Impacts of ground cover on laws of temporal and spatial variation of soil moisture

In order to describe and compare intuitively the impact of different kinds of ground cover on temporal and spatial variation of soil moisture, an experiment was carried out by continuous observations to obtain soil potential data of different treatments. Based on the data, isogram maps were drawn by a regression isogram method. The results indicate that the isogram of treatment A (Paspalum notatum Flugge-covered) is the most complicated among the three treatments with its significant transverse levels, while the isograms of treatment B (mulching of P. notatum Flugge) and C (bare slope) are relatively simple but have clear vertical levels. The variation of soil moisture 30 cm deep in the A treatment is the largest, while that at 60 cm is the second largest and that of 90 cm is the smallest. The variation of soil moisture at all levels of B is fairly small, while that at 30 and 60 cm of C is greater than that 90 cm deep.     

Diversity of soil fungi in dry deciduous forest of Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary, western Ghats of southern India

We assessed soil fungal diversity in the dry deciduous forest of a Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary of the Western Ghats(210.31 m a.s.l.;N 13°44’ and E75°37’).Soil samples were collected by random mixed sampling during winter(November,2008),summer(March,2009) and monsoon(August,2009) seasons,and physico-chemical parameters were recorded.During winter,summer,and monsoon seasons,49,45 and 49 of fungal species belongs to 20,18 and 19 of genera were isolated,respectively.Isolated soil fungi were mainly of the Mitosporic fungi,followed by Zygomycotina,Ascomycotina,Oomycotina and Coelomycetes.Indices of diversity,dominance and fisher alpha during winter,summer and monsoon seasons were 3.756,3.638 and 3.738(H’),0.9737,0.9694 and 0.9726(1-D) and 18.84,29.83 and 19.46(α),respectively.Spearman’s(r) correlation coefficient of fungal population with physico-chemical parameters of soils showed significantly positive and negative correlations(p<0.01) during winter,summer and monsoon seasons.Physico-chemical soil parameters played an important role in the occurrence,diversity,distribution,and relative abundance of fungal species in the tropical dry deciduous forest soil.     

不同保水措施下油茶林地土壤水分的日变化规律

为了科学经营油茶林,采用覆地膜+稻草、覆地膜、覆稻草、松土这4种保水措施,以油茶树行间空地作为对照,就不同保水措施对6年生油茶林地土壤各层水分含量的影响情况进行了试验、观测与分析。结果表明:油茶植株耗水量明显大于矮杂草,对油茶林地采取保水处理具有重要意义;覆地膜+稻草、覆稻草、覆地膜、松土这4种保水措施都能不同程度地改善油茶林地土壤各层的水分状况,夏季晴天9:00～10:00时,在0～10 cm的土层中,不同保水措施的保水效果从大到小依次为覆稻草>覆地膜+稻草>松土>覆地膜,10～20 cm的土层中则以覆地膜+稻草处理的含水量为最高;而在13:00～14:00这一时间段,覆稻草处理对0～30 cm土层中的水分能起到保护作用,覆地膜+稻草处理对10～30 cm土层的保水效果也较好,而松土处理对深层土壤水分的保持效果更好;16:00～17:00时,在0～10 cm的土层中,覆稻草处理的土壤含水量较高,10～30 cm的土层中,覆地膜+稻草处理的含水量相对更高些,30～40 cm的土层中,覆稻草和松土处理的含水量均高。结合油茶根系的分布情况,观测分析各测定时间段土壤各层的水分变化动态后认为,覆稻草和覆地膜+稻草是4种保水措施中相对较好的保水措施,且覆稻草是最经济最环保的保水措施。     

土壤水分梯度对阔叶红松林结构的影响

2002年8月,在吉林省白河林业局红石林场(12755E,4230N),沿着一个山坡设置了一个长宽为112m8m、包含14个样方的样带。调查了群落结构、0-10cm和10-20cm的土壤含水量、枯落物现存量及其C、N、P含量,主要树种的叶片和枝条的C、N、P含量。沿着山坡的不同位置土壤含水量的不同导致阔叶红松林的群落结构发生变化。蒙古栎的比例随着土壤含水量的下降而逐渐升高,而其他主要阔叶树种则逐渐减少乃至消失。枯落物的水分变化趋势与土壤一致。在不同坡位枯落物的分解状况不同,干重差异显著。坡下枯落物含量较坡上的丰富,部分原因在于群落结构的变化。水分和养分含量的变化影响了枯落物的成分、降解及其养分的释放,进一步影响了林木的生长速度和林分结构并最终影响整个生态系统。图7表2参14。     

长白落叶松人工林地森林土壤水分规律的探讨

文章根据新宾城郊林场长白落叶松人工林的不同生长期林地水分变化规律,描述了林地土壤的水分变化动态,可供从事长白落叶松造林和经营参考。     

Vitality variation and population structure of a riparian forest in the lower reaches of the Tarim River,NW China

Since 2000, the Chinese government has implemented emergency water diversion measures to restore the damaged riparian forest ecosystem with dominant tree species Euphrat poplar(Populus euphratica Oliv.)at the lower reaches of the Tarim River. In the present study, comparative analysis of variations in the vitality of P. euphratica trees were made using 2005 and 2010 data to illustrate the revitalization process of riparian forest. Poplar trees within 300 m of the riverbed were positively revitalized, while the vitality of trees farther than 300 m from the river decreased. Population structure was studied to demonstrate the development of poplar community. In the first belt, the class structure for the diameter at breast height(DBH) of P. euphratica fit a logistic model, and the 2nd, 3rd and 4th belt curve fittings were close to a Gaussian model; in other plots they were bimodal. Cluster analysis of the composition of the DBH class of poplar trees demonstrated that those within 16–36 cm DBH were the most abundant(58.49% of total) in study area, under 16 cm of DBH were second(31.36%), and trees 40 cm DBH were the least abundant(10.15%). More than 80% of the trees were young and medium-sized, which means that the poplar forest community in the vicinity of the lower Tarim River is at a stable developmental stage. The abundance of juvenile trees of P. euphratica in the first and second measuring belts was 12.13% in 2005 and increased to 25.52% in 2010, which means that the emergency water transfer had a positive impact on the generation of young P. euphratica trees in the vicinity of the river.     

Composition and diversity of five major forest types in moist temperate climate of the western Himalayas

The present study was undertaken in five major forest types (dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia, Quercus floribunda, Acer acuminatum, Abies pindrow and Aesculus indica, respectively) between 2400 and 2850 m a.s.l. in a moist temperate forest of the Mandal-Chopta area in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The aim was to assess the variation in composition and diversity in different vegetation layers, i.e., herb, shrub and tree, among these five forest types. Diversity indices, such as the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, density, total basal cover, Simpson’s concentration of dominance index, Simpson’s diversity index, Pielou’s equitability, species richness, species heterogeneity and β-diversity, were calculated to understand community structures. Dominance-diversity curves were drawn to ascertain resource apportionment among various species in different forest types.     

低山丘陵地区油茶林地土壤水分特性分析

为了掌握油茶林地的土壤水分特征,从而为油茶林的科学灌溉提供参考依据,采用比重计法、环刀法等方法,测定了长沙天际岭地区油茶林地的土壤水分特征值。结果表明:土壤砂粒含量,上坡位大于下坡位;物理性黏粒含量;下坡位平均为45.23%,上坡位平均为32.53%,下坡位大于上坡位,同一坡位上各土层物理性黏粒含量相差不明显;土壤容重,上坡位大于下坡位;孔隙度等其他土壤特征值,下坡位均大于上坡位;田间持水量、毛管持水量等项土壤持水量指标值,下坡位均明显优于上坡位。油茶生长易于利用的水分在5、7～9月出现不同程度的亏缺状态,5、7、8、9月的水分亏缺量分别为4.1、17.39、7.02、22.64 mm。     

Temporal variation in nutrient status of a floodplain forest soil

Seasonal variation in nutrient status of a floodplain soil was studied in a silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.) forest in central Illinois. Statistically significant temporal differences were measured in the concentration of NH₄-N, NO₃-N, and extractable P. Patterns of variation in NH₄-N and NO₃-N were related to organic C content and mineralization processes in the soil. Variation in extractable P was affected by flood-induced anaerobic conditions and soil pH. Temporal variation in soil nutrient status was one of the most dynamic features of nutrient cycling in the floodplain forest ecosystem. The potential for seasonal variation in the availability of nutrients should be considered when chemical data are used to characterize forest soil fertility and site productivity. Samples should be collected at several points in time if possible.     

Agroforestry systems in the Garhwal Himalayas of India

Agroforestry systems, though at subsistence level are well established in Garhwal Himalayas. The farmers undertake cultivation of various crops, seasonal and biennials crops with trees all in mixtures on the same piece of land. Farm animals and poultry form an essential component of the systems. The intimate association of different species provides both subsistence and commercial products which give additional income to the farmer. The paper describes the general scenario of socio-economic condition and existing agroforestry practices and some suggestions for their improvement in the Garhwal Himalayas.     

The effect of bi-culture cover crops on soil quality,carbon sequestration,and growth characteristics in apple orchards of North Western Himalayas

Agroforestry Systems - Cover crops significantly affect soil quality, and growth characteristics in apple orchards, but reports are scarce. Therefore, the present study was conducted on a...     

辽西地区主要林型林火因子的分析

文章分析了影响辽西地区林火的主要因子，进行了可燃物载量、可燃物含水率、可燃物燃点测定试验。结果表明油松、刺槐林、油松栎林为该地区易燃林型。因此，应对林下有计划地清除地被可燃物，减少可燃物积累；造林时选择生长迅速、郁闭快、耐火性强、含水量大、不易燃烧的树种。     

印度米佐拉姆不同柚木林分生长蓄积量变异(英文)

评估了印度米佐拉姆3种柚木林分(Tuirial:500m asl,Sairang:200m asl和Phunchawng:550m asl)在2006年生长蓄积量。为了掌握柚木体积特性和种群结构,随机建立5个直径等级,即a(10-20cm),b(20-30cm),c(30-40cm),d(40-50cm),和e(50-60cm)。研究表明,研究地内个体密度在280-620stems·hm-2之间,平均直径在27.48—35.43cm之间,平均高度为17.87-22.24m,总的基础面积为24.28-45.80m2·hm-2,最大和最小总生长蓄积量分别为669.01m3·hm-2和284.7m3·hm-2。该物种现有种群结构确保其可以长期存在。     

Nutritive value of introduced bamboo species in the northwestern Himalayas,India

Bamboos are used extensively for a variety of purposes, and many new species have been introduced to the northwestern Himalaya. However, their potential as a fodder species has not been investigated. Six bamboo species, namely Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Gamble, Dendrocalamus asper(Schult. and Schult.f.) Backer ex K.Heyne, Melocanna baccifera(Roxb.) Kurz, Phyllostachys aurea Riviére and C. Riviére, Phyllostachys bambusoides Sieb and Zucc. and Phyllostachys pubescens(Pradelle)Mazel ex J. Houz. were evaluated for their nutritional value, relative palatability and best lopping time. Dry matter(DM), ether extract(EE), and crude fibre varied from(37.0–67.7)%,(4.7–7.6), and(22.1–37.9)%, respectively. Values of crude protein ranged from(12.2–17.1)%,total ash(TA) from(11.8–21.5)%, acid insoluble ash(AIA)from(0.3–0.5)%, nitrogen free extract from(31.1–40.8)%,carbohydrates from(57.0–69.0)%, organic matter(OM) from(78.5–88.2)%, calcium from(1.7–2.3)%, phosphorus from(0.4–0.8)%, potassium from,(0.9–1.6)%, magnesium from(0.5–0.9)%, sodium from(603.7–1072.7) 9 10~(-6) and vitamin A from(21.1–30.5) 9 10~(-2) mg/g, respectively. D.hamiltonii had maximum values for DM, EE, TA and AIA.OM and vitamin A were highest in M. baccifera. CF and carbohydrates were maximized in P. aurea and CP in P.pubescens. All the values obtained for different bamboo species were less than maximum tolerable concentration of common feed resources of the region thereby indicating their suitability for nutrition and palatability. The contents of anti-nutritional factors, namely hydrocyanic acid and tannin ranged from(33.8–61.7) 9 10~(-2) mg/g and(0.7–1.9)%, respectively. P. pubescens was the best species from a palatability point of view and has maximum crude protein content(17.2%), Ca(2.3%) and lowest tannin content(0.7%). The relative palatability of introduced bamboo species followed trend: P. pubescens(97.6%) [ D. hamiltonii(92.5%) [ P. bambusoides(81.2%) [ D. asper(76.9%) [ M. baccifera(75.9%) [ P.aurea(73.4%). The optimum months for lopping these species for green leaves are November and December, as the nutritional value declines sharply thereafter.     

Growing stock variation in different teak （Tectona grandis） forest stands of Mizoram,India

The growing stock assessment of three different teak forest stands （Tuirial： 500 m asl, Sairang： 200 m asl and Phunchawng： 550 m asl） was done in 2006 in Mizoram, India. Five diameter classes were arbitrarily established for knowing the volume attribute data and population structure, viz. a （10-20 cm）, b （20-30 cm）, c （30-40 cm）, d （40-50 cm）, and e （50-60 cm）. Results revealed that the density of the individuals among the studied stands varied from 280 stems/ha to 620 stems/ha. The average diameter of all the individuals ranged between 27.48 cm and 35.43 cm. Similarly, the average height was oscillated between 17.87 m and 22.24 m. The total basal area was recorded between 24.28 m2.ha-1 and 45.80 m2.ha＂l. The maximum and minimum values of total growing stock under all the diameter classes were 669.01 m3.ha-1 and 284.7 m3.ha-1, respectively. The representation of population structure of different stands explained that the perpetuation of this species was ensured for a quite long time.     

Regeneration and structure of mixed conifer forests under single-tree harvest management in the western Bhutan Himalayas

We examined the regeneration and structure of mixed conifer forests under single-tree harvest management in western Bhutan. Sixteen 900 m² (30 m × 30 m) plots were sampled at four Forest Management Units (FMUs; Chamgang, Gidakom, Paro-Zonglela, and Haa-East) representing the forest type, including half the plots in single-tree harvest stands and half in unlogged stands. In addition, we solicited information on traditional forest management practices from informants using survey questionnaires and collected tree species data from felling records from respective local forest offices. Rural timber demand is concentrated on the removal of straight and well-formed bluepine trees for beams, planks, and scaffolding. Single-tree harvest, however, has not significantly altered stand structures from unlogged stands. Similarly, tree regeneration is not different when comparing single-tree harvest and unlogged stands, except at Chamgang FMU, where seedling densities were generally higher in harvested stands than in unlogged stands. These results indicate that single-tree harvest is not detrimental to regeneration and utilization of mixed conifer forests in western Bhutan.     

The impact of black cottonwood on soil fertility in coastal western hemlock forest

Black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa Torr. and Gray) is a deciduous tree species that extends from Alaska through coastal regions of western Canada into the northwestern United States and as far south as Baja California. We examined the influence of black cottonwood on soil fertility within a forest dominated by Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziessi (Mirb.) Franco], western hemlock [Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg], and western red cedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex. D. Don.). Six circular 0.008 ha plots with a single cottonwood tree in the center of conifers were paired with six conifer plots (of the same size) without cottonwood. Litterfall, litter decomposition, properties of forest floor and mineral soil, and N mineralization were compared between plot types. Cottonwood litter had higher concentrations of almost all elements relative to conifer litter. Mass loss did not differ between cottonwood and fir/hemlock litter on cottonwood sites. Twice the amount of mull-like humus form (vermimull and mullmoder, 56%) was found in cottonwood plots compared to 28% in conifer plots. Higher pH (4.4) was found in the forest floor under cottonwood compared to conifer (3.9). Total N concentration (3.33 g/kg) and base saturation (68%) were higher in the mineral soil under cottonwood compared to conifers (2.98 g/kg total N and 50% base saturation). Net ammonification and net mineralization were both lower under cottonwood. These results suggest a variable effect of cottonwood on soil fertility within coastal western hemlock forests with some soil variables changed in a favourable direction and some in an unfavourable direction.     

Effects of long-term nitrogen addition and seasonal variation on soil faunal community structure in a temperate natural secondary forest

Elevated nitrogen (N) deposition is changing soil communities around the world and will have unknown consequences for terrestrial ecosystem functions. In this study, we investigated a field experiment that lasted for 13 years to explore the effect of simulated N deposition and seasonal variations on the soil faunal community structure in a temperate natural secondary forest. The experimental design included a control group (0 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1, CK), low N addition (25 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1, LN), and high N addition (50 kg N ha^?1 yr^?1, HN). The results showed that long-term high N addition reduced the soil pH, C/N ratio, and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and increased the total phosphorus. The soil faunal community structure after high N addition was significantly different from those after the CK and low N addition treatments. The overall trend was that abundance and richness increased under low N addition and decreased under high N addition. Further analysis showed that the abundance of omnivores and detritivores was lowest after high N addition, significantly less than the CK and low N addition. The interaction of N addition and seasonal dynamics had a significant impact on herbivores. We found that these changes were driven by differences in ecological strategies such as food and environmental preferences. Furthermore, temperature, moisture, nutrients, and pH in the soil environment were the key factors driving ecological strategies and environmental factors. Seasonal variations significantly affected the soil faunal community structure, showing the highest abundance, richness, diversity, and functional group abundance and richness of the soil faunal community in September. Nitrogen addition and seasonal dynamics significantly affected the abundance and richness of soil fauna by changing soil nutrient concentrations, MBC, and plant diversity. Our study showed that long-term high N addition reduced the abundance and functional group abundance of the soil fauna in natural secondary forests, while low N addition had a positive effect on soil faunal community structure. Collectively, the results suggest that the seasonal balance of soil fauna is affected after long-term N addition, which increases the seasonal sensitivity of soil fauna.

     

Wood specific gravity of some tree species in the Garhwal Himalayas,India

Estimation of terrestrial biomass depends critically on reliable information about wood specific gravity of forest trees. In recent years, wood specific gravity has become more important when exploring the universality of functional traits of plants and estimating their global carbon stocks. To estimate their specific gravity, wood samples were collected from a total of 34 tree species, 30 from lower elevations and 4 from upper elevations in the Garhwal Himalayas, India. The results show that the average wood specific gravity was 0.631 (ranging between 0.275 ± 0.01 and 0.845 ± 0.03) for the species at lower elevations and 0.727 (ranging between 0.628 ± 0.02 and 0.865 ± 0.02) for the upper elevations. The average wood specific gravity for the upper elevation species was 9.6% greater than that for the species at lower elevations. Aegle marmelos among the lower elevation species and Quercus leucotrichophora among the upper elevation species had the highest wood specific gravity, which were 0.845 ± 0.03 and 0.865 ± 0.02, respectively.     

Spatial structure of genetic variation within populations of forest trees

The spatial pattern and structure of genetic variation are important aspects of the population genetics of forest stands. Combined with limits to seed and pollen dispersal, spatial structure affects the level of inbreeding and the action of natural selection. The genetic constitution of stand regeneration, following different forestry practices, is also influenced by spatial structure. For example, natural regeneration with seed trees involves sampling seed trees from a stand that may be genetically nonhomogeneous. This paper reviews theoretical and empirical results on spatial patterns of genetic variation, produced under limited gene flow and selection, in terms of recently developed spatial statistics (e.g., spatial autocorrelation). Genetic correlations in samples from spatially structured populations are also described, as well as how spatial samples can be used to characterize the structure of genetic variation, and how inferences can be made about (spatially distributed) components of fitness and yield.