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1.

Context

??Dehesas?? are savanna-like ecosystems of human origin that extend broadly in the Mediterranean area of the Iberian Peninsula. They consist of scattered oaks (mainly Quercus ilex subsp. ballota L. holm-oak), an annual grassland layer and interspersed shrubs. These ecosystems, used for grazing and wild game, support high plant and animal biodiversity and provide important environmental services. At present, Mediterranean ??dehesas?? are endangered by the lack of oak regeneration.

Aims

This paper analyses the efficiency of: (1) using shrubs as nurse plants; (2) drip irrigation of seedlings during summer; and (3) a combination of the two methods for the restoration of a ??dehesa?? in a mid-mountain Mediterranean area of southern Spain.

Methods

Different techniques were tested to improve the recruitment of holm-oak seedling during a 3-year field experiment: (1) acorn plantation in open spaces, irrigating seedlings during the first dry season; (2) acorn plantation beneath the canopy of Myrtus communis L. and (3) both methods combined.

Results

There was a large facilitative effect of myrtle for the recruitment of holm-oak seedlings, regardless of the supply of irrigation. This effect was associated with a large decrease in air temperature and photosynthetically active radiation beneath myrtle canopies. By contrast, summer irrigation of seedlings planted in open spaces did not improve seedling survival after 3 years despite a small and transient positive effect on seedling survival during the 1st year.

Conclusion

The use of evergreen shrubs, such as myrtle, as nurse plants may be considered to restore ??dehesas?? instead of expensive seedling irrigation techniques. Several studies have promoted abandoning grazing to increase holm oak self-regeneration in ??dehesas??. However, creating closed patches of naturally occurring evergreen shrubs could provide suitable sites for oak planting when necessary, thus enhancing seedling recruitment without damaging the environmental and economic value of these ecosystems.  相似文献   

2.

Context

The quantification of biomass of woody plants is at the basis of calculations of forest biomass and carbon stocks. Although there are well-developed allometric models for trees, they do not apply well to shrubs, and shrub-specific allometric models are scarce. There is therefore a need for a standardized methodology to quantify biomass and carbon stocks in open forests and woodlands.

Aims

To develop species-specific biomass estimation models for common shrubs, as well as a multispecies shrub model, for the subtropical semiarid Chaco forest of central Argentina.

Methods

Eight shrub species (Acacia aroma, Acacia gilliesii, Aloysia gratissima, Capparis atamisquea, Celtis ehrenbergiana, Larrea divaricata, Mimozyganthus carinatus, and Moya spinosa) were selected, and, on average, 30 individuals per species were harvested. Their total individual dry biomass was related with morphometric variables using regression analysis.

Results

Crown area as well as crown-shaped variables proved to be the variables with the best performance for both species-specific and multispecies shrub models. These allometric variables are thus recommended for standardized shrub biomass assessments.

Conclusion

By accounting for the shrub component of the vegetation, our models provide a way to improve the quantification of biomass and carbon in semiarid open forest and woodlands.  相似文献   

3.

? Context

The knowledge of how shrub–seedling interactions vary with summer drought, canopy opening, and tree species is crucial for adapting forest management to climate change.

? Aims

The aim of this study was to assess variation in shrub–oak recruitment associations along a south–north drought climate gradient and between two levels of canopy cover in coastal dune forest communities in a climate change-adapted forest management perspective.

? Material and methods

Mapped data of associational patterns of seedlings of three oak species with interspecific pooled shrubs were analyzed using a bivariate pair correlation function in 10 (0.315 ha) regeneration plots located in forest and recent gap sites along the climate gradient. An index of association strength was calculated in each plot and plotted against a summer moisture index.

? Results

The association strength increased with increasing summer drought from wet south to dry north and from closed forests to gaps.

? Conclusion

Consistent with facilitation theory, our results suggest that climate change may shift associational patterns in coastal dune forest communities towards more positive associations, in particular in canopy gaps. In a perspective of climate change, foresters may need to conserve understory shrubs in gaps in order to promote oak species regeneration.  相似文献   

4.

Context

Loss of woodlands and degradation of vegetation and soil have been described for all Mediterranean-type ecosystems worldwide. In the Western Iberian Peninsula, overexploitation of evergreen cork oak land use systems has led to soil erosion, failures in oak recruitment, and loss of forests. Degraded and dry sites are quickly colonised by pioneer heathland rockrose (Cistus spp.) shrubs forming highly persistent patches.

Aims

Although traditionally shrublands have been considered as a transient successional state, we present evidence that they can represent persistent alternative states to former cork oak forests.

Review trends and conclusions

We first describe how Mediterranean vegetation evolved in the Iberian Peninsula and the role of fire and long-term human management as main disturbances. We then discuss alternative pathways through state-and-transition models indicating the ecological and land use variables that halt cork oak regeneration and recruitment and drive vegetation transitions towards persistent shrublands. Unless concerted management actions and restoration programmes are undertaken, the cork oak land use systems will not be sustainable.  相似文献   

5.

Key message

In the African rim of the Western Mediterranean Basin, cork oak forests and pine plantations coexist. Under similar fire regimes, cork oak forest is more resilient in terms of habitat structure (canopy, understory, and complexity of vegetation strata) than pine plantation. By contrast, both woodland types show similar resilience in plant species composition. Resilience in habitat structure varies between the two woodland types because of the resprouting and seeding strategies of cork oak and pine species, respectively. These differences can be relevant for the conservation of biodiversity of forested ecosystems in a future scenario of increased fire frequency and scale in the Mediterranean basin.

Context

Wildfires have major impacts on ecosystems globally. In fire-prone regions, plant species have developed adaptive traits (resprouting and seeding) to survive and persist due to long evolutionary coexistence with fire. In the African rim of the Western Mediterranean Basin, cork oak forest and pine plantation are the most frequently burnt woodlands. Both species have different strategies to respond fire: cork oak is a resprouter while pines are mostly seeders.

Aims

We have examined the hypothesis that pine plantations are less resilient in habitat structure (canopy, understory, diversity of vegetation strata) and plant composition than cork oak woodlands.

Methods

The habitat structure and plant species composition were measured in 30 burnt and 30 unburnt 700-m transects at 12 burnt sites from north-western Africa, where the two forest types can coexist. Habitat structure and plant species composition were compared between burnt and unburnt transects from cork oak and pine plantation woodlands with generalized linear mixed models and general linear models.

Results

The results showed significant interaction effect of fire and forest type, since cork oak forest was more resilient to fire than was pine plantation in habitat structure. By contrast, both forest types were resilient to fire in the composition of the plant communities, i.e., plant composition prior to fire did not change afterwards.

Conclusion

The higher structural resilience of cork oak forest compared to pine plantation is related to the resprouting and seeding strategies, respectively, of the dominant tree species. Differences in the responses to fire need to be considered in conservation planning for the maintenance of the Mediterranean biodiversity in a future scenario of changes in fire regime.
  相似文献   

6.

?Context

Understanding tree interactions requires an insight into their spatial distribution.

?Aims

We looked for presence and extent of tree intraspecific spatial point pattern (random, aggregated, or overdispersed) and interspecific spatial point pattern (independent, aggregated, or segregated).

?Methods

We established twelve 0.64-ha plots in natural bottomland hardwood stands in the southeastern USA.

?Results

Spatial point pattern analyses (Ripley’s K, L, and L 12) indicated that, when species were combined, trees were frequently aggregated and less commonly overdispersed. Plots with larger trees were more likely to exhibit overdispersion, confirming a shift to this pattern as trees grow. The intraspecific pattern of cherrybark oak and water oak was either aggregated or random. Sweetgum was aggregated on all plots and always at smaller distances (less than 5 m) than the two oak species. Intraspecific overdispersion was very rare. Interspecific segregation among the two oak species was more commonly observed (six plots) than aggregation (one plot). Cherrybark oak and sweetgum were segregated at some scale on seven of the 12 plots and aggregated on only two plots.

?Conclusion

The results from the analyses suggest that strong interspecific competition may result in segregation of trees from different species, while weaker intraspecific competition may lead to aggregations of conspecifics.  相似文献   

7.

Context

Pulsed food resources may strongly affect the population dynamics of several consumer species, with consequences on the ecosystem. One of the most common pulsed resources is forest mast seeding.

Aims

We analysed mast seeding in deciduous forests in a mountainous area of northern Apennines and its effect on population dynamics of wild boar (Sus scrofa L.).

Methods

We performed a quantitative, 20-year analysis on annual seed production in Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.), beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) forest stands using litter traps. The wild boar population density was estimated by means of drive censuses and hunting bag records. The role of other biotic (density of predators) and abiotic (climate) factors potentially affecting wild boar mortality was also investigated.

Results

Turkey oak and chestnut showed high levels of seed production, whereas lower levels were found in beech. The pulsed resources of chestnut and Turkey oak positively affected piglet density. Analyses also highlighted the influence of snow cover and wolves on wild boar population dynamics.

Conclusion

Wild boar can be considered a pulse rate species, the management of which can be improved by annual monitoring of seed production.  相似文献   

8.
  • ? Cork oak mortality is a recurrent problem in southwestern Portugal. Despite the perception of increasingly visible damage in oak woodlands on drought-prone sites, the role of the various environmental factors in their decline is not clear.
  • ? To describe the spatial patterns of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) mortality, a cork oak mortality index (MI) was determined for each landscape feature (agroforestry system, soil type, slope and aspect) using a GIS approach. To achieve this goal, a logistic regression model was formulated analyzing interactions between landscape attributes and allowing a prediction of cork oak mortality.
  • ? Maximum values of MI were found in (i) shrublands and open woodlands with shrub encroachment (MI 6 and 3, respectively), where competition for soil water between tree and understory increases; and (ii) on lower slopes in the rounded hilltops and smooth hillsides or shallow soils where access to groundwater resources during summer drought is difficult.
  • ? The model highlighted the importance of the agroforestry systems on cork oak mortality and may be used to identify sensitive areas where mitigation actions should be employed in a scenario of increasing drought severity in these Mediterranean ecosystems.
  •   相似文献   

    9.

    Context

    Avoidance or control of epicormic shoots is among the major silvicultural challenges for the production of high-quality oak timber. In northern Europe, contemporary oak silviculture aims to produce valuable timber on a relatively short rotation, applying early, heavy thinning combined with artificial pruning.

    Aims

    The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of pruning and stand density on the production of new epicormic shoots on young trees of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.).

    Methods

    The study was based on two field experiments in even-aged stands of pedunculate oak subjected to different thinning practices and early selection of potential future crop trees. From ages 13 to 15 years, stem density was reduced to 300 trees ha?1, 1,000 ha?1 or stands remained unthinned. Pruning was conducted on selected trees at ages 22–24 years. At that age, the stem density in unthinned control plots ranged from 2,500 to 3,100 ha?1. All treatments were replicated twice within each experiment.

    Results

    Pruning led to an overall increase in the total production of new epicormic shoots. More epicormic shoots were produced in the lower part of the stem (0–3 m in height) than in the upper part (3–6 m). The number of new epicormic shoots increased with increasing stand density.

    Conclusion

    Early, heavy thinning combined with high pruning at regular intervals may help shorten the rotation length for pedunculate oak without further reduction in wood quality than that which is caused by wider annual growth rings.  相似文献   

    10.

    ? Context

    Powdery mildew is one of the most common diseases of oaks in Europe. After alarming reports in the beginning of the twentieth century following the presumed introduction of the invasive fungus, the disease has become familiar to foresters. However, its impact may vary greatly according to intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

    ? Aims

    We aimed at providing updated and synthesised information on the impact of powdery mildew on oak and on the effects of environment on disease.

    ? Methods

    A comprehensive literature review was performed, including old reports of the early epidemics to more recent data.

    ? Results

    Tree growth patterns are of critical importance to explain the severity of the disease and the differences between juvenile and mature trees. A critical element, especially for infection of mature trees, is the availability of spores during the production of the first leaf flush. High disease impact is often related to modified growth patterns, either by environmental factors (insects or frost) or silvicultural practices (e.g., coppicing).

    ? Conclusion

    Powdery mildew can have important impacts in natural oak regenerations and a significant role in decline of mature trees. Climate change might influence the disease severity mainly by altering the host pathogen phenological synchrony. Process-based models are required for reliable predictions.  相似文献   

    11.

    Context

    Parasites can induce strong effects on their host’s growth, not only as a result of host resource exploitation (growth loss) but also with a potential adaptive value for host (tolerance response) and themselves (increased transmission).

    Aims

    We assessed these three types of phenotypic changes in oak seedlings infected by powdery mildew.

    Methods

    A manipulative field experiment with three levels of parasite inoculum was designed in order to tease apart infection from genetic effects on oak growth. Seedlings were monitored during 3 years for height growth, phenology and infection.

    Results

    Powdery mildew infection induced both significant growth loss and qualitative changes in plant architecture. The most striking and unexpected change was increased growth polycyclism in infected seedlings. This benefitted both the host as a form of compensation for infection-caused height loss, and the pathogen, by increasing sporulation.

    Conclusion

    The study highlights the effect of parasites in the expression of plant phenotypic traits, such as phenology and ultimately tree architecture. Both host tolerance and parasitic manipulation may be involved in the observed changes in growth patterns. These results suggest a complex interplay between development and defence in trees and emphasize the need to better assess tolerance mechanisms when considering the defence strategies of trees against pathogens.  相似文献   

    12.

    Context

    Reliable information on tree stem diameter variation at local spatial scales and on the factors controlling it could potentially lead to improved biomass estimation over pine plantations.

    Aims

    This study addressed the relationship between local topography and tree diameter at breast height (DBH) within two even-aged radiata pine plantation sites in New South Wales, Australia.

    Methods

    A total of 85 plots were established, and 1,302 trees were sampled from the two sites. Airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was used to derive slope and aspect and to link them to each individual tree.

    Results

    The results showed a significant relationship between DBH and local topography factors. At both sites, trees on slopes below 20° and on southerly aspects displayed significantly larger DBHs than trees on steeper slopes and northerly aspects. Older trees with similar heights also exhibited a significant relationship between DBH and aspect factor, where greater DBHs were found on southerly aspects.

    Conclusions

    The observed correlation between tree DBH and LiDAR-derived slope and aspect could contribute to the development of improved biomass estimation approaches in pine plantations. These topographical variables are easily attained with airborne LiDAR, and they could potentially improve DBH predictions in resource inventories (e.g. stand volume or biomass) and support field sampling design.  相似文献   

    13.

    Context

    In response to waterlogging, pedunculate oak is known to develop adventitious roots and hypertrophied lenticels. However, to date, a link between these adaptations and the ability to maintain net CO2 assimilation rates and growth has not been demonstrated.

    Aims

    The aim of this study was to explore the cause–effect relationship between the ability to form morphological adaptations (hypertrophied lenticels and adventitious roots) and the capacity to maintain high assimilation rate and growth.

    Methods

    The occurrence of morphological adaptations and the parameters of photosynthesis were monitored over 20 days of waterlogging in 5-week-old pedunculate oak seedlings presenting similar morphological development.

    Results

    Based on the development or not of morphological adaptations, the following three categories of responses were identified: development of hypertrophied lenticels and adventitious roots, development of hypertrophied lenticels alone, and the lack of development of adaptive structures. These categories, ranked in the order given, corresponded to decreasing levels of initial net CO2 assimilation rate growth and photosynthesis parameters observed during waterlogging.

    Conclusion

    We observed a two-way cause–effect relationship between the capacity to form adaptive structures and the assimilation rate. Indeed, the initial assimilation rate determined the occurrence of hypertrophied lenticels and growth during stress, and then the development of morphological adaptations enhanced the ability to maintain assimilation levels during the stress.  相似文献   

    14.

    Key message

    Mature Caragana stenophylla shrubs facilitated intraspecific sapling establishment by two mechanisms: microhabitat amelioration and protection against herbivory. Facilitation was mediated by climate, grazing, and sapling age.

    Context

    Pre-existing shrubs could facilitate sapling establishment of woody plants; however, how these facilitation vary across abiotic and biotic stress gradients and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

    Aims

    The aim of this study is understanding the facilitation of shrub on sapling establishment and how the two underlying mechanisms, microhabitat amelioration and protection against herbivory, vary across climatic aridity gradients, grazing gradients, and sapling age.

    Methods

    We conducted field sowing experiments to examine the facilitation of mature Caragana stenophylla Pojark on intraspecific sapling establishment.

    Results

    Facilitation of C. stenophylla on sapling survival increased as drought stress, grazing intensity, and sapling age increased. Microhabitat amelioration increased as drought stress and sapling age increased. Similarly, protection against herbivory increased as drought stress, grazing intensity, and sapling age increased. Relative importance of microhabitat amelioration increased as drought stress increased, and relative importance of protection against herbivory increased as grazing intensity and sapling age increased.

    Conclusion

    Facilitation of shrub on sapling establishment involves both microhabitat amelioration and protection against herbivory. Facilitation, the two mechanisms, and relative importance between the two mechanisms would all be affected by climatic aridity, grazing intensity, and sapling age. Shrub establishment has a positive feedback effect.
      相似文献   

    15.

    Context

    The requirement for rebuilding forecrop stands besides replacement of meadow vegetation with forest plants and formation of soil humus is the presence of a compatible ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal community.

    Aims

    This study aims to assess ectomycorrhizal fungi diversity associated with silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) seedlings regenerating in silver fir stands and Scots pine forecrops.

    Methods

    One-year-old seedlings were sampled in six study sites: three mature fir forests and three pine forests. ECM fungi were identified by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer of rDNA.

    Results

    The mean mycorrhizal colonization exceeded 90 %. Thirty-six ectomycorrhizal taxa were identified in fir stands and 23 in pine forecrops; ten out of these species were common to both stands. The fungal communities were different between study sites (R?=?0.1721, p?=?0.0001). Tomentella stuposa was the only species present at all sites.

    Conclusion

    Silver fir seedlings in Scots pine forecrops supported smaller ECM fungal communities than communities identified in mature silver fir stands. Nevertheless, fungal colonization of seedling roots was similar in both cases. This suggests that pine stands afforested on formerly arable land bear enough ECM species to allow survival and growth of silver fir seedlings.  相似文献   

    16.

    ? Context

    Prescribed burning is increasingly recommended to control encroaching shrublands in the Mediterranean area.

    ? Aims

    The aims of this paper are to analyze the fuel structural characteristics of Spartium junceum and how they influence fire behaviour during prescribed burning.

    ? Methods

    Two winter–spring prescribed burns were conducted in 2009 and 2011. Fuel load and structure of S. junceum shrubs were assessed using the Cube Method, and shrub 3-D models were built using the FIRE PARADOX FUEL MANAGER software. Allometric equations to estimate S. junceum fuel load were developed. During burning, thermocouples measured temperature variations, which were then analyzed relative to fuel characteristics.

    ? Results

    Fuel load components and distribution were strictly related to shrub height; in tall shrubs, most of the fine fuel was more than 1.5 m aboveground. Due to fuel vertical discontinuity, not all shrubs were burned in the fires, but wind increased fire sustainment and fuel consumption. Maximum temperatures (over 800 °C) and residence times were positively related to fuel load.

    ? Conclusion

    S. junceum tall shrublands represent high hazard formations due to their elevated fuel load, mostly in fine fuel fractions. Vertical discontinuity among fuel strata limits fire propagation in mild weather conditions. Winter–spring prescribed burning cannot eliminate S. junceum shrublands, but do create shrub cover discontinuity. As S. junceum has fire-adapted morphological traits, a single burn is insufficient to control it.  相似文献   

    17.

    Context

    Recent policy changes in the USA direct agencies managing federal forests to analyze the potential effects of climate change on forest productivity, water resource protection, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and other values.

    Aims

    This paper describes methods developed to (1) assess current risks, vulnerabilities, and gaps in knowledge; (2) engage internal agency resources and external partners in the development of options and solutions; and (3) manage forest resources for resilience, not just in terms of natural ecosystems but in affected human communities as well.

    Methods

    We describe an approach designed to characterize certain climate change effects on forests, and estimate the effectiveness of response options ranging from resistance to a realignment of management objectives.

    Results

    Field testing on a 6,300 km2 area of conifer forest in the northwestern USA shows this decision model to be useful and cost-effective in identifying the highest sensitivities relating to vegetation management, biological diversity, water resources and forest transportation systems, and building consensus for adaptive strategies and actions.

    Conclusions

    Results suggest that this approach is an effective means for guiding management decisions to adapt to the effects of climate change, and provides an empirical basis for setting budgetary and management priorities.  相似文献   

    18.

    Context

    Anthropogenic activity has increased the level of atmospheric CO2, which is driving an increase of global temperatures and associated changes in precipitation patterns. At Northern latitudes, one of the likely consequences of global warming is increased precipitation and air humidity.

    Aims

    In this work, the effects of both elevated atmospheric CO2 and increased air humidity on trees commonly growing in northern European forests were assessed.

    Methods

    The work was carried out under field conditions by using Free Air Carbon dioxide Enrichment (FACE) and Free Air Humidity Manipulation (FAHM) systems. Leaf litter fall was measured over 4 years (FACE) or 5 years (FAHM) to determine the effects of FACE and FAHM on leaf phenology.

    Results

    Increasing air humidity delayed leaf litter fall in Betula pendula, but not in Populus tremula?×?tremuloides. Similarly, under elevated atmospheric CO2, leaf litter fall was delayed in B. pendula, but not in Alnus glutinosa. Increased CO2 appeared to interact with periods of low precipitation in summer and high ozone levels during these periods to effect leaf fall.

    Conclusions

    This work shows that increased CO2 and humidity delay leaf fall, but this effect is species-specific.  相似文献   

    19.

    Context

    Harvesting of Mediterranean oak coppice forests has been progressively suspended on a share of cover over the last decades. Positive growth trend in outgrown coppices no longer harvested on short rotations now drives natural forest restoration on wide areas, and it represents a potential carbon sink in view of global warming.

    Aims

    Our goals were to estimate carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content per compartment in two deciduous oak outgrown coppice forests, aged differently and growing under unequal site quality, to verify whether C concentration across compartments is in agreement with the conventional conversion rate of 0.5.

    Methods

    Ecosystem C and N pools were assessed by multiplying the whole coppice mass (combining specific allometric functions, root-to-shoot ratio, and soil sampling) by respective C and N concentrations.

    Results

    The results point out that the largest percentage of N was stored in 15-cm topsoil (84.06 and 73.34 % at the younger and older site, respectively), whereas the proportion of organic ecosystem C pool was more variable, as a consequence of the amount and allocation of phytomass. We found that, in most cases, C concentration was less than the conventional conversion rate of 0.5, especially in deadwood, O layer, and root compartments.

    Conclusion

    The findings provide further knowledge of C and N storage into these new built-up forest types and the evidence that a detailed analysis may get higher accuracy in the pools estimate, producing a more reliable outlook on dynamics and climate change mitigation ability of these systems.  相似文献   

    20.

    Context

    Mediterranean pine woodlands are strongly affected by wildfires; however, there are knowledge gaps in the role of fire severity on Pinus pinaster Ait. regeneration.

    Objectives

    The principal questions were: (a) does post-fire regeneration of Maritime Pine differ where canopies were consumed to a low vs. high degree and (b) which factors, besides fire severity, could explain these differences.

    Methods

    Pine recruitment was monitored from 2 to 36?months after a summer wildfire in 18 25?m2 plots, equally divided over two fire severity classes based on crown consumption. Besides the degree of crown consumption, three quantitative fire severity indices as well as post-fire site conditions, seed input and understory vegetation recovery were measured.

    Results

    Pine seedling densities were consistently higher in the plots with low than high crown consumption but due to marked spatial variability, they were only significantly different at two out of the eight sampling occasions. This variability could be explained by a quantitative index based on the diameter of twigs, as well as by seed input and post-fire site conditions (ash and litter cover).

    Conclusion

    Fire severity was found to strongly affect the pine recruitment following wildfire, using both a qualitative visual severity index and a quantitative, more labour-intensive one.  相似文献   

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