川西高原植被NDVI动态变化特征及对气候因子的响应

[目的]分析川西高原2001—2017年植被NDVI动态变化特征,研究植被NDVI对气候因子的响应,为区域水土保持和生态环境保护提供科学依据。[方法]基于MOD09A1数据反演川西高原植被NDVI,结合中国气象科学数据共享服务网提供的气温和降水等资料,利用Theil-Sen media趋势分析、Mann-Kendall统计检验和Hurst指数等方法,分析川西高原2001—2017年植被NDVI的时空分布特征、变化趋势及持续性变化特征,探讨川西高原植被NDVI变化对气候因子的响应。[结果](1)川西高原2001—2017年植被NDVI均值为0.486,呈由西北向东南逐渐升高的趋势,垂直分布上植被NDVI随高程增加呈现先增加后下降趋势;(2)近17 a川西高原植被NDVI整体以0.01/10 a的速率变化,变化趋势以改善为主,改善和退化面积分别占比83.5%和16.5%;Hurst指数研究表明,川西高原植被NDVI总体变化持续性较强,反持续性较弱;(3)2001—2017年川西高原气温呈上升趋势,降水上升趋势不明显;整体上植被NDVI对气候的响应存在空间差异,研究区北部主要受气温和降水影响,西南部主要受降水影响。[结论]川西高原植被的生长受气候、地形和人类活动等因素影响,植被NDVI呈现明显空间异质性。随着生态文明建设的持续推进,近17 a植被NDVI改善面积持续增加,且未来持续性较强。     

2000-2018年黄河流域NDVI时空变化及其对气候和人类活动的双重响应

[目的] 分析黄河流域NDVI时空变化特征,探究NDVI变化对气候和人类活动的响应机制,为制定合理的生态工程提供科学依据,为实现黄河流域生态保护和高质量发展提供保障。[方法] 基于MODIS NDVI数据,辅以降水和气温数据,采用一元线性趋势分析、Hurst指数、偏相关分析及残差分析方法,对2000—2018年黄河流域NDVI时空变化特征进行分析,并探讨了NDVI变化对气候和人类活动的双重响应。[结果] ①黄河流域NDVI呈现波动增加趋势,总增速为6.8%/10 a,NDVI在东南部及西部较高,北部及西北部较低,由东南向西北部减少,下游最高,中游次之,上游最低;整体上,以东亚季风生态地理区和西北干旱生态地理区界线（鄂尔多斯市—毛乌素沙地—庆阳市—平凉市—定西市）和青藏高原生态地理区和西北干旱生态地理区及东亚季风生态地理区界线（西宁市—甘南市—定西市）为界呈Ⅴ字型分布。②NDVI整体变化趋势以改善为主,反持续性强于持续性,且表现出较强的弱持续性,其中改善区约占62.32%,主要呈带状集中分布。在中上游地区,在鄂尔多斯市—毛乌素沙地—庆阳市—平凉市—定西市—西宁市—甘南市、太原盆地—临汾盆地—关中平原及运城盆地—三门峡两两界线间的条带区域基本为改善区,而退化区域以中下游为主,呈零散分布。③NDVI与降水和气温呈正相关,且与降水的偏相关强度稍大于气温,流域约76.7%的地区NDVI残差呈增长的趋势,人类活动整体对NDVI增加的影响以促进为主,促进作用大小顺序为：中游>上游>下游。[结论] 黄河流域NDVI变化受气候和人类活动共同影响,具有空间异质性,适度的生态工程及农业生产活动对植被恢复有重要作用。     

西南高山亚高山区植被活动变化的气候驱动效应与可持续性

[目的]探究西南高山亚高山区植被活动变化的驱动因素及可持续性,可为其生态系统管理提供一定的科学依据。[方法]基于2001—2018年MODIS NDVI数据和气象数据,用线性回归、Hurst指数、相关分析等方法分析了西南高山亚高山地区植被活动的时空变化特征、植被活动的稳定性和可持续性及对气候变化的响应。[结果](1)研究区以NDVI为代表的植被活动整体上显著增强,其中相对稳定的区域占63.69%,显著增强的区域占25.06%,显著降低的区域占2.73%。在植被类型中,落叶阔叶林的显著绿化趋势最强,而灌木的显著褐化趋势最强,草地对气候变化的敏感性高于林地。植被活动显著增加的区域主要分布在区域东北部的嘉陵江和岷江等地。(2)变异系数(CV)表明NDVI整体稳定性较强,从植被类型看,阔叶林和混交林的稳定性较高,农田的稳定性最低。(3) Hurst指数分析表明,植被活动趋势呈反持续的比例为69.47%,植被活动趋势呈可持续的比例为29.88%,研究区植被总体出现弱反持续性特征,在未来,植被活动增强的趋势有降低或反转的风险;(4)气候驱动因子分析表明,西南高山亚高山区温度对植被的影响占主导,即温...     

气候变化下珠穆朗玛峰自然保护区南北坡植被变化差异

在全球气候变化背景下,为探究珠穆朗玛峰自然保护区南北坡植被变化差异,采用样方调查数据,MODIS/NDVI数据和气候数据,基于TS趋势分析和偏相关分析研究了珠峰保护区2000—2018年南北坡植被变化及其对气候变化的响应,并预测了其未来植被变化。结果表明：(1)总体上,保护区植被NDVI在2000—2009年呈下降趋势,2009—2018年呈上升趋势,且年内NDVI与温度相关性强于降水。(2)南坡地区NDVI值大于0.6且变化稳定,主要分布着喜马拉雅冷杉(Abies spectabilis)等高大乔木;北坡地区NDVI值小于0.4且易波动,主要分布着苔草(Artemisia younghusbandii)等灌草丛。(3)南坡地区NDVI在整个2000—2018年均呈轻微上升趋势;北坡地区NDVI在2000—2009年下降,在2009—2018年上升,且Hurst指数预测未来NDVI变化不稳定,大部分区域可能会出现下降趋势。(4)南坡地区NDVI与气候因子相关性弱,北坡地区NDVI与温度呈负相关,与降水呈正相关;北坡定日和定结县居民地附近区域植被对人类活动较为敏感。研究为当地可持续发展和...     

2000年以来西秦岭地区植被覆盖变化特征——以陇南市为例

利用NDVI数据,以陇南市为案例区,研究了2000年以来西秦岭地区植被覆盖度变化的时空特征.采集2000-2010年6--10月NDVI数据,利用像元二分法设计了植被覆盖度(Vc)的计算方法,结果显示,2000 2010年陇南市植被覆盖度变化呈基本稳定态势,与同期温度和降雨的变化显著相关.利用一元线性回归和标准差方法,分析了Vc的时空变化特征,结果显示,土地面积将近90％的区域表现为稳定趋势,Vc的年际波动较小,空间分布与林地的分布区域基本吻合;将近1/10的区域表现为上升趋势,Vc的年际波动较大,主要分布在徽成盆地、西礼盆地、白龙江河谷阳面山坡等区域,与耕地、草地分布区域基本吻合,表明退耕还林工程对植被覆盖度增加的贡献显著.论文为20世纪末以来西秦岭地区生态建设的成效提供了证据,也为当地深化生态环境建设和可持续发展提供了借鉴.     

基于NDVI时间序列的近12年中国植被覆盖的单调趋势分析

基于1999—2010年SPOT—VEGETATION旬值NDVI数据,并结合谐波分析、线性趋势和Kendall’sτ趋势等方法对中国各年植被生长季起止时刻进行了确定,并得到中国生长季植被覆盖的单调性趋势。结果表明:(1)1999—2010年中国植被覆盖呈明显增加趋势。中国植被覆盖变化存在4a的稳定增长期与1a的突然下降期。(2)中国生长季植被覆盖Kendall’sτ趋势平均值为0.287 3,总体上呈持续改善趋势,持续性较高的改善区主要分布在105°E以东,30°—40°N之间的区域。(3)中国植被覆盖受纬度地带性影响较为明显。纬度低,生物多样性程度较高的地区,则植被覆盖改善趋势明显,持续性强,反之改善趋势及持续性较低。黄三角和风沙区等生态脆弱区,长三角、珠三角与兰州市周边地区等经济快速发展区,植被覆盖退化严重。     

2000-2021年新疆植被覆盖度变化及驱动力

[目的]探讨2000—2021年新疆植被覆盖变化及其驱动力的分析，为新疆地区环境监测提供理论依据。[方法]借助GEE平台获取由NASA提供的NDVI数据，利用趋势分析、Hurst指数法对新疆地区2000—2021年植被覆盖变化进行动态分析，结合气象等数据，采用Mann-Kendall、偏相关分析法等对植被覆盖变化与气候、地表因素的响应进行分析。[结果](1) 2000—2021年新疆地区NDVI年际变化总体以0.001 4/a的速率波动式增长；年内变化总体呈倒U型，草甸植被的NDVI月均值波动最大。(2) 2000—2021年新疆地区NDVI年均值77.9%在0～0.3波动，在空间分布表现为北部和西北部高，南部和东南部低。(3) 2000—2021年新疆地区总体slope值在-0.036～0.052波动，主要变化趋势为基本不变和轻微改善，结合Hurst指数，新疆植被主要未来趋势变化为改善到退化。(4) 22年间新疆地区的气温总体呈上升趋势，降水、土壤湿度和径流总体呈下降趋势。NDVI年均值与气温、降水、土壤湿度和径流呈显著负相关性的像元数占比均大于正相关性的像元数占比，且存在明显的空间...     

贵州省北盘江流域2000-2018年NDVI变化及其与地形梯度、人口分布的关系

[目的] 研究贵州省北盘江流域NDVI变化及其与地形梯度、人口分布的关系,为喀斯特地区植被恢复、退耕还林开展、国土空间优化整治等提供科学参考。[方法] 采用2000—2018年贵州省北盘江流域NDVI数据,分析其时空变化特征及与海拔、坡度、人口密度等影响因素的相互关系。[结果] ①2000—2018年北盘江流域NDVI值总体呈上升趋势,且年均增长稳定,植被呈现不断恢复的趋势。②2000年北盘江流域NDVI空间分布在东南部最高,在西北部最低,NDVI高值在中部地区分布较为破碎,至2018年各地区NDVI值差距显著缩小,其中在西北部和中部NDVI低值区转变最为明显。③2000—2018年北盘江NDVI显著减少、轻微减少及轻微增加的地区面积较少,面积比例不足10%;而显著增加地区面积为19 986.04 km²,比例为90.93%。④2000—2018年,北盘江流域NDVI的海拔效应表现为阶段变化特点,其中2000—2010年NDVI值随着海拔的上升总体呈现下降趋势;2010—2018年NDVI值随着海拔的上升总体呈现上升趋势;NDVI值随坡度增加表现为上升—下降趋势;而NDVI值随人口密度增加呈降低趋势。[结论] 地形因子奠定植被生长条件,而社会和人为因子对NDVI值变化影响较大。     

2000-2018年赣江上游植被覆盖度时空演化及其对气候变化的响应

[目的] 对赣江上游植被覆盖度时空演化及其对气候变化响应的研究，为区域的生态环境保护提供科学依据和数据支撑。[方法] 基于MODIS NDVI数据，结合年平均气温和年降水量数据，运用趋势分析、变异系数、Hurst指数与相关分析等方法对赣江上游2000—2018年的植被覆盖度时空演化及其对气候变化的响应进行了分析。[结果] ①赣江上游植被覆盖度呈显著增加趋势，增速为5.21%/10 a，空间上呈现四周高中间低的特征，且以高植被覆盖为主；研究区植被覆盖度呈极显著和显著增加的分别占25.59%和39.7%，极显著和显著减少的分别占1.32%和2.46%，而变化不显著的占57.84%；②研究区植被覆盖总体上比较稳定，平均变异系数为14.73%；Hurst分析显示赣江上游植被变化反持续性要强于持续性，总体上以弱反持续性为主；③研究区植被生长总体上受气温影响强于降水量，但存在空间差异。[结论] 赣江上游植被覆盖度变化较小，未来将呈微弱下降趋势，气温是影响植被生长的主要气候因子。     

西南地区生长季植被覆盖时空变化特征及其对气候与地形因子的响应

为探究西南地区生长季植被覆盖时空变化特征以及驱动因子如何定量影响其动态变化,基于MODIS NDVI数据,通过趋势分析、变异系数、相关分析等方法研究了西南地区2000—2016年生长季植被覆盖的时空变化特征,并结合气候因子、DEM数据,分析了植被覆盖对气候与地形因子的影响程度。结果表明:西南地区近17年来生长季NDVI呈增长趋势(0.009/10 a),其中4月份增速最显著(0.029/10 a);呈增加趋势的区域占研究区总面积71.94%,主要分布在东部与东南部区域;植被覆盖变化以较低稳定(31.15%)与中度稳定(25.36%)占主导。研究区NDVI与气温、降水的相关性在空间分布上主要以正相关为主;月尺度NDVI与气候因子的相关性高于年尺度的值;植被覆盖度与月平均气温的相关性高于其与月降水量的相关性,植被生长对降水月变化的响应不明显,对气温的响应无明显滞后效应。研究区平均NDVI在海拔大于4 000 m区域最小(0.30),在坡度0°～5°区域最小(0.37),但是NDVI的显著退化趋势则是以海拔大于4 000 m处最大(14.33%);海拔大于4 000 m区域主要受降水控制,坡度5°～15°区域主要受气温控制;坡向对植被生长变化的影响没有海拔和坡度影响大。     

Soil-profile distribution of primary and secondary plant-available nutrients under conventional and no tillage

Nutrient distributions under no tillage (NT) compared with conventional disk-and-bed tillage (CT) management in the warm, humid region of the southeastern USA need to be assessed so that future placement, quantity, and type of fertilizers can be altered, if necessary, to efficiently match crop demands. We determined soil-profile distributions of pH, N, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu to a depth of 0.9 m at the end of 8.5 years of continuous CT and NT management on a Weswood silty clay loam (fine, mixed, thermic Fluventic Ustochrept) in southcentral Texas. Most dramatic changes occurred within the 0–0.05 m depth, where soil under NT had lower pH, Fe, and Cu than under CT, but greater P, K, Zn, and Mn. Greater P and K under NT than under CT also occurred below the till-zone (0.15–0.3 m). At a depth of 0–0.3 m, soil under NT contained greater amounts of extractable P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu than under CT. Nitrogen fertilization had little effect on nutrient distributions, except resulting in greater extractable K at 0–0.05 m and greater nitrate at 0–0.15 m. Few changes in soil-profile distributions were observed for extractable S, Ca, Mg, and Na. Long-term continuous use of NT on this fine-textured, high-fertility (except for N) soil had no apparent adverse effects on nutrient distributions relative to CT, but enhanced conservation and availability of P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu near the soil surface where crop roots proliferate.     

Assessing the effectiveness of conservation measures: Resolving the “wicked” problem of the Steller sea lion

“Wicked” problems are those that are complex and that change when solutions are applied. Many conflicts in conservation fall into this category. The study approached the problem of how to constrain the apparent wickedness of a problem in the conservation management of a species by using simple empirical indicators to carry out iterative assessment of the risk to a population and to document how this risk evolves in relation to the addition of new data and the implementation of management actions. Effects of high levels of uncertainty within data and also concerning population structure were examined through stochastic simulation and by exploration of scenarios. Historical trends in the example used, the Steller sea lion, showed rapid declines in abundance in some regions during the 1980s. The current total population is 130,000-150,000 Steller sea lions through Alaska and British Columbia and this number has been stable since about 1990 in spite of regional differences in population dynamics. Regional differences in the sequence of changes in the number of pups and non-pups, suggested that an internal re-distribution of juveniles could have happened between 1980 and 1990. Current productivity also appears close to the long-term mean. Stochastic population projection using various scenarios showed that, based upon this history, the risk of extinction for the population has declined and is below reasonable thresholds for considering the population to be endangered. The trends in risk suggest that management actions taken since 1990 have probably been effective. Consequently, the conservation management objectives for the Steller sea lion are probably being met. The approach provides a mechanism, based upon experience and scenario analysis, for exploring future policy options and may help to constrain the debate amongst stakeholders about the cost-benefit trade-offs associated with different options.     

Enhanced establishment and growth of giant cardon cactus in an eroded field in the Sonoran Desert using native legume trees as nurse plants aided by plant growth-promoting microorganisms and compost

To evaluate the feasibility of long-term desert reforestation technology of mixed vegetation, cardon cactus (Pachycereus pringlei) seedlings from indoor and outdoor nurseries were planted in the field adjacent to one seedling of potential legume nurse trees: mesquite amargo (Prosopis articulata), yellow palo verde (Parkinsonia microphylla), and blue palo verde (Parkinsonia florida). Some of the planting holes were also supplemented with common dairy compost. Additionally, the combinations of legume tree–cactus were inoculated with either a consortium of desert arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB; the diazotroph Azospirillum brasilense Cd, and the phosphate solubilizer Paenibacillus sp.), or a mixture of all. The field experiments were evaluated periodically during 30 months for survival and growth. Cardons reared in an outdoor screen house survived better in the field than those reared in a controlled growth chamber and hardened later outdoors. Association with any legume nurse tree increased survival and enhanced growth of untreated cardons. For cardons growing alone, application of either compost, AM fungi, and all the treatments combined increased survival. For these plants, no treatment affected plant growth during the first 3 months after transplanting. Later, all treatments, except for AM fungi, enhanced plant growth. However, only 2 years after transplanting the enhanced growth effect of AM fungi was also significant. In the presence of the legume nurse trees, transient positive effects on cardon growth were recorded. General evaluation after 30 months of cultivation showed that the treatments positively affected cardon growth when growing alone or in combination only with mesquite amargo but not with the other two legume trees. This study proposes that young legume trees have the capacity to enhance survival and growth of cardon cactus, depending on the legume cactus combination. Additional treatments such as compost or PGPB can either amplify the effect or else attenuate it.     

Karyotypic and genome size variation in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (pigeonpea) and some wild relatives

Detailed karyotypes and 4C DNA amounts have been studied in five cultivars of Cajanus cajan and 20 species belonging to Cajanus, Rhynchosia, Dunbaria, Flemingia and Paracalyx. C. cajan shows intraspecific variability and its karyotype is most similar to that of C. cajanifolius (sect. Cajanus) in the morphology and number of satellite chromosomes and the lack of any correlation between chromosome size within the complement and asymmetry. Karyotypes of C. lineatus and C. sericeus belonging to sect. Atylia are similar with respect to maximum r-index and the ratio of longest and shortest chromosomes in their respective complements. C. acutifolius (sect. Frutocosa) is distinct in having a very low ratio (1.44) between the longest and the shortest chromosomes, while in C. albicans, C. goensis, C. scarabaeoides (sect. Cantharospermum) there is no chromosome pair with r-index >2.0. C. mollis and C. volubilis (sect. Volubilis) show similarity with regard to ratio between the longest and the shortest chromosomes and a distinct chromosome pair with an arm ratio of 2.7 and C. platycarpus is distinct (sect. Rhynchosoides) in having the smallest ratio (1.36) between the longest and the shortest chromosomes. 4C DNA amounts in Cajanus and Rhynchosia vary between 3.28 pg to 11.69 pg and 4.92 pg to 11.13 pg respectively, while in Dunbaria, Flemingia and Paracalyx these vary between 4.70 and 7:06 pg. In the genus Cajanus karyotypic features and 4C DNA amounts agree with the sectional classification and bring out a close relationship between C. cajan and C. cajanifolius. This is supported by studies based on seed protein patterns, isozyme analysis, trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor patterns, RFLP and RAPD data and crossability relationships. A clear relation between DNA amount and abnormalities effecting the extent of pairing and recombination in interspecific hybrids shows the importance of this study in developing future breeding programme involving C. cajan and its wild relatives that are of potential value.     

Effect of some fungicide seed treatments on the survival of Bradyrhizobium japonicum and on the nodulation and yield of soybean [Glycine max. (L) Merr.]

Several commercial fungicide seed treatments were evaluated for their possible effect on the survival of Bradyrhizobium japonicum on seeds and on the nodulation and yield of soybeans in a greenhouse and a field experiment. quinolate Pro (carbendazim and oxine copper), Vitavax 200FF (carboxin and thiram), and Monceren (pencycuron) had a small effect or no effect on the survival of B. japonicum and on the nodulation and yield of soybeans. They can thus be considered compatible with soybean seed inoculation. Germipro UFB (carbendazim and iprodione), Apron 35J (metalaxyl), and Tachigaren (hymexazol) decreased B. japonicum survival and the nodulation and yield of soybeans and thus cannot be considered compatible with soybean seed inoculation.     

Einfluss der düngungsmethoden auf die entwicklung von zuckerrübenkrankheiten

Während neunjähriger (1994-2002) Untersuchungen in der Versuchsanstalt Ba?cyny (Fahlerde, Fall-Gleyboden, ausgebildet aus leichtem Lehmboden) wurde der Befall mit Krankheiten an der Zuckerrübe in Abhängigkeit von der Düngungsmethode bewertet. Folgende Methoden wurden angewendet: A - Mineraldünger, B - Stalldung und Mineraldünger, C - Stroh-, Gründung und Mineraldünger, D - Kompostdünger und Biopräparate (ökologische Düngung). Auf den Objekten A, B, C wurden bei konstanter Phosphor-Kalium-Düngung die Stickstoffgaben von 0 bis 180 kg.ha^?1 differenziert. Auf dem ökologischen Objekt D ohne Mineraldünger wurden statt Stickstoff die Biopräparate P₅₀₀ und P₅₀₁ verabreicht. Der geringste Befall von Krankheiten wurde an der Zuckerrübe auf jenem Objekt festgestellt, das mit Kompost und den Biopräparaten gedüngt worden war. Im Rahmen der konventionellen Düngungsmethoden wurde allgemein die höchste Intensität der Krankheiten an der mit Stroh, Gründung und Mineraldünger gedüngten Zuckerrübe beobachtet. Ausnahmen von dieser Regel bildete das Vorkommen von echtem Mehltau und Keimlingsfäule. Auf den Objekten A, B, C nahm die Intensität der Krankheiten mit der Steigerung der Stickstoffgabe zu. Auch die auf Objekt D verabreichten Biopräparate stimulierten die Entwicklung der Krankheiten. The effect of various fertilization methods on the diseases of sugar beet was estimated on the basis of nine-year studies (1994-2002) conducted in the Experimental Production Farm in Ba?cyny on loess-based, sedimentary-gley, light-clay soil. The following fertilization methods were applied: A - mineral fertilization, B - mineral and manure fertilization, C - straw, green manure and mineral fertilization, D - ecological compost and biodynamic preparations fertilization. In the objects A, B and C fertilized with phosphorus and potassium, various doses of nitrogen ranging from 0 to 180 kg/ha^?1 were used. In the ecological object D, where mineral fertilization was not used, biodynamic preparations P₅₀₀ and P₅₀₁ were applied instead of nitrogen. The lowest ratio of the diseases of sugar beet was observed in the object fertilized with the compost and biodynamic preparations. In view of the conventional fertilization methods, generally the highest incidence of diseases was noted in the sugar beet fertilized with straw, green manure and mineral fertilizers. The exception was the occurrence of powdery mildew and the black leg. In objects A, B and C the incidence of the diseases increased with the increase in nitrogen doses. The applied biodynamical preparations in the object D stimulated the development of diseases too.     

Prospects for control of Pythium damping-off of lettuce with Trichoderma,Gliocladium and Enterobacter spp.

Summary Damping-off of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) caused by Pythium ultimum was studied in pots containing a non-sterile potting mix in the glasshouse. Fifty P. ultimum sporangia g^-1 compost reduced the plant stand to 15% and shoot dry weight to 18%, but this reduction was totally prevented by applying Trichoderma harzianum at 2×10⁵ viable propagules g^-1 potting mix. Gliocladium virens and Enterobacter cloacae also alleviated the damping-off. E. cloacae did not adversely affect the action of the fungal antagonists. The co-existence of the bacterial and fungal antagonists was revealed on the root surface and inner surface of the testa by scanning electron microscopy, indicating the compatibility of the biocontrol agents.     

细菌、真菌及植物氮营养信号研究进展

氮素吸收代谢是所有生物生命活动的核心部分，因此，各种生物对氮的吸收与同化过程都有精细的调节。这种调节依赖于生物对体内氮素状况信号及体外（生长介质中）氮素信号的感受。过去几十年中，在细菌、真菌中已经对氮素营养信号有了较好的研究，而植物中则相对缓慢，但也有了一定的认识。本文重点比较细菌、真菌及植物中氮信号系统的组成，以期为进一步认识植物中的氮信号接受与转导系统提供启示。     

Aircraft operations near concentrations of birds in Antarctica: The development of practical guidelines

Aircraft operations have the potential to disturb and to impact negatively on bird life. A gradient of increasing behavioural response is evident in birds when exposed to increasing aircraft stimulus. The most major disturbance is likely to lead to impacts on the health, breeding performance and survival of individual birds, and perhaps bird colonies. A process of revision to policies on aircraft operations contained in management plans for a number of specially protected areas in Antarctica by the United Kingdom, accompanied by consultations made within the scientific community through the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and with operational interests through the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programmes (COMNAP) resulted in new guidelines being adopted by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties in June 2004. The principal recommendations of the guidelines are that bird colonies should not be overflown below 2000 ft (∼610 m) above ground level and landings within 1/2 nautical mile (∼930 m) of bird colonies should be avoided wherever possible. These guidelines are less stringent and less specific than those that were recommended by the SCAR specialist group on birds, and represent a compromise to accommodate operational needs. While the adoption of clear and consistent guidelines for the operation of aircraft in Antarctica is welcome in that this provides practical advice that is likely to reduce incidences of close aircraft/bird encounters, there remains insufficient knowledge of the interactions between aircraft and birds in Antarctica, and the consequent impacts on individual birds and on bird populations. It is important, therefore, that the guidelines adopted are considered interim, and should be kept under scrutiny with revisions made as new and improved research results appear.     

The abundance of heterocystous blue-green algae in rice soils and inocula used for application in rice fields

Summary Algal populations were quantified (as colony-forming units [CFU] per square centimetre) in 102 samples of rice soils from the Philippines, India, Malaysia and Portugal, and in 22 samples of soil-based inocula from four countries. Heterocystous blue-green algae (BGA) were present in all samples. Nostoc was the dominant genus in most samples, followed by Anabaena and Calothrix. In soils, heterocystous BGA occurred at densities ranging from 1.0 × 10² to 8.0 × 10⁶ CFU/cm² (median 6.4 × 10⁴) and comprised, on average, 9% of the total CFU of algae. Their abundance was positively correlated with the pH and the available P content of the soils. In soil-based inocula, heterocystous BGA occurred at densities ranging from 4.6 × 10⁴ to 2.8 × 10⁷ CFU/g dw (dry weight), comprising only a moderate fraction (average 13%) of the total algae. In most soils, the density of indigenous N₂-fixing BGA was usually higher than that attained by applying recommended rates of soil-based inoculum. Whereas research on the practical utilization of BGA has been mostly directed towards inoculation with foreign strains, our results suggest that attention should also be given to agricultural practices that enhance the growth of indigenous strains already adapted to local environmental conditions.Maître de Recherches ORSTOM (France), Visiting Scientist at IRRI