Soil macrofaunal response to sand dune conversion from mobile dunes to fixed dunes in Horqin sandy land,northern China

The response of macrofauna to dune conversion from mobile dunes to fixed dunes was investigated in Horqin sandy land, northern China. Macrofaunal communities were compared in four major stages: mobile dunes (MD), semi-mobile dunes (SMD), semi-fixed dunes (SFD) and fixed dunes (FD). Macrofauna were collected by hand in the field and identified in the lab on the basis of features observed under a magnifying glass. They were then classified into morphotypes at the order and family level. Environmental parameters indicated a significant alteration of the soil environment in the conversion process. A clear increasing trend in abundance, richness, and diversity of the macrofaunal community could be established from mobile dunes to fixed dunes. Data for the different taxa suggested specific responses to dune conversion. Specific groups in the initial stage were predators (Labiduridae and Myrmeleontidae larvae, presumably feeding on Noctuidae and other small flying insects), which in the intermediate stages were replaced by saprophagous taxa (Diptera larvae, feeding on many decaying roots buried in semi-mobile and semi-fixed dunes), and burrowing Tenebrionidae (adults, then larvae) with herbivorous Hemiptera in later fixation stages with higher plant density and cover. Overall, the conversion process, particularly the fixed dunes, provided more suitable habitats with greater soil organic matter and plant cover supporting macrofaunal communities with higher diversity, which further enhanced the stabilization process, benefiting the restoration of soil and vegetation in this semiarid sandy area.     

Shrub Encroachment Effects on Habitat Heterogeneity and Beetle Diversity in a Mediterranean Coastal Dune System

Coastal dunes are fragile dynamic environments characterised by low productivity and high levels of bare and shifting sands. They are highly threatened by urbanisation and human development. The dunes in Nizzanim Dunes Nature Reserve, Israel, have additionally incurred shrub encroachment following exclusion of grazing and wood extraction from the area. The temporal changes over the last few decades have been monitored in the Nizzanim Long‐Term Ecological Research project and are reflected by spatial heterogeneity. Some dunes are fixed with high plant cover and associated characteristics, while other dunes are still in semi‐fixed and mobile states. Measures of beetle abundance, richness and diversity showed significant differences, among dune states. Cluster analysis and ordination of species composition revealed distinct assemblages for three different states, with more psammophilous species found in mobile dunes than in other dune states. Variation within a dune state was not significant for any dune state, while among states species composition was significantly different, demonstrating high β‐diversity between dune states. Landscape heterogeneity contributes to high β‐diversity and γ‐diversity in the coastal dunes and continued shrub encroachment, and the associated fixation of mobile dunes will lead to habitat homogenisation and a decline in γ‐diversity. This finding highlights the importance of disturbance in dynamic Mediterranean coastal dunes. We recommend a restorative intervention that promotes disturbance and heterogeneity at the landscape level by conserving all three dune states. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of Ant Mounds on the Plant and Soil Microbial Community in an Alpine Meadow of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Ants are important soil engineers, affecting the structure and function of ecosystems. To address the impacts of ants (Camponotus herculeanus ) on the properties of an alpine meadow ecosystem of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, we investigated the effects of ant mounds on plant biomass, soil physicochemical properties, microbial diversity, and functions. We found that the total biomass of plant community was significantly greater in ant mound periphery. Plant species richness in ant mounds was reduced compared with that of control plots without ant mounds. Significant changes in physicochemical properties of soil were also observed. Soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, total potassium, and available potassium increased in ant mound soil due to the excavation activities by ants as well as the accumulation of organic matter and other nutrients during mound construction. For example, roots/soil contents (g/g) and soil moisture in ant mound soils were lower than those in controls. Microbial community composition and microbial biomass were clearly changed in ant mound soils. BIOLOG analysis further indicated that the functional diversity of the microbial community of ant mound soil increased and differed from that of controls. This study indicates that ant‐induced modification of soil properties indirectly influences plant biomass and species composition, and ant mounds have different microbial communities from those of control soil. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of alpine plants growing on steep slopes on sediment trapping and transport by runoff

Understanding the interactions between soil and the organisms that are conducive to decreasing sediment runoff is a great concern on high-elevation ski trails. Intense rainfalls on steep slopes combined with soil formed on gypsum result in recurrent erosion. This study was conducted in the northern French Alps to determine the abilities of species: (1) to make mounds and (2) to trap sediment and thereby to control erosion at the slope scale. We also investigated relevant above-ground plant characteristics related to those abilities. Sediment runoff or deposition was investigated at small and large spatial scales. We assessed whether hoof prints in soil reflect sediment runoff at the slope scale by trapping sediment. Populations of plants growing on two slope angles (25° and 35°) and three vegetation cover densities (15%, 35%, 60%) were surveyed. An experiment was also conducted to measure the sediment deposit upslope of target species and over three months during the autumn. Small mounds were found upslope of the plant and sediment deposit measurements showed that they resulted from a sedimentation process. Nevertheless the species differed in their capacity to make mounds. Sesleria caerulea and Festuca alpina had the highest amount of sediment deposition over the experimental period. Among the plant characteristics, plant length was positively correlated with mound area, while the roundness index of the canopy was negatively correlated with mound height. Mound formation was also positively related to the number of tillers or shoots. Sediment accumulation in cow hoof prints was linked to runoff that occurred at the slope scale. Low deposition in hoof prints means low sediment runoff or a large deposition on mounds, due to the increase in vegetation cover. All the findings stressed that understanding the processes in action at larger scales requires studying processes at smaller scales.     

水蚀风蚀交错带灌丛沙堆形态演替及水养特征变化

灌丛沙堆是水蚀风蚀交错带典型的风积地貌景观。在黄土高原典型水蚀风蚀交错带,选择4种常见不同大小级的灌丛沙堆(小、中、大型和枯死灌丛沙堆),对灌丛沙堆的基本形态、土壤特性、差异性及相关性进行定量分析。结果表明:(1)灌丛演替变化显著影响沙堆发育,随着灌丛生物量的增加,沙堆体积也增大,当灌丛演替到稳定阶段时灌丛沙堆的发育也趋于稳定(P0.05)。(2)灌丛沙堆的固沙量、高度及土壤容重因位置而异,灌丛沙堆主根处的固沙量和高度均为最大,边缘处相对较小,土壤容重反之。(3)枯死、大、中和小型灌丛沙堆土壤的有机质含量分别是裸地的1.54,1.92,1.46,1.30倍;土壤湿度分别是裸地的2.05,1.93,1.79,1.52倍。(4)灌丛沙堆边缘与主根3/4处水分、养分含量高于灌丛内其他位置。     

辽西北地区风力侵蚀过程分析

辽西北地区土壤沙漠化形成的主要原因是土壤风蚀,为了定量评价辽西北沙化土壤在风力作用下的侵蚀状况,研究采用埋钎法,观测风速与土壤剥蚀深度及堆积厚度的关系。研究得出固定沙丘和流动沙丘的土壤剥蚀深度均随着风速的加大而增加;流动沙丘和固定沙丘,随着风速的加大,背风坡的坡中与坡脚的土壤堆积厚度均有不同程度的增加,而由于风力的剥蚀作用,坡顶的堆积厚度与风速呈负相关;一年内观测到的流动沙丘,半流动沙丘,固定沙丘的平均风蚀强度分别为167.9,57.8,4.2 mm/d。     

The spatial extent of termite influences on herbivore browsing in an African savanna

Termite mounds form islands of fertility in savanna landscapes and create foraging hotspots for herbivores, but the magnitude and spatial extent of these influences is unknown. We mapped terrain, termite mound and woody vegetation three-dimensional (3-D) structure at 56 cm resolution across a large-scale (254 ha), long-term (34 years) herbivore exclusion experiment in the Kruger National Park, with the Carnegie Airborne Observatory (CAO). We compared vegetation 3-D structure in areas protected from herbivores with those accessible to herbivores, both on termite mounds and in the landscape matrix between termite mounds. Termite mound density was 1.1 ha⁻¹ across the study area and mound size did not differ between protected and accessible areas. Woody vegetation canopy cover was ∼100% greater on protected than accessible mounds, but was only ∼20% greater in the protected inter-mound matrix when compared to the accessible matrix. Woody canopy height class distributions differed significantly between protected and accessible areas, with the tallest vegetation (>10 m) occurring on protected termite mounds. The impacts of herbivore browsing were evident at distances of up to 20 m from termite mound centres. Spatial analysis of mound distribution revealed that the sphere of termite mound influence constitutes ∼20% of the total landscape. Termite influences on herbivore browsing operate at scales much larger than the spatial extent of their mound building activities.     

云冷杉林风倒区坑丘微立地特征及物种多样性

2013年6-7月,在小兴安岭凉水国家级自然保护区谷地云冷杉林1.5 hm2的固定样地内,通过调查36株掘根倒木的树种、直径、倒向、腐烂等级、形成的坑丘复合体的微立地特征及样地内植物的种类、高度、多度、盖度,计算云冷杉林风倒区坑丘物种的丰富度和重要值.结果表明：1）掘根倒木的形成树种共有4种,出现频率大小依次为冷杉（54.1％）＞云杉（27％）＞白桦（13.5％）＞红松（5.4％）;2） 36株掘根倒木中的29株倒向偏北方向;3）掘根倒木形成的坑丘的体积分别与坑宽、丘高呈显著正相关,坑深与丘厚呈显著正相关,丘和坑的体积分别与丘的表面积呈显著正相关;4）在3个微立地上,物种丰富度、均匀度指数、物种多样性指数均为完整立地＞坑底＞丘顶;5）库页悬钩子在丘上的重要值最大,坑底有利于荨麻、水金凤的生长;6）当掘根倒木腐烂等级为Ⅱ级时,丘顶上的物种丰富度最高,为Ⅴ级时,坑底的物种丰富度最大,植物平均总盖度和平均密度的大小顺序均为完整立地＞丘顶＞坑底.     

紫色土坡耕地不同微地形地表汇流网络特征

为了揭示不同微地形汇流网络的特征,通过野外人工降雨模拟试验,结合近景摄影测量技术,在相同降雨历时下,提取并分析了 60,90,120 mm/h雨强下,连续凹陷、间隔凹陷、连续凸起、间隔凸起、凹凸相连、凹凸相间以及对照组7种微地形措施的汇流网络.结果表明:(1)7种微地形的汇流密度随集水面积阈值的增大而逐渐减小,间隔凹陷...     

绿洲——荒漠交错带活化沙丘的植物群落特征分析

以民勤绿洲-荒漠交错带活化沙丘上的植物群落为对象,研究了活化沙丘不同部位的沙地植物群落物种组成、结构和多样性的变化。研究结果表明:从活化沙丘的下部、中部、丘顶,到背风坡的中部、下部,再到丘间低地,每一个生境对应着不同的群落类型。各部位不仅植物种类和数量存在差异,而且群落结构差异明显,其中丘顶为一年生草本植被构成,而丘间低地处只有灌木。群落物种多样性与相似性指数表明,从沙丘下部到丘顶再到丘间地,生态因子的差异对物种的分布格局产生了影响,从而导致了群落结构和功能发生了变化。活化沙丘植被简单,退化严重,需加强保护,防止继续退化。     

Microbiotic soil crust and its effect on vegetation and habitat on artificially stabilized desert dunes in Tengger Desert, North China

We have conducted a long-term (from 1956 to 1999) rehabilitation experiment on mobile sand dunes in Tengger Desert, China, to investigate the chronological development of microbiotic soil crusts. We systematically analyzed the progression and development of the soil crusts by investigating the plant cover (herbs and shrubs), and some microorganism (mosses and algae), physical (particle size, saturated hydraulic conductivity and saturated water content) and chemical (major plant nutrients and organic matter) soil particles. The Limburg Soil Erosion Model was used to simulate infiltration and runoff. Three stages of microbiotic crust development occurred during the progressive stabilization of unconsolidated aeolian dunes, from 1956 to the present day: (1) raindrop impact and development of a non-biological crust; (2) crust enriched with mosses; (3) crust dominated by abundant algae, mosses and liverworts. It is considered that the most significant driving factor in the ecological development of microbiotic crusts in the Tengger Desert is the spatial variability of rainfall infiltration depth within the various soil layers occurring on, for example, dune top, leeward slopes, inter-dune depression (hollow) and windward slopes, immediately after a single individual rainfall event. Crust development leads to a change from shrubs to herbs because of decreased soil moisture in deeper soil layers.     

Species specific effects of ants on microbial activity and N-availability in the soil of an old-field

Microbial biomass and activity as well as N-availability were measured in the mounds of three ant species strongly differing in foraging strategy and mound architecture: Myrmica scabrinodis, Lasius niger and L. flavus. Soil microbial biomass (C_mic) was significantly increased in the mounds of all three ant species. This positive effect was due to the accumulation of organic matter (C_org) within the mounds. Microbial activity was increased in M. scabrinodis mounds only. Available N_min was accumulated in all mound types, independent of the feeding mode of the ants, with Lasius mounds having significantly higher N_min content than M. scabrinodis mounds. It is hypothesised that the differences between the mound types are due to differences in nest architecture, especially the integration of grassy vegetation. Higher microbial activity in M. scabrinodis mounds may be a consequence of supplementary energy provided by root exudates. The amount of N_min in M. scabrinodis mounds may be reduced by increased plant uptake and by immobilisation within the microbial biomass.     

沙地固定过程不同阶段优势植物种生态特性的比较研究

流动沙地、半固定沙地、固定沙地是沙地固定过程几个明显的阶段，每一阶段发育着典型的群落类型，沙米(Agriophyllum squarrosum)、差巴嘎蒿(Artemisia halodendron)、隐子草(Cleistogenes squarrosa)分别是流动沙地、半固定沙地、固定沙地上群落的优势种。沙米种子圆而扁平的形态．种子萌发后胚根的快速伸长。是其适应流动沙地风沙环境的主要特征。沙埋促进生长，生长对水分条件的快速反应以及全季生长型特征是差巴嘎蒿在半固定沙地繁茂生长的主要原因。而隐子草则以增加根系生物量投入比例、须根系形态及其分布的浅表化来适应固定沙地的旱化土壤水分条件。     

The Vertical Distribution of Soil Seed Bank and Its Restoration Implication in an Active Sand Dune of Northeastern Inner Mongolia,China

Although the functions and characteristics of soil seed banks in topsoil layers have been described for various ecosystems, the spatiotemporal pattern of the seed bank in deep soil and its ecological implications for vegetation restoration of active sand dune have not been fully explored. In 2007 and 2008, seed densities with regard to dune position, soil depth and season were investigated on an active and a stabilized sand dune of northeastern Inner Mongolia, China. Seeds in the 0–10 cm topsoil layer accounted for 60% of total soil seed bank on the stabilized sand dune, while more than 40% of seeds were stored in the 50–100 cm layers on the active sand dune. Seed density declined significantly with soil depth on the stabilized sand dune, but it was relatively constant across the 0–100 cm soil profile on the active sand dune. Seed density fluctuated with soil depth on the active sand dune suggesting that seeds were either relocated upward or downward over time. Seeds of annual non‐psammophytic species accounted for the majority of soil seed bank on the stabilized sand dune, while pioneer psammophytes contributed more to the soil seed bank of the active sand dune. Our data suggest that seeds in the deep soil layers of active sand dunes account for a large proportion of the whole soil seed bank. Because of the effect of wind erosion, seeds in deep soil could be gradually exposed to shallow soil layers and potentially contribute to population recruitment and vegetation restoration on active sand dunes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

模拟降雨条件下地表起伏对产流产沙的影响

揭示地表起伏形态对产流和产沙的影响及作用机理,为蓄水保土、调节径流和控制径流提供参考依据。通过野外人工模拟降雨试验,在3种降雨强度(60,90,120 mm/h)下,分析了5种起伏的地表(单凸起、单凹陷、凹凸相间、凹凸相连、光滑)坡面的产流产沙情况。结果表明:(1)在3种雨强下,5种地形的初始产流时间表现为:光滑地表单凸起地表单凹陷地表凹凸相间地表凹凸相连地表,且产流越早的地表其产流量和径流系数也越高;(2)在3种雨强下,5种地表的次降雨产沙量和产沙强度由小到大依次为:凹凸相连地表凹凸相间地表单凹陷地表光滑地表单凸起地表,产沙强度越大的地表其产沙过程越不稳定;(3)与光滑地表相比,地表凸起会加剧土壤流失,地表凹陷会减轻土壤流失,且凸起和凹陷组合的地表其减轻土壤流失的效应更显著;(4)降雨强度的增大会削弱不同地表起伏对产流产沙的影响。研究结论为地表起伏类型对坡面产流产沙有重要影响,光滑地表最易产生径流,凸起地表土壤流失最严重,凹凸相连地表蓄水保土效益最好。     

雅鲁藏布江江当宽谷区固沙措施对流沙理化性质的改良效应

[目的]分析雅鲁藏布江江当宽谷区流沙治理技术(砾石覆盖+人工植被+围封)对流沙理化性质的改良效应,为区域荒漠化治理工作提供理论指导。[方法]对比分析固沙区和流动沙丘土壤机械组成、有机质和养分等指标开展研究。[结果]采用植物和工程相结合的固沙措施,在流沙表面覆盖砾石、播种固沙植物,并对该区域进行围封后,沙丘表面植被盖度增加,流沙基本固定。与流动沙丘相比,固沙区土壤的黏粒、粉粒明显增多。固沙区土壤的有机质、全氮、碱解氮、全磷、速效磷、速效钾含量比流动沙丘高;尤其是土壤表层0—5cm,分别比流动沙丘高出634.3%,268.0%,506.5%,38.3%,343.8%,66.7%。固沙区0—5cm土层的pH值比流动沙丘降低了11.5%;电导率比流动沙丘增加了268.1%。[结论]该项流沙治理技术(砾石覆盖+人工植被+围封)的固沙和改良土壤理化性质作用明显,适宜在该区推广使用。     

坡耕地地表起伏对坡面漫流的影响

为揭示微尺度条件下地表起伏对坡面漫流的影响,通过野外人工模拟降雨试验,在相同降雨历时下,分析了60,90,120mm/h雨强下单凸起、单凹陷2种单式起伏和凹凸相连、凹凸相间2种复式起伏以及对照组5种微地形对坡面漫流的影响。结果表明:(1)3种雨强下,与光滑组相比,凸起、凹陷以及凹凸组合均会延迟地表初始产流时间,具体表现为对照组<凸起组<凹陷组<凹凸相间组<凹凸相连组的趋势;(2)凸起和凹陷的存在均会减小坡面漫流的平均流速,其中凹凸相连坡面平均流速最小;(3)3种雨强下,5种微地形的坡面漫流汇水形态共有3种(树枝状、平行状和羽毛状),其中对照组和凹凸相间组汇水形态均为树枝状;凸起组和凹陷组汇水形态均为羽毛状和树枝状,其中凸起组以羽毛状为主,凹陷组以树枝状为主;凹凸相连组汇水形态以平行状为主,兼有另外2种;(4)3种雨强下,5种微地形的汇流密度与径流频度呈现相同的变化规律,即光滑组和凸起组随着降雨强度增大其汇流密度与径流频度均先减小后增大,凹陷组及凹凸组合组均随雨强增大而增加,且5种微地形的汇流密度与径流频度在90mm/h雨强下的差异性最小。该研究结果揭示了不同起伏类型对坡耕地坡面漫流的影响,有助于进一步深入研究土壤侵蚀机理。     

Carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics of ant mounds (Formica rufa group) in managed boreal forests of different successional stages

Wood ants (Formica rufa group) are ubiquitous in European boreal forests and their large long-lived mound nests, which mainly consist of forest litter and resin, accumulate carbon (C) and nutrients. The C and nutrient dynamics of wood ant mounds in response to forest succession have received minor attention in boreal forests. We aimed to study whether the C, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations and the bulk density of ant mounds differ from those of the surrounding forest soil, to estimate the C, N and P pools in ant mounds, and to test whether the concentrations and pools change with forest age. Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands on medium-fertile sites in 5-, 30-, 60- and 100-year stand age classes were studied in eastern Finland. Carbon and P concentrations in the above-ground mound material were higher than those in the surrounding organic layer. The C, N and extractable P concentrations were higher in the soil under the ant mounds than in the surrounding mineral soil (0–21 cm). The low bulk densities in the ant mounds and the soil below them could be a result of the porous structure of ant mounds and the soil-mixing activities of the ants. The C/N ratios were higher in the mounds than in the organic layer. Carbon concentrations in the ant mounds increased slightly with stand age. Carbon, N and P pools in the ant mounds increased considerably with stand age. Carbon, N and P pools in ant mounds were <1% of those in the surrounding forest soil. Nevertheless, the above- and belowground parts of the ant mounds contained more C, N and P per sampled area than the surrounding forest soil. Wood ants therefore increase the spatial heterogeneity in C and nutrient distribution at the ecosystem level.     

库布齐沙漠半固定沙丘上2种草本植物的分布格局

采用空间点格局分析方法,对库布齐沙漠中典型半固定沙丘的沙地旋覆花、沙米2种主要草本植物的分布格局进行研究。结果表明:多年生植物沙地旋覆花在沙丘不同部位的分布数量变异较一年生植物沙米要大;沙丘上2种草本植物的总体分布格局基本上呈现群聚状态,并从沙丘上部到沙丘下部逐渐减弱,2种间相互关系从沙丘上部到沙丘下部基本表现为从相互促进转变为相互竞争的趋势。沙米作为流沙上的先锋植物,在沙丘从流动到固定过程中作用至关重要,建议在人工促进流沙固定的措施中,可以结合其他工程措施(如沙障等)进行人工沙米种子的撒播,以加速植被的恢复。     

Soil engineering ants increase CO2 and N2O emissions by affecting mound soil physicochemical characteristics from a marsh soil: A laboratory study

As ecosystem engineers, ants can mediate soil processes and functions by producing biogenic structures. In their mounds, ants not only directly produce CO₂ by respiration, but may also indirectly impact soil greenhouse gas emissions by affecting substrate availability and soil physicochemical characteristics. Recent studies focused on overall gas production from ant mounds. However, little is known about mound material respiration and N₂O emissions in ant mounds in wetlands. We measured CO₂ and N₂O emissions from mound soils of three different ant species (Lasius niger Linnaeus, Lasius flavus Fabricius, and Formica candida Smith) and natural marsh soils in a laboratory incubation experiment. On the whole, average soil CO₂ and N₂O emission rates from ant mounds were significantly higher than from the natural marsh soils. Over the 64 days incubation, the cumulative soil CO₂ and N₂O production from ant mounds was, respectively, 1.5–3.0 and 1.9–50.2 times higher than from the natural soils. Soil gas emissions from ant mounds were significantly influenced by the specific ant species, with soil CO₂ and N₂O emissions from L. niger mounds being higher than those from F. candida or L. flavus mound soils. Cumulative CO₂ and N₂O emissions from ant mound soils were positively correlated with soil clay, total carbon, dissolved organic carbon, total nitrogen and NH₄⁺ content. Our laboratory results indicated that mound soil is an important source of CO₂ and N₂O emission from ant mounds in marshes, making mounds potential “hot spots” for CO₂ and N₂O emissions. Ants may increase the spatial heterogeneity of soil gas emissions by changing mound soil physicochemical properties, especially carbon and nutrition content, and soil texture. Contributions from ant mound materials should be considered when describing soil C and N cycles and their driving factors in wetland ecosystems.