Relationship between vegetation types, soil and topography in southern forests of Iran

For sustainable forest management, understanding the ecological factors that determine vegetation composition are important. Here, the relation between the vegetation composition and environmental factors(elevation, aspect, slope, CaCO3, K, P, C, N, C/N, bulk density,soil porosity, saturation moisture content, EC, pH, sand, silt and clay) was investigated in the Khonj forests, Fars Province, Iran. Characteristic land units, each 200 m2, were chosen for sampling to analyze species composition, soil characteristics and topographic factors. The floristic data were classified using a two-way indicator species analysis(TWINSPAN). Means were then compared using an ANOVA and Duncan multiple range test to detect any variations between groups. Also, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin index and Bartlett test were used to measure sampling adequacy. The four vegetation groups identified comprised the species Achillea wilhelmsii, Tanacetum parthenium,Convolvulus spinosus, Capparis spinosa. A detrended canonical correspondence analysis(DCCA) ordination diagram clearly illustrated the relationship between vegetation and environmental factors. According to the results,group 1 with A. wilhelmsii as the indicator species has a positive relation with slope and elevation. T. parthenium was the indicator species of group 2, that appears in areas with high silt and low bulk density and sand. The results showed that group 3 with Convolvulus spinosus as the indicator species was distributed in soils with high bulk density, low silt and pH as well. Group 4 with C. spinosa as the indicator species occurs in sandy soils and low slopes.Using DCCA, we determined the relationship between species and environmental factors more accurately. Results of this study can be used to restore vegetation or maintain species composition in ecological sensitive areas.

Effect of spot burning of logging residues on the properties of mountain forest soils and the occurrence of ground beetles(Coleoptera, Carabidae)

We investigated the relationships between dehydrogenase activity and the physicochemical properties of mountain soils over three and five years from Norway spruce(Picea abies L. Karst) logging residue spot burning and the occurrence of epigeic carabid beetles. Six study sites were utilised, including18 study plots(nine plots in a mixed coniferous mountain forest site and nine plots in a mixed broadleaf mountain forest site), with five replicate pitfall traps at each site located in southern Poland.Soil samples from the organic horizon were taken for p H, organic carbon, nitrogen, base cation content,acidity and dehydrogenase activity determination.Carabid beetles were monitored in weekly intervals during the period of July to August 2016. The burning of logging residues led to modified soil properties,especially the dehydrogenase activity. In all the tested variants, the activity was higher in soil samples after the burning in comparison to the control variants. We show no positive correlation between dehydrogenase activity and the number of carabid specimens. The preferences of dominant predatory hygrophilous carabids to acid habitats with weakly decomposed organic matter were proven. Simultaneously, the soil organic matter content was positively related to the carabid abundance. The significant impact of forest site conditions and the date of logging residue burning on the number of caught specimens were confirmed. In contrast, no relationships between the species richness, species diversity, mean individual biomass and spot burning effect were found. This work supports the recommendation of spruce fine woody debris utilisation by spot burning on mountain regions with rich habitats presenting moderate wet conditions and small land falls.

Species Richness, Diversity and Density of Understory Vegetation along Disturbance Gradients in the Himalayan Conifer Forest

We investigated whether species richness, diversity and density of understory herbaceous plants differed along logging(gap) and grazing(primarily by cattle) disturbance gradients, and sought to identify drivers of richness, diversity and density of understory vegetation of logged sites. A factorial experiment was conducted in the mixed conifer forest of Gidakom in Western Bhutan. Levels of the logging treatment included small(0.15 – 0.24 ha), medium(0.25 – 0.35 ha) and large(0.36 – 1.31 ha) gaps. The grazing treatment included grazed(primarily by cattle) and ungrazed(where herbivores were excluded by a fence) plots nested within each gap. Data were collected from 12 gaps(4 replicates at each level of logging) using the point intercept method. Shannon Weaver Diversity and Margalef's indices were used to estimate species diversity and describe species richness, respectively. Soil samples were analyzed for pH and nutrients. The interaction effect of logging and grazing was significant(p≤0.001) only on species diversity. Relative to ungrazed areas, species diversity was significantly higher(0.01≤p≤0.05) in medium grazed gaps. Under grazed conditions, soil P was negatively correlated with gap size and species diversity. While species diversity was positivelycorrelated(0.01≤p≤0.05) with soil N in grazed plots species richness was positively correlated(0.001≤p≤0.01) with soil N in ungrazed plots. Relative density of Yushania microphylla and Carex nubigena were higher under ungrazed conditions. Our study suggests that the combined effect of cattle grazing and logging results in higher species diversity of understory vegetation in medium and grazed gaps in mixed conifer forests of Bhutan,whereas increase or decrease in relative density of major species is determined primarily by the independent effects of grazing and logging. From management perspective, forest managers must refrain from creating large gaps to avoid loss of nutrients(mainly P and N), which may eventually affect tree regeneration. Managers intending to maintain understory vegetation diversity must consider the combined effects of grazing and logging, ensuring low to moderate grazing pressure.

Comparison of ecological condition and conservation status of English yew population in two Austrian gene conservation forests

English yew Taxus baccata L. has been catalogued as endangered tree species and prone to extinction in Austria as well as many other parts of Europe. The present work is based on the comparison of the natural population of two gene conservation forests from different geographic locations in Austria where the spatial structure, regeneration status and possible conservation measures are examined. The pole stand distribution varied distinctly in each sites. The total no of individuals per ha （DBH ≥5 cm）, average DBH and average height were 492 n.hm^-2, 8.8 cm and 6.3 m in Stiwollgraben whereas in Leininger Riese 45 n.hm^-2, 16.3 cm and 7.6 m respectively. Over 79% of the Stiwollgraben population were represented the good health condition, while in Leininger Riese it was less then 49 % which means population of Stiwollgraben is in better condition compared to Leininger Riese. The sites differed considerably in the pattern of regeneration but pattern were consistent with the dynamics depicted by the age distribution. Considering the one-year-old seedlings Stiwollgraben contains 13 019 individuals.hm^-2 whereas Leininger Riese only 1 368. Surprisingly there were no any saplings in respect of 51 to 150 cm height classes in both sites and 30 to 50 cm in Stiwollgraben. In that context the conservation of English yew on the forest level may require well-managed reserves and long-term rotations between harvest events, protection from the herbivore and reduction of competition, which will enhance the long-term viability of the species.

Comparison of structural diversity of tree-crop associations in Periph- eral and Buffer zones of Gachabari Sal forest area, Bangladesh

The original version of this article unfortunately contained three mistakes. （1） The spelling of the [A. Nishad＇] name was incorrect. The corrected spelling is given below.

Natural Resources Depletion in Hill Areas of Bangladesh:A Review

Hilly or mountainous terrain occupies around 12% of the area of Bangladesh.Natural resources associated with Bangladesh's hill are forest resources,biodiversity,minerals,and agricultural crops.Natural resources have been exploited in the recent four decades due to excessive clearing of hill forest cover,resulting in loss of species richness, impacts related to increased water flow variability, increased hill slope erosion and flooding intensity, and a gradual decrease in the extent of hill area in Bangladesh.This review explores the major causes and effects of depletion of natural resources by linking drivers,pressures and the related impacts.A review has been conducted to structure the effects on the hilly areas and describe the responses to minimize them in the associated DPSIR framework.Population growth has been identified as a major driver contributing to high deforestation rates.This may negatively effect agricultural productivity and increase the frequency of serious flooding.Slash and burn cultivation also impacts the regeneration of evergreen forests,which may accelerate soil erosion. Due to this and other factors,local people are facing a deficits of natural resources(food,fodder,fuel wood and water),which exacerbates the effects of poverty. Future research should try to facilitate decision making for sustainable utilization of natural resources management in the hilly areas of Bangladesh. Additional conservation measures should be developed to increase the resilience of ecosystems at national and regional levels.

Regeneration and Tree Species Diversity of Sitakund Botanical Garden and Eco-Park,Chittagong,Bangladesh

Anthropogenic disturbances influence plant regeneration and species diversity, which impact the conservation status of protected areas. A study was conducted in the Sitakund Botanical Garden and Eco-park(SBGE), Chittagong,Bangladesh to analyze the natural regeneration and tree species diversity in disturbed and less disturbed zones. Stratified and systematic random sampling was used to select 50 sample plots from each of the two zones. A total number of 109 plant species from 43 families were recorded in the study; of which 93 species were of natural origin while the rest were planted. From the species with natural origin 66 were tree species, 9 were shrub species and 18 were climbers. Species richness, density of regeneration and disturbance index in the height classes(0- 0.5 m)and(dbh > 6 cm) indicated significant differences between the zones. The study analyzed how disturbances affect species diversity in the area. It was found that species richness and basal area are negatively related with disturbances. Moreover,density(N/ha) of trees was more likely to decrease with increasing tree height that reflects the huge demand of local people to harvest large trees as part of their income generating activities. The study findings have implications for future management decisions of the SGBE. To restore these ecosystems, management should focus on both biodiversity conservation and providing benefits to local people without hampering forest ecosystems.

Can picnic influence floral diversity and vitality of trees in Bhawal National Park of Bangladesh?

We examined the impact of picnic activities on forest diversity, structure, regeneration and vitality of tree species in the Bhawal National Park of Bangladesh. The study area was classified as a non-used, occasionally used and frequently used area on the basis of the intensity of the picnic activities. A total of 43 plant species were enumerated in the whole study area. The highest plant species richness （41 species） was observed in the non-used area whereas the lowest species richness （11 species） in the frequently used area. The diversity index decreased with the increase of picnic intensity whereas the concentration of dominance increased. Density of all plant groups except mature trees, and the basal area of the mature trees showed a declining trend from the non-used to frequently used area. The frequently used area exhibited very poor regeneration. Tree vitality decreased with the increase of picnic intensity. The relevance of our study as a basis for further research to determine the impact of tourism on biodiversity in Bangladesh is discussed.

华山松大小蠹及其伴生蓝变真菌对华山松木质部危害的解剖学特征(英文)

为揭示华山松大小蠹和伴生蓝变真菌引起秦岭华山松枯萎的机制,选择秦岭北坡沣峪林场境35年树龄的健康华山松Pinus armandi为研究对象,对接种华山松大小蠹Dendroctonus armandi及与其伴生的蓝变真菌Ceratocystis polonica引起的寄主树木木质部形态变化进行了解剖观察。结果表明:接种致病性蓝变真菌C.polonica1周后的4株华山松的木质部组织内,蓝变区域显著增加,4～6周后蓝变区域不再增加;而在接种无菌琼脂的2株对照华山松的木质部组织内,没有检测到蓝变区域。研究结果提示蓝变真菌C.polonica是致死秦岭华山松的重要病原菌,该伴生菌随华山松大小蠹入侵健康寄主华山松木质部组织,在木质部定居并分解木质部,堵塞树脂道,致使寄主华山松树脂代谢和水分代谢紊乱。该研究结果表明,虽然华山松大小蠹长期以来被认为是致死华山松的毁灭性小蠹虫,但是其共生蓝变真菌C.polonica对成熟华山松的致害作用不应该被忽视。

Short-Term Response of Soil Microbial Biomass to Different Chabazite Zeolite Amendments

Zeolitites (ZTs) are rocks containing more than 50% of zeolite minerals and are known to be a suitable material for agricultural purposes by improving soil physicochemical properties and nitrogen (N) use efficiency. However, little is known about their effects on soil microbial biomass. This study aimed to evaluate short-term effects of different chabazite-rich ZT (CHAZT) amendments on soil microbial biomass and activity. A silty-clay agricultural soil was amended in three different ways, including the addition of natural (5% and 15%) and NH_4^+-enriched (10%) CHAZT. Soil dissolved organic carbon (C), total dissolved N, NH_4^+, NO_3^-, NO_2^-, microbial biomass C and N, and ergosterol were measured periodically over 16 d in a laboratory incubation. To verify the microbial immobilization of the N derived from NH_4^+-enriched CHAZT, a high15N source was used for enriching the mineral to measure the microbial biomass δ15N signature. An increase in the ergosterol content was observed in the soil amended with 5% natural CHAZT. However, no similar result was observed in the soil amended with 15% natural CHAZT, suggesting that the fungal biomass was favored at a lower CHAZT application rate. In the soil amended with NH+ 4-enriched CHAZT, microbial biomass N was related to NO_3^-production over time and inversely related to NH_4^+, suggesting high nitrification process. Isotopic measurements on microbial biomass confirmed immediate assimilation of N derived from NH_4^+-enriched CHAZT. These results suggested that the NH_4^+-enriched CHAZT used in this study supplied an immediately available N pool to the microbial biomass.

中红外光谱检测土壤中碳酸盐——什么最重要

碳酸盐检测是土壤科学中的常规检测。在本研究中,用中红外光谱方法对采自奥地利130多个不同的森林区域的大量土壤样品进行评价。评价了有机层中的20条谱带和矿物土壤中15条谱带区域,并且通过模型计算检测了被调查土壤样品中的碳酸盐。对于有机层的所有样品,相关系数都很低(R2=0.68),可以通过对F(中度分解的有机物)和H(高度腐烂的有机物质)的混合样品进行组分离来增加相关系数。FH层土壤、森林类型土壤、矿质土壤母质的相关系数达到R2=0.92。对于所有0到5和5至10cm的矿质土壤层,相关系数从一开始就很高(R2=0.97),当隔离一组石灰岩作为母质的10个样品时,相关系数可以增加到R2=0.99。最后,本研究着重介绍了土壤样品的化学多样性对于中红外光谱检测土壤中碳酸盐的影响潜力。

Soil and land resources for agricultural production:General trends and future scenarios-A worldwide perspective

Based on the global distribution of land and soil quality and the world population,future trends in the agricultural use of land and soil resources are described,which will severely compromise future global food and fiber production through the increase and the spatial changes of world population,through the loss of fertile land caused by insufficient soil management and through urbanisation and industrialization Moreover,future changes in life style and the increasing demand for food and bioenergy,trough changes in world economy,through climate change and a worldwide decrease in fresh water supply,sustainable land use for the production of food and fiber will be under threat.Until 2050 global food production must be doubled for satisfying global needs.Our scenarios should help to preview future changes,to counterbalance and to mitigate possible negative impacts,thus sustaining global food security.

Wheat yield prediction by zero sink and equilibrium-type soil phosphorus tests

Diffusive gradients in thin films(DGT)measurements have been shown to outperform other phosphorus(P)tests in soils with strong P sorption,but this has not been confirmed for moderately weathered European soils.We compared the performance of DGT in predicting wheat grain yield in Swedish long-term fertility experiments with those of standard intensity(water-extractable P(P-H2O))and quantity(ammonium lactate-extractable P(P-AL))tests.A Mitscherlich-type model was used to fit wheat yield response to P application rates(0,15,30 or 35,and 45 kg P ha-1 year-1)in each individual trial replicate to estimate the maximum yield.For trials with clear plateau-type yield responses and the goodness of fit(R2)>0.75,relative yields(RYs)were calculated for each P treatment and plotted against the soil P test results(n=143).The goodness of the Mitscherlich-type fits decreased in the following order:DGT-measured P(P-DGT)(R2=0.35)>P-H2O(R2=0.18)>P-AL(R2=0.13).When excluding soils with P-AL:P-DGT≥0.1 L g-1,R2 was considerably improved to 0.55 for P-AL,0.46 for P-H2O,and 0.65 for P-DGT(n=61).At 95%of maximum yield,the upper limit of P deficiency for P-DGT was 44.8(the soils with P-AL:P-DGT<0.1 L g-1)and 61.9μg L-1(all soils),falling within the range reported for other European and Australian soils(6.0–142μg L-1).We show that in the investigated Swedish soils,DGT performed better than the quantity and intensity tests,which is attributed to its ability to capture P diffusion and resupply from the soil solid phase,similar to plant roots in the rhizosphere.

Asterodiscus and Stigmatodiscus,two new apothecial dothideomycete genera and the new order Stigmatodiscales

During a survey on corticolous Dothideomycetes,several collections with ascospores matching the genera Asteromassaria and Stigmatomassaria(Pleomassariaceae,Pleosporales)were revealed from dead corticated twigs of Acer,Carpinus and Tamarix.Closer morphological examination showed that their ascomata were apothecial,with a hamathecium consisting of septate,branched paraphyses,which are apically swollen at maturity.Several collections were cultured and sequenced,and a Blast search of their nuc 28S rDNA sequences revealed dothideomycetous affiliation,but without a close match to a specific family or order.Phylogenetic analyses of a multigene matrix containing a representative selection of Dothideomycetes from four genes(nuc 18S rDNA,nuc 28S rDNA,rpb2 and tef1)revealed placement within Dothideomycetes but without a supported familial or ordinal affiliation.Based on the phylogenetic analyses and morphological investigations,the new genera Asterodiscus and Stigmatodiscus,with the two new species A.tamaricis and S.enigmaticus,are described and illustrated,and placed in the new family Stigmatodiscaceae and new order Stigmatodiscales.

Valsaria and the Valsariales

More than 100 recent collections of Valsaria sensu lato mostly from Europe were used to elucidate the species composition within the genus.Multigene phylogeny based on SSU,LSU,ITS,rpb2 and tef1 sequences revealed a monophyletic group of ten species within the Dothideomycetes,belonging to three morphologically similar genera.This group could not be accommodated in any known family and are thus classified in the new family Valsariaceae and the new order Valsariales.The genus Valsaria sensu stricto comprises V.insitiva,V.robiniae,V.rudis,V.spartii,V.lopadostomoides sp.nov.and V.neotropica sp.nov.,which are phylogenetically well-defined,but morphologically nearly indistinguishable species.The new monotypic genus Bambusaria is introduced to accommodate Valsaria bambusae.Munkovalsaria rubra and Valsaria fulvopruinata are combined in Myrmaecium,a genus traditionally treated as a synonym of Valsaria,which comprises three species,with M.rubricosum as its generic type.This work is presented as a basis for additional species to be detected in future.