Exploring Ground Vegetation Change for Different Deposition Scenarios and Methods for Estimating Critical Loads for Biodiversity Using the ForSAFE-VEG Model in Switzerland and Sweden

The ForSAFE-VEG model was used to investigate the impacts of climate change and air pollution scenarios on soil chemistry and ground vegetations composition. In particular, the model involves a ground vegetation model incorporating plant changes to ambient site conditions in terms of climate and chemistry, but the model also incorporate competition between the different plant groups. The model was validated against observed values and reproduced observations of tree growth, soil chemistry, and ground vegetation compositions to satisfaction. The results show that the ground vegetation reacts strongly to changes in air pollution, in particular nitrogen as well as to climate change with major shifts in plant composition. A procedure for estimating critical loads for nitrogen, using ground vegetation biodiversity as criterion, was tested and the method seems operable. It suggests that if we want to protect the present biodiversity of the ground vegetation, this will face significant difficulties because of permanent climate change that induced changes in the ecosystem. We conclude that the reference state for ground vegetation biodiversity is rather to be sought for in the future, hopefully using models, than in the past or present.     

Distribution and environmental limitations of an amphibian pathogen in the Rocky Mountains, USA

Amphibian populations continue to be imperiled by the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). Understanding where B. dendrobatidis (Bd) occurs and how it may be limited by environmental factors is critical to our ability to effectively conserve the amphibians affected by Bd. We sampled 1247 amphibians (boreal toads and surrogates) at 261 boreal toad (Bufo boreas) breeding sites (97 clusters) along an 11° latitudinal gradient in the Rocky Mountains to determine the distribution of B. dendrobatidis and examine environmental factors, such as temperature and elevation, that might affect its distribution. The fungus was detected at 64% of all clusters and occurred across a range of elevations (1030-3550 m) and latitudes (37.6-48.6°) but we detected it in only 42% of clusters in the south (site elevations higher), compared to 84% of clusters in the north (site elevations lower). Maximum ambient temperature (daily high) explained much of the variation in Bd occurrence in boreal toad populations and thus perhaps limits the occurrence of the pathogen in the Rocky Mountains to areas where climatic conditions facilitate optimal growth of the fungus. This information has implications in global climate change scenarios where warming temperatures may facilitate the spread of disease into previously un- or little-affected areas (i.e., higher elevations). This study provides the first regional-level, field-based effort to examine the relationship of environmental and geographic factors to the distribution of B. dendrobatidis in North America and will assist managers to focus on at-risk populations as determined by the local temperature regimes, latitude and elevation.     

Biology and establishment of mountain shrubs on mining disturbances in the Rocky Mountains,USA

The Rocky Mountains of the western United States contain many economically important natural resources. Increasing development of these resources has lead to land degradation, which often requires restoration efforts. A common type of disturbance in this region is mineral extraction and these activities often occur in zones of vegetation dominated by shrubs. These mined lands have proven to be particularly challenging to restore to native shrub cover. Mountain shrubland species such as big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), Saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), black chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus), and snowberry (Symphoricarpos sp.) are crucial species for wildlife in this region due to the seasonal dependence of many wildlife species on the mountain shrubland zones. The development of successful restoration techniques for these key shrub species is therefore important for the continued and sustainable utilization of natural resources in the Rocky Mountains. The purpose of this literature review is to provide a reference to land managers working on woody plant establishment on mining disturbances in mountain shrublands in the Rocky Mountains. This review covers the biology, ecology, and propagation of six shrub species that are of primary importance for meeting regulatory compliance in this region. Based upon this survey of the published literature, we conclude that successful establishment of these species has most often involved: (1) utilization of local shrub ecotypes, varieties or subspecies in reclamation efforts, (2) protection from browsing during the establishment phase, (3) strategies for avoiding herbaceous competition, and (4) providing a source of mutualistic soil organisms. Additional specific recommendations for each of these species are discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Efficacy of road removal for restoring wildlife habitat: Black bear in the Northern Rocky Mountains, USA

Forest roads reduce habitat quality for wildlife, in part by increasing susceptibility to hunting and poaching. Road removal is an increasingly common strategy for restoring habitat; however, little is known about responses of wildlife to road removal versus other methods of road closure. We assessed effects of different types of road closure (gated, barriered, and recontoured) on black bear (Ursus americanus) frequency and habitat on 18 open and closed road pairs in the western USA. Over 4 years, 44 bears were photographed during 3545 camera-trap days. Bear frequency was significantly higher (2.4 versus 0.6/100 days, respectively) and human frequency was significantly lower (2.4 versus 361.6/100 days, respectively) on closed than on open roads. Additionally, abundance of fall foods was higher (23.9% and 12.8%, respectively) and line-of-sight (a measure of habitat security) shorter (54.9 versus 69.4 m, respectively) on closed compared to open roads. Bears were detected on closed but not on open roads during daytime, suggesting avoidance of humans. Among-road-treatment differences included significantly higher frequency of bears on recontoured than on gated or barriered roads (4.6, 1.6, and 0.5/100 days, respectively), and significantly higher cover of fall bear foods on recontoured than on gated or barriered roads (39.3%, 12.1% and 16.4%, respectively). Frequency of bears was negatively correlated with frequency of humans and line-of-sight distance and positively correlated with abundance of fall foods and hiding cover. Results suggest that while all types of road closure benefit sensitive wildlife, removal by recontour may be the most effective strategy for restoring habitat.     

中国西南岩溶山区石漠化的现状成因及治理的优化模式

阐述了西南岩溶山区石漠化的发展现状 ,从碳酸盐岩的抗风蚀能力、成土过程、地貌结构、土体剖面、人口压力及耕作方式与产业结构等方面详细分析了西南岩溶石漠化的成因机理 ,探讨了石漠化治理应坚持的六条原则 ;在结合西南岩溶山区的自然、社会、经济发展实际情况的基础上 ,从生产 (技术 )、生态、生活与发展等 3个层面提出了西南岩溶山区石漠化治理的生态经济优化模式与对策建议     

贵州西部喀斯特石漠化地区草地土壤有机质和氮素变异特征初步研究

采集了贵州西部喀斯特地区中度石漠化、强度石漠化和非石漠化区域的草地土壤,并对样品的有机质和各形态氮素含量进行分析测定。统计特征值比较表明;在强度石漠化区域,土壤有机质和各形态氮素含量的变化幅度最大,中度石漠化区域次之,非石漠化区域最小。方差分析显示：中度石漠化区域与非石漠化区域的酸水解性全氮含量差异性显著,氨基酸态氮含量差异性极显著,而不同石漠化区域土壤有机质和其它各形态氮素含量差异性均不显著。此外,根据研究过程中所遇到的情况,提出了当前石漠化研究厦待解决的一些科学问题。     

Analysis of Nitrogen Dynamics in the Lye Brook Wilderness Area,Vermont, USA

Nitrogen (N) deposition and its impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is a concern facing federal land managers at the Lye Brook Wilderness in Vermont and other protected aras throughout the northeastern United States. In this study, we compared N production in soils with N concentrations and outputs in leachates to determine how forest cover types differ in regulating N losses. Also, precipitation inputs and modeled estimates of streamwater outputs were used to calculate a watershed N budget. Most ammonium and nitrate were produced in organic soils with deciduous cover. Softwood stands had low net nitrification rates and minimal N leaching. A comparison of watershed inputs and outputs showed a net gain in total dissolved N (5.5 kg ha^-1 yr^-1) due to an accumulation of dissolved inorganic N. The Lye Brook Wilderness ecosystem has N budgets similar to other forested ecosystems in the region, and appears to be assimilating the accumulating N. However seasonal losses of nitrate observed in mineral soils and streamwater may be early warnings of the initial stages of N saturation.     

Response of Wheat Cultivars to Nitrogen and Sulfur for Crop Yield,Nitrogen Use Efficiency,and Protein Quality in the Semiarid Region

ABSTRACT

The effects of nitrogen (N at 0, 100 and 180 kg N ha-1) and sulfur (S at 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg S ha-1) on crop yield, nutrient uptake, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and amino acid composition of two bread wheat cultivars, ‘Shehan’ and ‘Enkoy,’ grown in Andisols and Cambisols in randomized blocks with three replications were evaluated. Both cultivars responded significantly (P < 0.05) to N and S applications and S application with N improved the NUE by 28%. The yield increase for the two cultivars by N and S application ranged between 0.8 to 2.4 Mg ha^?1. The N concentration increased significantly from N0 to N2 in both cultivars. Sulfur fertilization increased the concentration of cysteine and methionine by 27% and 14%, respectively, as compared to N alone. The grain yield, NUE, N, and S uptake, and the S-amino acid concentration of ‘Enkoy’ were significantly higher than ‘Shehan’ cultivar.     

我国西南喀斯特山区土地石漠化成因及防治

土地石漠化是西南喀斯特山区一种突出的生态环境问题。阐述了西南喀斯特山区土地石漠化的现状分布:土地石漠化面积约10.51万km2,占喀斯特山区总面积的20%,并集中出现在贵州和广西;分析了土地石漠化的危害:导致可耕地面积减少、加剧人畜饮水困难、旱涝灾害频率和强度增加;着重以贵州为例,从岩性、地表结构、特殊的土体剖面、钙性环境、降水和超载的人口压力及落后的生产方式等八个方面详细探讨了喀斯特山区土地石漠化的成因机理,并指出喀斯特地区的自然因素为土地石漠化形成的内因,而不合理的人类活动是土地石漠化形成的诱因和主导因素。在此基础上结合西南喀斯特山区的实际情况,提出了开展西南喀斯特山区土地石漠化地质环境本底调查、制定土地石漠化综合治理规划、建立高标准的土地石漠化治理种苗基地、优化石漠化地区的土地利用结构和就业结构、加强土地石漠化治理关键技术的研究、加大土地石漠化治理试验示范力度等八条对策建议。     

Using a Numerical Model to Track the Discharge of a Wastewater Treatment Plant in a Tidal Estuary

Along the coast of Maine, USA, there are numerous wastewater treatment plants that discharge their treated effluents into a river estuary which is shared by commercial fishing and shellfish harvesting. Occasionally, there can be failures or bypasses of treatment plants that lead to untreated or partially treated sewage flowing into shellfish harvesting waters. To prevent any toxic contamination of harvested shellfish, a prohibitive zone is established around the treatment plant where shellfish harvesting is prohibited. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has conducted numerous dye studies on both coasts of the USA to determine these prohibitive zones, based on the guidelines of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. In May 2010, the FDA conducted such a dye study at the Yarmouth, Maine wastewater treatment plant. The results are compared with a numerical coastal model that provides the velocity field for the currents around the treatment plant. This model includes a diffusion equation to simulate dye dispersion from a point source which is used to determine the prohibitive zone. The numerical model shows good correlation with the FDA dye study report and establishes a prohibitive zone for commercial harvesting in keeping with that of the FDA study. The benefits of the numerical model include sampling at thousands of locations simultaneously, seasonal changes in river volumes, and changes in plant discharge volumes.     

Studies of Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition in a Mire of the German National Park Hochharz Mountains Using Two Different Methods

The purpose of this study was to determine the nitrogen (N) deposition in a mire of the German National Park Hochharz Mountains in regard to different input pathways of open area and forest stand deposition. High N deposition rates strongly affect the development and growth of mires in general. For determination of the open area N deposition two methods were applied: the bulk deposition method and the Integral Total Nitrogen Input (ITNI) method. This method is based on the ¹⁵N isotope dilution technique and was adapted at this study to evaluate its applicability for natural ecosystems as well as to compare with the traditional bulk method. The forest stand deposition included canopy throughfall, stemflow and fog was measured by means of bulk collectors. On the test site, bulk deposition measurements showed an input of 27 kg N ha^{? 1} yr^{? 1} in the open area and 47 kg N ha^{? 1} yr^{? 1} in the forest stand. The higher N input in the forest stand is caused by interception of fog by the canopy. N concentrations in fog were up to more than six times higher than in rain. The ITNI system yielded a total N deposition of 30 kg N ha^{? 1} yr^{? 1} on average in the open area. The small differences between the two simultaneously applied measuring techniques were caused by a minimum biomass development of the autochthonous plant Calamagrostis villosa in the ITNI system. With increasing biomass production the influence of plants on the atmospheric N input also increased. It can be concluded that the ITNI system is beneficial for the application in a natural ecosystem when using more robust and biomass producing plants. The measured atmospheric N deposition exceeds the critical load for nutrient poor mires and represents therefore a potential risk for the continuity of this ecosystem.     

Effects of white-tailed deer on the native earthworm,Eisenoides carolinensis,in the southern Appalachian Mountains,USA

Research on earthworms in North America has focused on the effects of invasive earthworms, with few studies examining the ecology of native earthworm species. Deer have been shown to influence belowground processes through grazing, trampling, and fecal pellet deposition. We proposed that native earthworms in an oak-dominated forest in Virginia might benefit from increased organic matter provided by deer fecal material. We examined potential interactions between a common aboveground herbivore, the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and earthworms using laboratory and field experiments. In our laboratory experiment, we found that a native earthworm, Eisenoides carolinensis, and an invasive earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris both fared better in treatments with deer pellets compared with the treatment with leaf litter alone. In our field experiment, we used fences to exclude deer from six plots and left twelve plots unfenced to explore the effects of deer activity on earthworm biomass and density. We also examined the effects of deer on soil and vegetation characteristics. After three years, the amount of herbaceous cover was higher on fenced plots compared with unfenced plots. Although we found no other differences for vegetation and soil characteristics between fenced and unfenced plots, many of these variables were important as covariates in our models examining the effect of deer exclusion on earthworms, indicating plot-level (as opposed to treatment-level) variation in these variables. All identifiable earthworms were either E. carolinensis or Diplocardia spp. (both native species), with E. carolinensis making up 90% of the specimens. The total biomass of earthworms, as well as the biomass and density of adult and small juvenile earthworms, was greater on unfenced plots with deer activity compared with fenced plots. This study highlights the importance of above- and below-ground interactions in forest ecosystems by showing that E. carolinensis appears to benefit from the presence of deer and adds to our sparse knowledge of the ecology of this native earthworm.     

黑土区水稻土有机氮组分及其对可矿化氮的贡献

采用Bremner法和长期淹水密闭培养法,研究了黑土区不同有机碳水平水稻土有机氮组分及其与可矿化氮的关系。结果表明,土壤酸解氮含量大于非酸解氮。土壤酸解各组分氮含量及其占全氮比例大小的顺序相同,即均为未知态氮氨基酸态氮氨态氮氨基糖态氮。土壤氮素矿化潜力(N0)为38~175.3 mg kg-1,矿化速率常数(k0)为0.022~0.041 d-1。土壤有机碳、全氮含量与氮矿化潜力(N0)之间均呈显著正相关(p0.01或p0.05);土壤C/N、p H与氮素矿化潜力(N0)之间均呈显著正相关(p0.01),而与矿化速率常数(k0)之间则均呈显著负相关(p0.05或p0.01),因此,土壤有机碳(氮)、C/N和p H是影响土壤有机氮素矿化的重要因素。相关分析表明,在各组分有机氮中,酸解氨态氮、酸解氨基酸态氮和非酸解氮均与氮矿化势(N0)关系密切(p0.01),但进一步通过多元回归分析和通径分析表明,酸解氨态氮是对可矿化氮具有直接重要贡献的组分,是土壤可矿化氮的主要来源。     

亚热带地区不同森林经营方式对氮输出的影响

亚热带地区是我国人工林面积发展最快的地区,但早期的皆伐、炼山、整地等营林方式加重了该区氮流失问题,探讨科学生态的森林经营方式已成为当前的研究热点。2013年3—5月在每次侵蚀性降雨后,对皆伐炼山造林(人工幼林)、人工促进天然更新林(人促幼林)和次生林(对照)地表径流量、氮输出浓度及氮输出通量的差异进行了对比,结果表明:(1)观测期间人工幼林地表径流量是次生林的1.8～18.5倍(P<0.05),但人促幼林地表径流量与次生林无显著差异(P>0.05);(2)人工幼林地表径流中的NH_4^+-N、NO_3^--N输出浓度分别比次生林高17.1%～70.1%和36.3%～97.8%,NH_4^+-N、NO_3^--N输出通量分别是次生林的2.5～45.7倍和41.6～254.9倍,而人促幼林地表径流无论是氮输出浓度还是输出通量都与次生林无显著差异(P>0.05);(3)观测后期(5月份),次生林地表径流NH_4^+-N输出浓度是人工幼林的1.24～5.53倍,NO-3-N输出浓度亦有明显的升高;(4)3种森林类型地表径流中无机氮所占比例均大于60%,人工幼林尤其以NO_3^--N为主,平均输出比例占到55.8%。研究表明,人促幼林土壤氮源主要来自枯落物层的分解,该营林方式有利于减少地表径流量和土壤表层的氮流失。     

基于SWAT模型的图们江流域氮磷营养物非点源污染研究

运用数学模型模拟非点源污染物的空间分布及其输移转化机制,是当前农业非点源污染研究中的重要手段和途径之一。流域尺度长时段分布式水文模型SWAT（soil and water assessment tool）应用于我国南方许多流域的非点源污染模拟上都取得了较好的结果。利用SWAT模型建立了东北图们江流域非点源污染数据库,对该流域（中国一侧）划分为5个小流域46个水文单元,分别进行了水文模拟、降雨径流和土壤侵蚀量计算。结果表明,图们江流域农业非点源污染主要的发生区在流域中部,海兰河和布尔哈通河交界的区域内。该区内有机氮和有机磷的非点源污染负荷明显高于其他地区,推测认为该区域为延边州首府延吉市所在地,城市建设和经济发展带来了繁荣,也造成了局部地区的植被破坏、土地裸露,水保能力下降,因此水土流失现象比较严重。另外,通过分析流域内有机氮和有机磷的时空变化特征发现,2007年延吉、龙井地区为氮磷营养物非点源污染最大发生区（有机氮9.76t.a-1,有机磷1.24t.a-1）,而2008年除延吉、龙井地区外,珲春地区有机氮和有机磷非点源污染均有加重的趋势（分别由1.39t.a-1上升到3.82t.a-1,0.17t.a-1上升到0.48t.a-1）;氮磷营养物的空间分布特征表明,2007年与2008年除了延吉、龙井一带为最大发生区外,珲春地区有机氮流失有所加重（从1.39t.a-1上升到3.81t.a-1）,有机磷流失也有所加重（0.17t.a-1上升到0.48t.a-1）,而安图等地区则有所减轻。     

Long-term response of spring flora to chronic herbivory and deer exclusion in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

Chronic herbivory by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman) can have profound impacts on the function and structure of forest ecosystems. We examined the combined influence of intense herbivory associated with a deer population eruption and chronic herbivory by the post eruption population on the spring flora of Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During the 1970s the deer population reached a peak of 43 deer per km², from which it has slowly declined in recent decades. To examine the influence of intense herbivory, we compared the abundance and flowering rates of early flowering plants in Cades Cove to a nearby reference site with similar bedrock geology, vegetation, and disturbance history but contrasting history of deer abundance. Our results suggest that significant changes (p ? 0.05) in the diversity, evenness, and species richness of the spring flora occurred during the eruptive phase. Trillium spp. and other liliaceous species appeared to be disproportionately impacted. Comparisons between control and exclosure plots established after the deer population eruption indicate that recovery has been largely restricted to species that were able to persist under intense herbivory. These species have increased in number in exclosures, suggesting continued impacts by deer on the plant community outside the exclosures. Little to no recolonization by browse sensitive species was observed. Consequently, to restore the natural diversity of early flowering plants once present in Cades Cove, active restoration may be necessary in addition to maintaining deer densities below current levels.     

Calculating Critical Loads of Sulfur Deposition for 100 Surface Waters in China Using the Magic Model

Although decades of acid deposition have apparently not resulted in surface water acidification in China, some surface waters may have the potential trend of being acidified, especially those in southern China. In this paper, a dynamic acidification model–MAGIC was applied to 100 surface waters in southern and northeastern China to evaluate the impact of acid deposition to surface waters and to determine their critical loads of S deposition, both regions having distinguishing soil, geological and acid deposition characteristics. Results indicate that most surface waters included in this paper are not sensitive to acid deposition, with critical loads of S for these waters comparatively high. On the other hand, surface waters in southern China, especially those in Fujian, Jiangxi and Guangdong provinces, are more susceptible to acidification than those in northeastern China, which coincides with their different patterns of soil, geological and acid deposition conditions. Among all the waters, a few small ponds, such as those on top of the Jinyun mountain and Emei mountain, are the most sensitive to acid deposition with critical loads of 1.84 and 3.70 keq·ha^?1·yr^?1, respectively. For the considerable ANC remaining in most 100 surface waters, it is not likely that acidification will occur in the near future for these waters.     

Soil carbon and nitrogen storage in alluvial wet meadows of the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains,USA

Purpose

Wet meadows formed on alluvial deposits potentially store large amounts of soil carbon (C) but its stability is subject to the impacts of management practices. The objective of this study was to quantify and characterize soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) in mountain wet meadows across ranges of meadow hydrology and livestock utilization.

Materials and methods

Eighteen wetlands in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains representing a range of wetness and livestock utilization levels were selected for soil sampling. In each wetland meadow, whole-solum soil cores delineated by horizon were analyzed for total and dissolved organic C (DOC) total (TN) and mineral nitrogen and soil water content (SWC). Multiple regression and GIS analysis was used to estimate the role of wet meadows in C storage across the study area landscape.

Results and discussion

Average solum SOC contents by wetland ranged from 130 to 805 Mg ha^?1. All SOC and TN components were highly correlated with SWC. Regression analyses indicated subtle impacts of forage utilization level on SOC and TN concentrations, but not on whole-solum, mass-per-area stocks of SOC and TN. Proportions of DOC and TN under seasonally wet meadows increased with increasing utilization. GIS analysis indicated that the montane landscape contains about 54.3 Mg SOC ha^?1, with wet meadows covering about 1.7% of the area and containing about 12.3% of the SOC.

Conclusions

Results indicate that soil organic C and N content of meadows we sampled are resilient to current light to moderate levels of grazing. In seasonally wet meadows, higher proportions of DOC and N with increasing utilization indicate vulnerability to loss. Partial drying of the wettest and seasonally wet meadows could result in losses of over five % of landscape SOC.     

Calculating Weathering Rates of Stream Catchments in the English Lake District Using Critical Element Ratios, Mass-Balance Budgets and the Magic Model

The weathering rates of forty-seven stream catchments in the English Lake District were calculated using 1) critical element ratios; 2) mass-balance budgets; and 3) the MAGIC model. There was a great deal of variability in the weathering rates of the five different parent material groups (greywacke, slate, andesite, tuff and granite) found in the study area. However when individual catchments were considered, the three methods provided consistent base cation weathering rates. This suggests that any of the methods could be employed for future catchment weathering studies. This paper also explores the implications of the weathering results when considering the possibility of the area becoming acidified due to increased loads of sulphur and nitrogen in the future.     

An Overview of Nitrogen Critical Loads for Policy Makers, Stakeholders, and Industries in the United States

Critical load values are calculated to determine ecosystem responses to deposition in a given area; these values may act as a tool to identify sensitive ecosystems in further need of protection. This overview provides an introduction to nitrogen critical loads for policy makers and parties involved in managing nitrogen deposition including electric utility generators, transportation managers and automobile manufacturers, and large-scale agricultural operators in the United States. It examines the use of the critical loads concept in European nations for establishing policy guidelines, current research on nitrogen critical loads in the U.S., and the development of nitrogen critical loads modeling and mapping.