块,缅甸北部随之发生了北移密切相关。这些地区发生的地质历史事件可以较好地解释西南干热河谷的植物区系组成、特征和分布格局。

基于随机动态规划的热带草原气候灌区种植结构优化研究

为了降低热带草原气候区域可用水资源不确定性带来的灌区规划风险,合理进行灌区农作物的种植结构分配,从而充分发挥灌区经济效益,结合确定性动态规划及随机规划的优点,建立了基于随机动态规划的热带草原气候灌区种植结构优化模型。以塞内加尔卢加灌区为例,通过分析长系列1987-2016年灌区的灌溉可用水量,建立正态分布概率函数进行概率模拟,将随机动态规划模型应用于卢加灌区并将试验结果与确定性动态规划模型结果进行对比。研究结果表明,随机动态规划模型能够充分考虑灌区灌溉可用水量的不确定性,对灌区种植结构进行合理优化,相较于确定性动态规划的种植结构结果,平均每年增加1.37亿CFA的经济效益;随机动态规划模型的种植结构规划结果能够有效应对干旱等极端气候条件带来的影响,在极端干旱时(如1987年)灌区经济效益较确定性动态规划增加5.33亿CFA,使灌区发挥较高且稳定的经济效益。研究成果有利于灌区制定合理的农田管理和种植决策,为灌区农业经济可持续发展提供科学依据。

元谋干热河谷不同植被类型对生物多样性的影响

以元谋干热河谷草地、稀树灌草丛、人工混交林、人工纯林4种代表植被类型为对象,应用植物重要值、Simpson优势度指数、Shannon多样性指数、Margalef丰富度指数、Pielou均匀度指数、Jaccard相似系数,分析研究区不同植被的生物多样性水平及不同植被对生物多样性的影响。结果表明:研究区共有植物27科43属52种,其中,乔木层6科8属9种,灌木层13科16属17种,地被层17科26属26种。乔木层以滇榄仁(Terminalia franchetii)、余甘子(Phyllanthus emblica)、锥连栎(Quercus franchetii)为优势种,灌木层以华西小石积(Osteomeles schwerinae)、沙针(Osyris lanceolata)、西南杭子梢(Campylotropis delavayi)、车桑子(Dodonaea viscosa)为优势种,地被层则以扭黄茅(Heteropogon contortus)和拟金茅(Eulaliopsis binata)为优势种。元谋干热河谷主要植物群落的多样性水平较低。其中,人工混交林的Shannon多样性指数、Margalef丰富度指数最高,分别为1.90、2.28,植物种类相对较多、物种多样性较好;以禾本科为主要优势种的草地Simpson优势度指数、Pielou均匀度指数最高,分别为0.82、0.98。不同植被类型间Margalef丰富度指数差异显著,Simpson优势度指数、Shannon多样性指数、Pielou均匀度指数差异不显著。元谋干热河谷植被生物多样性指数普遍较低,4种植被类型的Jaccard相似系数为0.16~0.31,相似性程度较低,物种组成有较大差异。

云南金沙江干热河谷土壤微生物群落结构特征及影响因素

金沙江干热河谷区是长江上游重要的生态屏障和典型生态脆弱区,对金沙江干热河谷土壤微生物群落结构变异特征及其驱动因素的了解仍不清楚。沿着金沙江选择5个地点的典型干热河谷植被,采用磷脂脂肪酸法研究了土壤微生物生物量和群落结构的空间变异,并探讨了气候、植被因子和土壤性质等对土壤微生物群落结构的影响。结果表明:不同研究点土壤总微生物生物量介于4.30—13.20 nmol/g,以细菌为主,其中革兰氏阳性菌(G+)占26.22%—33.65%,革兰氏阴性菌(G-)占18.35%—23.67%;真菌占9.02%—15.13%。不同研究点土壤微生物生物量、真菌/细菌和G+/G-差异显著,并且非度量多维尺度分析形成不同聚类,表明土壤微生物群落结构在研究点间发生了变化。方差分解结果揭示了土壤微生物群落结构的变异主要受土壤因子的驱动,其次是植被和气候因素。草本生物量、土壤硝态氮、全碳、pH和含水量对土壤微生物群落结构具有显著影响。气候因素中年均降雨量对微生物生物量呈负影响效应。揭示了不同研究点通过土壤性质驱动了土壤微生物群落结构的变异,并发现了草本生物量在其中的重要作用,对干热河谷区植被恢复具有重要的意义。

干热河谷稀树灌丛藤本植物叶片养分重吸收特性

为探明我国西南干热河谷地区特殊的植被类型稀树灌丛的养分重吸收规律,选取元江干热河谷的稀树灌丛10种优势藤本植物为研究对象,测定叶片热值、灰分含量、形态性状、成熟叶和凋落叶的氮磷元素含量,计算叶片构建成本,探讨叶片构建成本、叶片性状与氮磷重吸收效率之间的相互关系。结果显示:元江干热河谷稀树灌丛藤本植物叶片的氮磷重吸收效率在不同物种之间存在较大的变异,叶片氮和磷重吸收效率平均值分别为48.0%和46.2%;叶片磷重吸收效率与氮重吸收效率呈显著正相关关系(P<0.05),而氮磷重吸收效率与叶片构建成本、比叶重呈显著负相关关系(P<0.05)。叶片构建成本较低的植物采取较快速的养分周转策略,以提高养分再利用效率;叶片构建成本较高的植物采取较保守的养分利用策略,养分回收效率较低。元江干热河谷的稀树灌丛藤本植物存在生活史策略的分化,以适应长期干热的生境。

Enhanced Species Diversity Unlocked by Habitat Conservation in Agricultural Landscapes: New Perspectives on Ecological Weed Management and Sustainable Intensification—Species Diversity and Habitat Conservation

The impulse to remain profitable by increasing agricultural production levels in view of the greater demand for food, provided impetus to production intensification. The aim of this review is to summarise current literature, reporting specifically on the impact of production intensification on habitats and yield constraints caused by weeds. Secondly, in alleviating these effects over the short term, ecological measures that enhance species diversity in conserved habitats and promote semi-natural habitats in the agricultural landscape, are discussed. In large-scale intensive agriculture, weed control is predominantly rooted in agrochemical applications in the form of herbicides. Long lasting intensive agricultural practices show discord both with the promotion of the biodiversity of microbes belowground and aboveground and with organisms involved in the breaking down of plant material. The presence of native species in the surroundings, in combination with hedgerows and field margins, with a comparatively intricate and balanced variety of plants in a sheltered environment, are essential for settlement of benign insects, particularly in the face of intensive agricultural production. The promising tactic of advantageous seed predators enables decreased herbicide applications. Crop mosaics arranged to advance compatibility at the landscape scale are important to bolster pollination services and insect management, while ecological variety in the surroundings acts as a safety net for habitat diversity. Weed control in combination with different tactics of vegetation use, comprising cover cropping, hedgerows and field margins, sets up safe havens in the landscape, and improves the diffusion of complementary life forms. Field margins perform a meaningful natural function as point of provision for forage, safe havens and distribution passageways for pollinators and insect predators. Production practices that promote more heterogeneity and combine high density semi-natural safe havens and habitat conservation in agro ecosystems are beneficial to species diversity across trophic levels and contribute to agricultural production stability and food safety.

Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat as Influenced by Water Stress, Sowing Date and Cultivar in Sokoto, Sudan Savannah, Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted during 2009/10 and 2010/2011 dry seasons at the Fadama Teaching and Research Farm of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, in the Sudan Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria (latitude 13°01'N;longitude 5°15'E, altitude of 350 m above sea level) to study the effect of water stress, sowing date and cultivar on yield and yield components of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The treatments consisted of factorial combination of water stress at three critical growth stages which was imposed by withholding water at tillering, flowering, grain filling and control (no stress), four sowing dates (21st November, 5th December, 19th December and 2nd January) and two bread wheat cultivar (Star 11 TR 77173/SLM and Kuaz/Weaver), laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. Water stress and date of sowing were assigned to the main-plot, while variety was assigned to the sub-plots. Result revealed that water stress at tillering significantly reduced spike length and grains per spike. Whereas, water stress at flowering and grain filling significantly reduced 1000-grain weight, grain yield and harvest index. Results also indicated significant (P st November and 5th December and lowest at 19th December and 2nd January, therefore wheat should be sown in November or at least first week of December in this area and other area with similar climate. Variety had significant effect on spike per m-2, grain yield and harvest index. Water stress at flowering and grain filling should be avoided as they are the most critical growth stages in yield determination in wheat, because plants cannot recover, while delay in sowing resulted in reduction in yield and yield components. Star II TR 77173/SLM is therefore recommended for the area.

Baru almonds from different regions of the Brazilian Savanna: Implications on physical and nutritional characteristics

While some reports show that physical characteristics of the baru fruits (Dipteryx alata Vog.) differ within and among the Brazilian Savanna regions, a study shows that there are differences in the nutritional composition of baru almonds from different trees from the same Savanna area. It is unknown, however, whether the Savanna’s region influences the nutritional quality of this native almond. Thus, we evaluated the influence of East, Southeast and West regions of the Brazilian Savanna on physical characteristics, nutrient composition and protein quality of the baru almond. Chemical composition and amino acid profile were analyzed, and Amino Acid Score (AAS), Net Protein Ratio (NPR), and Protein Digestibility–Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) were estimated. The physical characteristics significantly differed within but not among regions. The protein (310 g kg-1), lipid (410 g·kg-1), fiber (120 g·kg-1) and calcium (1,300 mg·kg-1) contents of baru almonds were high, with significant differences among regions for insoluble fiber content (94.3 - 128.3 g·kg-1) and amino acid profile (AAS = 77% - 89%). The relative NPR (RNPR) values were similar among regions (mean value of RNPR = 71%), and the PDCAAS values ranged from 65 to 73%. The region of the Brazilian Savanna influences the fiber and amino acid profiles, but not the total content of nutrients, the protein quality and the physical characteristics of the native baru almonds. The baru almond is a potential food as source of complementary protein for healthy diets and as a nutritious raw material for various food systems.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Extracts from Leaves and Fruit Residues of Brazilian Savanna Plants Aiming Its Use as Safe Fungicides

The increasing demand for safe food without preservatives or pesticides residues has encouraged several studies on natural products with antifungal activity and low toxicity.In this study,ethanolic extracts from leaves and fruit residues(peel and seeds)of three Brazilian savanna species(Acrocomia aculeata,Campomanesia adamantium and Caryocar brasiliense)were evaluated against phytopathogenic fungi.Additionally,the most active extract was chemically characterized by ESI-MS and its oral acute toxicity was evaluated.Extracts from C.brasiliense(pequi)peel and leaves were active against Alternaria alternata,Alternaria solani and Venturia pirina with minimal inhibitory concentrations between 350 and 1000 lg/mL.When incorporated in solid media,these extracts extended the lag phase of A.alternata and A.solani and reduced the growth rate of A.solani.Pequi peel extract showed better antifungal activity and their ESI-MS analysis revealed the presence of substances widely reported as antifungal such as gallic acid,quinic acid,ellagic acid,glucogalin and corilagin.The oral acute toxicity was relatively low,being considered safe for use as a potential natural fungicide.

Rice Yield and Yield Components as Influenced by Phosphorus and Nitrogen Application Rates in the Moist Savanna of West Africa

A two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of nitrogen （0, 30, 60, and 120 kg N ha^-1） and phosphorus （0, 30, and 60 kg P2O5 ha^-1） application on grain yield and yield components of five New Rice for Africa （NERICA） cultivars, their parents, and a check on a degraded soil in the moist savanna of Nigeria. Nerica 14 recorded the highest grain yield of 1.3 mg halcompared to the other NERICA cultivars. It also produced significantly （P 〈 0.05） longer panicles （19.24 cm）, higher sink capacity as determined by thousand-kernel weight （30.3 g）, and a higher potential for partitioning photosynthates （45.15%） into grains than the other cultivars. N × P interaction effect on grain yield was significant （P 〈 0.05） with moderate P （60 kg P2O5 ha^1） and moderate N （60 kg N ha^-1） resulting in optimum grain yield （1.7 mg ha^-1）. Thus, moderate N and P were recommended for the production of NERICA varieties in low-input smallholder upland rice production systems of the moist savanna of Nigeria.

Integrating Remote Sensing and Geostatistics to Model Woody Density Distribution in a Tropical Savanna

remote sensing of woody vegetation in savannas has been inhibited by its complex stand structure and abundant vegetation species.An understanding of the distribution and spatial variation in savanna vegetation is critical for making timely assessments of the ecosystem conditions.This study investigated the possibility of improving the prediction of woody vegetation in tropical savannas using an approach that integrates spatial statistics and remote sensing.

Tree-ring:a suitable implement for spatial and temporal fire distribution analysis in savanna woodland and dry forest

Based on 120 stem discs collected during3 months of fieldwork along a 12 km route,the history of fires in the Wari Maro Forest（09 1000 N–02 1000E） over the past century in savanna woodland and dry forest was reconstituted.Three major ecological areas are characterized：one highly burnt zone located between two relative less burnt areas.By analyzing tree rings,246 fire scars were identified.The scars were caused by 51 fire years,occurring at a mean interval of 2.23 years.From 1890 to1965,only 6 years with fires were recorded from sampled trees.Since 1966,no year has passed without fire.The fire frequency point scale reached 14 years.This was the case of Burkea africana,which has been identified as a species tolerant to fire and could be planted to create a natural firewall.In contrast,Anogeissus leiocarpa is highly sensitive to fire,and in a dry forest ecosystem that burns seasonally,it requires a special conservation plan.Two new concepts are described：the rebarking of trees after fire and Mean Kilometer Fire Interval.The first concept was tested with Daniellia oliveri（Rolfe） Hutch ＆ Dalz trees,and the second concept was used to evaluate spatial fire distribution.We demonstrate that savanna woodland and dry forest were subject to a degradation process caused by destructive fires related to vegetation cover clearance and illegal logging.

The Fluxes of Organic C and N, and Microbial Biomass and Maize Yield in an Organically Manured Ultisol of the Guinea Savanna Agroecological Zone of Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of integrated use of agricultural wastes and a compound mineral fertilizer on the fluxes of soil nutrients. Agricultural wastes applied were: livestock manure (cow dung and poultry litter), shoots of Chromolaena odorata and Parkia biglosa (locust bean), Neem (Azadiracta inidca) seed powder/cake and melon shell. These materials were applied at zero (control), 100% (i.e. organic wastes applied at the recommended rates of 10 t/ha) and 70% of their recommended rates plus 30% of the recommended rate of the mineral fertilizer (NPK: 400 Kg/ha). Average values of soil organic carbon (SOC) were 1.94, 1.68, 1.36 and 1.38 for organic wastes alone, organic waste plus mineral fertilizer (NPK) and unamended control. Mineral N ( N plus N) pools were relatively high at 30 and 60 days after planting, and were significantly higher for organically amended soils (550) and wastes applied at reduced rates combined with 120 kg/ha mineral NPK (470) than the unamended control (277). Across sampling dates, SOC values were the highest in poultry manure and neem seed cake. The values of N plus exchangeable N which constitutes plant available nitrogen (PAN) were significantly higher for organically amended soils and wastes applied at reduced rates combined with 120 kg/ha mineral NPK than the unamended control. The % C microbial to C organic ratio was higher in organically amended soils. The temporal profile of SOC, NH4-N and NO3-N showed declines with time, the relationship was linear for SOC (Y = 0.18x + 1.07;R2 = 0.34), by a power function for N (Y = 48.084x-1.79;R2 = 0.91) and a polynomial function for NH4-N (Y = -28.75x + 130.65x - 57.25;R2 = 0.61). The time dynamics of microbial population (cfu) followed trends obtained for SOC.